How to grow Dill Seeds
Growing dill seeds is a straightforward process that can be done in a garden bed, container, or even indoors.
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Location: Dill thrives in full sunlight, so choose a spot in your garden or a location indoors where the plants will receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. Dill prefers well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5.
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Soil: Before planting, prepare the soil by loosening it to a depth of about 20-30 cm. Incorporate organic matter such as compost to improve soil fertility and drainage. Ensure the soil is free of weeds, as dill seedlings don’t compete well with other plants.
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Planting: Sow dill seeds directly in the ground or in a container, as they don’t transplant well due to their delicate taproot. Plant the seeds about 0.6 cm deep and space them 20-30 cm apart. Water the area gently to settle the soil and provide moisture for germination. Make regular sowings for a successional harvest and a long picking period. Note: Dill seeds can be sown indoors from early April individually in cell trays or small pots at a temperature of 20°C
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Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist during the germination period, which typically takes 10-14 days if the soil temperature is between 60°F and 70°F. After the seedlings have emerged, reduce watering slightly, allowing the top 2-3 cm of soil to dry out between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other issues, so ensure the soil drains well.
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Thinning and Care: Once the seedlings are about 5-7 cm tall, thin them out so that the remaining plants are spaced about 20-30 cm apart. This will give them enough room to grow and develop healthy foliage. Dill doesn’t require much fertilization, but a light feeding with a balanced fertilizer can encourage growth.
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Harvesting: You can begin harvesting dill leaves when the plants are about 20-30 cm tall. Snip the leaves as needed, starting with the outermost ones, and avoid cutting more than one-third of the plant at a time. If you want to harvest dill seeds, allow the flowers to bloom and form seed heads, then cut the heads and place them in a paper bag to dry and collect the seeds.