Overview
Anethum graveolens is a columnar upright herbs - culinary in the genus Anethum, part of the Apiaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 1-2 years. Anethum graveolens grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. It is attractive to pollinators. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden and wildlife gardens. It is native to S W Asia.
About
Anethum graveolens, commonly known as dill, is a herbaceous plant that can be either an annual or biennial, typically growing between 60 and 100 cm in height. The plant features delicately divided, aromatic leaves that exhibit a blue-green hue and can extend to about 35 cm in length. During mid-summer, dill produces flat clusters of small yellow flowers atop slender, ribbed stems. This herb is primarily cultivated for its fragrant leaves, commonly used in culinary applications, and it also serves as an attractive cut flower. The seeds of dill hold culinary significance and contain essential oils known for their medicinal benefits. There are several cultivars, including 'Mammoth', which can grow up to 1.5 m tall, and 'Mariska', which is favored by florists.
About the genus
Anethum includes both annual and biennial species, characterized by their anise-scented foliage. The leaves are divided into narrow segments, and during the summer, they produce clusters of small yellow flowers arranged in umbels.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Anethum
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Anethum graveolens size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbs - Culinary, Annual Biennial
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 1-2 years
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
- Native to
- S W Asia
- Fragrance
- Foliage
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Anethum graveolens
- Cultivation
- Easy to grow in well-drained soil, in full sun sheltered from strong winds. Follow dill cultivation for more advice.
- Pruning
- No pruning required; can be left to self-seed after flowering
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed sown in succession from spring to mid-summer
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Anethum graveolens?
Easy to grow in well-drained soil, in full sun sheltered from strong winds. Follow dill cultivation for more advice.
Where is the best place to plant Anethum graveolens?
Anethum graveolens prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Anethum graveolens need?
Anethum graveolens is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
How do I prune Anethum graveolens?
No pruning required; can be left to self-seed after flowering.
How big does Anethum graveolens grow?
Anethum graveolens reaches a height of 0.5-1 metres and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 1-2 years to reach full size.
Is Anethum graveolens hardy in the UK?
Anethum graveolens has a UK hardiness rating of H4.
How do I propagate Anethum graveolens?
Propagate by seed sown in succession from spring to mid-summer.
Is Anethum graveolens good for pollinators?
Yes — Anethum graveolens attracts and supports pollinators such as bees and other beneficial insects.