When to plant Dill in Manchester

Anethum graveolens

Dill
Dill · Anethum graveolens

A quick annual herb for light, feathery leaves. It grows best from spring to mid-summer in a sunny, sheltered spot with free-draining soil. It dislikes root disturbance.

80 cm · Full Sun · Moderate Water

Add to garden

Calibrated to Manchester · last frost ≈ 17 Apr

Sow outdoors March to August, harvest May to November. Frost risk November to April.
ActivityJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Sow outdoorsNoNoYesYesYesYesYesYesNoNoNoNo
HarvestNoNoNoNoYesYesYesYesYesYesYesNo

Growing guide

What to do through the growing season

  1. 01

    Sow seeds

    27 Mar to 10 Aug Optional · repeat every 3 weeks

    Sow thinly around 27th March - 10th August, cover . Sow a fresh batch every 21 days.

    • Slugs go for seedlings. Hand-pick or use a barrier.
    • Fleece helps the first sowing if the soil is still cold. Take it off once seedlings are growing.

  2. 02

    Thin seedlings

    6 Apr to 31 Aug Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    After each sowing, thin to . Snip extras at soil level. Do not transplant.

  3. 03

    Water in dry spells

    27 Mar to 8 Nov Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    After each sowing, water in dry spells from 27th March through 8th November. Dry spells can encourage bolting.

  4. 04

    Pinch out tips

    24 Apr to 8 Nov Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    After each sowing, pinch tips from 24th April if you want leaves. Take flower stems as they appear.

  5. 05

    Harvest leaves

    8 May to 8 Nov Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    After each sowing, start cutting from 8th May. Leave about one-third of the plant. Keep picking through 8th November.

    • Leave one plant to flower if you want seed heads.

Companion plants

Tap a plant to see why it works (or doesn't) with Dill.

Good companions

Plants to avoid

Why companion planting matters

Companion planting can deter pests, improve pollination, and make better use of space. Some plants confuse pests or attract beneficial insects; others improve soil or offer shade to neighbours that need it.

Suggested varieties

Popular varieties of Dill to consider

Mammoth

A tall, leafy dill with good flavour for salads, fish and pickling.

Fernleaf

A compact, slow-bolting type that suits pots and small gardens.

Tetra

A reliable, later-flowering cultivar with plenty of foliage.

Dill guides by town

See how Dill timing shifts in other towns with different frost dates.