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Entire healthy mature dill plant in a real garden bed, showing growth habit and scale.Primary identification image. 60–120 cm tall, 20–30 cm wide at maturity.

Dill

Anethum graveolens L.

Family
Apiaceae
Season
Cool-season annual
Best grown in
Portland, Oregon

A tall, feathery annual herb whose yellow umbels feed hoverflies, lacewings and parasitic wasps; self-seeds freely.

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Life cycle & growth stages

  1. 1. SeedSow directly 1 cm deep.
  2. 2. SeedlingEmerges in 10–14 days.
  3. 3. Leaf harvestFeathery leaves from 6 weeks.
  4. 4. FloweringYellow umbels on 1 m stems.
  5. 5. SeedHeads dry; self-sows.

Growth stages are ordered chronologically; timing varies with cultivar, temperature, light and care.

Planting calendar for Portland, Oregon

direct sow 2 weeks before to 4 weeks after last frost; 40–60 days to maturity from sowing. Windows are derived from the region's average frost dates (last Apr 5, first Nov 5) and are estimates until you confirm your own dates in the calendar.

DillAnethum graveolens
PlantStart indoorsDirect sowAutumn sowTransplantTendHarvest
Dill—Mar 22–May 3 (estimate); May 3–Sep 12 (estimate)———May 1–Nov 5 (estimate)
  • Direct sow: Mar 22 – May 3
  • Harvest: May 1 – Nov 5
  • Succession sow: May 3 – Sep 12

Spacing & support

In-row 15–25 cm; rows 30–45 cm. Planner footprint: 1 cell of 30 cm, 2 plants per cell.

Side-profile diagram of mature dill: canopy 60–120 cm tall, 20–30 cm wide, deep root zone, support and harvest-access envelope.

Soil & water

Soil
Well-drained loam
pH
6–7
Fertility
low
Water
Moderate; drought-tolerant once established.
Frost
half hardy; killed by frost

Support & training

Stake tall cultivars in wind. Install at planting so roots are not disturbed later.

Dill trained on its support: stake tall cultivars in wind.

Harvest signs

  • Leaves any time after 6 weeks
  • Seed heads when brown and dry
Dill at harvest readiness, showing the visual cues: leaves any time after 6 weeks; seed heads when brown and dry.

Common problems

Pests: aphids, parsley worm (swallowtail caterpillar)

Diseases: powdery mildew

Appearance alone is not a diagnosis; confirm with a regional extension guide.

Side-by-side: healthy dill leaf or fruit and an example of powdery mildew.

Container growing

  • Minimum 5 L (25 cm deep)
  • Use quality potting mix and water more frequently
  • Dwarf cultivars in deep pots.
Mature dill in a correctly sized container (5 L or more) with drainage visible.

Companion overview

2 reviewed relationship records (evidence: low).

Supported or conditional

Cabbage

Avoid or separate

None with evidence

Traditional claims only: Tomato.

Full companion profile

Crop rotation

Avoid planting dill or other carrot family crops in the same spot for 2 years. Rotation is about previous seasons, not about live neighbours.

Year 1Year 2Year 3ApiaceaeOther familyOther familyback after 2+ years

Shared risks in Apiaceae: carrot rust fly, Alternaria leaf blight, parsley worm (swallowtail caterpillar).

Crop rotation hub

Sources, reviewer & update

Sources

Reviewer: Garden Planner editorial team (pending independent horticultural review)

Last reviewed: August 15, 2026 · version 1

Found an error or have feedback? Let us know.

Growing dill

Dill is sown directly from a few weeks before the last frost; it has a taproot and transplants badly. Leaves are harvested from six weeks; the plant then runs to flower and seed, reaching 60–120 cm and self-sowing for next year.

Dill seed beside a ruler or coin for scale.
Dill seedling at cotyledon and first-true-leaf stage, in soil, distinguishable from common weeds.
Immature leaves of dill developing on the plant.

Flowering dill is a documented insectary plant: its small, open flowers are accessible to hoverflies, lacewings and tiny parasitic wasps. The benefit to neighbours depends on those insects actually finding the pests, and on dill flowering while the pest is present, which is why the relationship is listed as conditional rather than supported for specific crops.

Two or more mature dill plants with a tape measure showing in-row spacing (15–25 cm).
Dill flower detail or bolting stage.
Immature leaves of dill developing on the plant.

Edible parts and safety

Edible: leaves, seeds, flowers.

Hands or tool harvesting dill correctly (cut, pull, twist or pick) without damaging the plant.

Pests and diseases

Common pests: aphids, parsley worm (swallowtail caterpillar). Common diseases: powdery mildew. These vary by region; a photograph is an example, not a diagnosis. See the pest and disease guides and your local extension service.

aphids on dill, with a wider damage-context view.

Timeline

Season timeline for dill: sowing, transplanting, flowering, harvest and bed occupancy aligned to frost dates.Text alternative: Direct sow Mar 22–May 3; Harvest May 1–Nov 5; Succession sow May 3–Sep 12.

Related plants

See also: Apiaceae family page · crop rotation · regional calendar · guides

Our Methodology & Sources

We synthesize peer-reviewed research, university extension publications, and trusted horticulture resources. Our evidence levels help you understand how strong the science is behind the guidance.

Evidence tiers

Supported evidenceConsistent results from multiple robust studies
Traditional claimHistorical use reported, limited scientific support
Context dependentMixed or variable results across conditions
No verified relationshipNo reliable evidence identified

Primary source types

  • Peer-reviewed journal articles
  • University extension publications
  • Government & research institute reports
  • Systematic reviews & meta-analyses

Last updated

August 24, 2026

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