Dills in Parracombe

Anethum graveolens

Dill
Dill · Anethum graveolens

A quick-growing annual herb for light, feathery leaves and seed heads. In the UK it grows best from spring to mid-summer in a sunny, sheltered spot with free-draining soil, and it dislikes being moved once established.

80 cm · Full Sun · Moderate Water

Add to garden

Calibrated to Parracombe · last frost ≈ 29 Apr

Sow May to July, harvest August to November. Frost risk November to April.
ActivityJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
SowNoNoNoNoYesYesYesNoNoNoNoNo
HarvestNoNoNoNoNoNoNoYesYesYesYesNo

Growing guide

Step-by-step instructions for growing Dill

  1. 01

    Sow seeds

    13 May to 30 Jul every 3 weeks

    Sow seeds thinly on the surface of fine compost from 13th May to 30th July and cover with a very light layer of compost only. Keep the compost just moist, as seeds germinate best with light and steady warmth.

  2. 02

    Thin seedlings

    5 Jul to 19 Jul

    When seedlings are large enough to handle, thin them so the strongest plants stand apart. If several come up in one spot, snip the extras off at soil level rather than pulling them up.

  3. 03

    Water and shelter

    5 Jul to 3 Nov

    From 5th July to 3rd November, water the roots when the surface starts to dry and keep the soil evenly moist, not sodden. In exposed gardens, use fleece or a cloche early on to help young plants settle.

  4. 04

    Pinch out tips

    19 Jul to 3 Nov every 2 weeks

    From 19th July to 3rd November, pinch out the growing tips regularly to stop plants rushing into flower too soon. Pick from the top growth often, and remove any flower buds if you want more leaf growth.

  5. 05

    Harvest leaves

    2 Aug to 3 Nov every week

    Start cutting from 2nd August and keep picking until 3rd November. Snip small amounts often, taking the soft tips first, and use the leaves fresh for the best flavour.

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.