About
Anethum graveolens 'Mammoth' is a strong-growing annual or biennial characterized by its finely cut, fragrant blue-green foliage. In the summer, it produces large, flat clusters of small yellow blooms. This robust variety is favored for its size and vigor. Many gardeners cultivate it annually to harvest fresh leaves, which are commonly used in culinary applications, especially with fish eggs and potatoes. Additionally, it serves well as a cut flower and provides aromatic foliage for arrangements. Dill typically flowers and sets seed in its second year. All parts of the plant, including the leaves, flowers, and seeds, are edible. The seeds, in particular, are valued in cooking, offering a milder taste that enhances pickles, vinaigrettes, and marinades.
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
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
- Plant type
- Annual Biennial, Herbs - Culinary
- Habit
- Columnar upright, Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 1-1.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.5-1 metres
- Time to full height
- 1-2 years
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens, Gravel garden
- Fragrance
- Flower, Foliage
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Grow in fertile, well-drained soil in full sun. Sow direct in 1cm deep rows and lightly cover with soil, thin to 15cm apart when large enough to handle. The roots don't like disturbance so don't transplant. See cultivating herbs.
- Pruning
- Deadhead to prevent self-seeding.
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed.
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free.