How to Grow Dill
Anethum graveolens
Feathery, aromatic foliage and seed heads — and a magnet for beneficial insects.
By the Plants by Zone Editorial Team · Reviewed June 1, 2026
About dill
Dill is a fast, easy annual herb grown for both its feathery leaves and its flavorful seeds. It resents transplanting, so it’s best sown right where it will grow, and it happily self-seeds for years once established. Its lacy flower heads draw pollinators and beneficial insects to the garden.
When to plant and harvest dill
Timing is relative to your frost dates. Find your USDA zone for exact dates, or browse the month-by-month calendars.
Start seeds indoors
Not recommended — dislikes transplanting
Transplant outdoors
Not typical
Direct sow
After last frost, then every few weeks
Harvest
Summer (leaves), late summer (seed)
How to grow dill step by step
- 1
Direct sow where plants will grow — dill’s taproot hates being moved.
- 2
Thin to 8–12 in apart and keep the soil lightly moist until established.
- 3
Sow a fresh patch every few weeks for a steady supply of fresh leaves.
- 4
Harvest leaves anytime; snip from the top to keep plants bushy.
- 5
Let some plants flower to draw beneficial insects and to set seed.
- 6
Leave a few flower heads to self-sow for next year’s crop.
Common problems growing dill
⚠ Plants bolt to flower quickly
Normal in heat — succession sow for a steady leaf supply, and enjoy the flowers for pollinators and seed.
⚠ Leggy, flopping plants
Give full sun and avoid over-rich soil; stake tall varieties in windy spots.
⚠ Swallowtail caterpillars eating foliage
These become beautiful butterflies — plant extra dill and share, or move them by hand.
✗ Keep away from
🧺 Harvesting dill
Snip fresh leaves as needed once plants are established — flavor is best just before flowering. For dill seed, let the flower heads dry on the plant, then clip and shake the seeds out over a bowl.
Dill: frequently asked questions
Should I let dill flower?＋
It depends — flowering slows leaf production but gives you dill seed and draws beneficial insects. Sow a second patch for leaves and let the first bloom.
Does dill come back every year?＋
It’s an annual, but it self-seeds so readily that a patch often reappears on its own each spring if you let a few heads drop seed.
Grow dill in your zone
See exactly when to plant and what else to grow alongside dill, tailored to your USDA hardiness zone.
