When to plant Dill in the UK

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
Sow outdoors April to July, harvest May to October.
ActivityJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Sow outdoorsNoNoNoYesYesYesYesNoNoNoNoNo
HarvestNoNoNoNoYesYesYesYesYesYesNoNo

UK averages · set your town for dates worked out from your local frost records · how dates are worked out

Growing guide

What to do through the growing season

Dates for your town

Set your town to see planting windows worked out from local frost history, not a generic UK calendar.

  1. 01

    Sow seeds

    mid-April to late July UK average · set your town for your exact dates Optional · repeat every 3 weeks

    Sow thinly around mid-April to late July, 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

    late April to mid-August UK average · set your town for your exact dates 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

    mid-April to late October UK average · set your town for your exact dates Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    After each sowing, water in dry spells from mid-April through late October. Dry spells can encourage bolting.

  4. 04

    Pinch out tips

    early May to late October UK average · set your town for your exact dates Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    After each sowing, pinch tips from early May if you want leaves. Take flower stems as they appear.

  5. 05

    Harvest leaves

    late May to late October UK average · set your town for your exact dates Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

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

    • 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.