Dill Seeds (Heirloom)

Choose the best heirloom dill to grow at home

Heirloom dill is a herb that most people are familiar with these days. They are familiar with pickles, if for no other reason. Dill is a widely used spice or herb all over the world. The list of countries that employ dill as a prominent ingredient in many of their cuisines is endless: North America, Poland, Russia, Germany, the United Kingdom, Iran, India, Romania, Serbia, Greece, Santa Maria, Sweden, and so on. Dill is a genuinely global herb.

Heirloom dill is a celery-family herb that grows every year. The term "dill's" etymology is most often attributed to Germanic roots. The final origin, however, is still uncertain. The leaves of the dill plant are fern-like, and the stems are thin and hollow. Dill flowers range in color from yellow to white and appear in umbel clusters. Dill oil is derived from the plants and seeds and is sometimes used in soap production.

Numerous companion plants for heirloom dill

When the flower heads of dill go to seed, they attract a large number of beneficial insects. It's a fantastic companion plant for cucumbers and broccoli because of this. Young tomatoes will also benefit from being planted alongside dill, which repels pests while attracting pollinators. When dill is planted near tomatoes, it will slow the growth of the tomatoes as it matures, so be sure to clip it regularly to keep it from flowering.

How to plant and harvest heirloom dill

After the fear of frost has gone and soil temperatures have reached 60°F to 70°F, dill can be straight seeded outdoors. By spreading compost into the soil and then smoothing it off, you may prepare the soil for your planting area. Heirloom dill seeds should be planted in rows of three every six inches or so. Thin out the seedlings to one plant per four inches once they've reached a few inches in height. To enjoy a continuous harvest of fresh dill, sow the seeds every few weeks through midsummer. Harvesting is a simple process. The plants are ready when they reach a height of around six inches. After about 12 weeks, seed heads will appear. Dill's flavor begins to fade when the leaves dry out.

For more information about planting, growing, and caring for heirloom dill seeds, see the Dill Seeds Planting Guide.