About

Flat umbels of tiny yellow flowers are produced on upright, finely ribbed stems in mid-summer. An upright annual or biennial herb 60-100cm tall, with finely dissected, aromatic blue-green leaves approximately 35cm long. Dill is often grown as a herb for fresh scented leaves and as a cut flower. Dill seeds are also important culinary additions. Essential oil contained in seeds has medicinal properties. Various cultivars of dill are available; cultivar 'Mammoth' can reach up to 1.5m tall and cultivar 'Mariska' is very popular with florists.

About the genus

Anethum can be annuals or biennials, scented of aniseed, with leaves finely divided into linear segments, and umbels of small yellow flowers in summer

Growing conditions

SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4

Plant details

Plant typeHerbs - Culinary, Annual Biennial
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
Native toS W Asia
FragranceFoliage

Care notes

CultivationEasy to grow in well-drained soil, in full sun sheltered from strong winds. Follow dill cultivation for more advice.
PruningNo pruning required; can be left to self-seed after flowering
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in succession from spring to mid-summer
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free
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