Growing Dill in Pots: A Beginner's Guide (2023)

Author: Saiqa Najeeb
Last Updated On: July 9, 2023

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Are you tired of buying expensive herbs at the grocery store and want to start growing your own? Look no further than dill, the versatile herb that can add a fresh and unique flavor to your dishes.

The best part? You don’t need a huge gardening area to grow it! You can grow your own dill at home with just a pot and some simple steps.

In this beginner-friendly guide, we’ll provide all the tips and tricks you need for growing dill in pots. So, let’s get growing!

About Dill

Dill is an annual herb commonly used in cooking, particularly in pickling and seasoning. It has feathery leaves and produces tiny yellow flowers in the summer. Dill is also known for its medicinal properties, with some studies suggesting it may have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects.

Why Should You Start Growing Dill in Pots?

Here is why you should consider growing dill in pots:

Adds a fresh and unique flavor to your dishes.
Easy to grow, making it perfect for beginners.
It can be grown in pots, making it a great option for those with limited space.
Has medicinal properties that may offer health benefits.
Attracts beneficial insects to your garden, such as butterflies and bees.

Discover the Varieties of Dill

Bouquet: the most commonly grown variety, known for its large seed heads and strong flavor.
Fernleaf: a compact variety with delicate leaves, perfect for growing in pots.
Mammoth: a tall variety that produces large seed heads and has a milder flavor.
Dukat: a variety with a strong, sweet flavor and feathery leaves.

When Should You Plant Dill?

Dill is a cool-season annual herb typically planted in the early spring or fall. In warmer climates, it can be planted in the winter. Virtually, it can be grown all year round as long as it receives enough sunlight either on a sunny windowsill or a warm greenhouse.

How to Prepare the Container for Planting Dill?

When growing dill in pots, it’s important to choose a container at least 12 inches deep with drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. Terracotta, plastic, or glazed ceramic pots are all good options. It’s also important to choose a large container to accommodate the mature size of the dill plant.

Dill prefers well-draining soil with a pH between 6.5 to 7.0. If the soil is heavy or clay-like, add organic matter such as compost, peat moss, or aged manure to improve drainage and fertility.

Step-by-Step Guide for Planting Dill

The best way to plant dill is by direct seeding in the container where you want to grow it as it cannot be easily transplanted.

Fill the pot with well-draining potting soil and leave a 1-inch gap at the top.
Scatter the dill seeds evenly over the surface of the soil.
Gently press the seeds into the soil and cover them with a thin layer of soil.
Water the soil gently using a watering can or hose with gentle spray.
Thin the seedlings once grown to 2-3 inches, leaving one plant every 6-8 inches.
Place the pots in a sunny spot with at least 6 hours of sunlight daily.
Pick a spot that is protected from high winds because the hollo tall stalks can easily bend over if not properly staked.

How to Care for Dill?

Dill is an easy-to-care-for herb that requires minimal maintenance. Here are some useful tips for caring for your dill plant:

Watering: Dill requires moderate watering, so be sure not to overwater it. Water the plants when the top inch of the soil feels dry. Dill does not like waterlogged soil, so ensure the pot has drainage holes to prevent the roots from getting waterlogged.
Sunlight: Dill requires full sunlight for optimal growth. Place the pot near a south-facing window or under a grow light if you’re growing dill indoors.
Fertilizing: Dill does not require much fertilizer. If you’re using good-quality potting soil, it should contain enough nutrients to sustain the plant for several weeks. You can lightly feed the plants with a liquid fertilizer every four to six weeks. Consider half of the label recommended dose.
Pruning: Dill tends to bolt quickly, which means it goes to seed and stops producing new foliage. To prolong the plant’s lifespan, prune it regularly by pinching off the tips of the stems. This will lead the plant to produce new foliage instead of going to seed.

How Long does it take to grow dill?

When directly sowing dill seeds in a container, the herb typically takes around 10-14 days to germinate. Once germinated, the plant usually takes about 70-90 days to mature and produce seeds.

However, you can start harvesting the leaves once the plant reaches about 8 inches in height, which usually takes around 40-50 days from germination. It’s important to note that the growing time may vary depending on various factors such as the climate, soil quality, and the amount of sunlight and water the plant receives.

Watch out for Common Pests and diseases

Dill is generally a hardy herb resistant to most pests and diseases. However, there are a few issues that can arise while growing dill in pots:

Aphids: These small, soft-bodied insects can cluster on the undersides of dill leaves, causing them to curl and distort. Use an insecticidal soap or a strong jet of water to knock them off the plant.
Spider Mites: These tiny, red, or brown insects can infest dill plants, causing the leaves to turn yellow and the plant to become stunted. To control spider mites, use an insecticidal soap or a miticide specifically formulated for spider mites.
Powdery Mildew: This fungal disease appears as a white, powdery coating on the leaves of dill plants. It can cause the yellowing of leaves. To control powdery mildew, remove any infected leaves and spray the plant with a fungicide specifically formulated for powdery mildew.

How to Harvest Dill?

Harvesting Dill Seeds

Allow the dill plant to flower and form seed heads.
Monitor the seed heads closely, and harvest them as soon as they begin to turn brown and dry out.
Cut off the seed heads with a pair of sharp scissors or pruners, making sure to leave a few inches of stem attached.
Place the seed heads upside down in a paper bag, and hang the bag in a warm, dry, well-ventilated area.
Allow the seed heads to dry completely, then shake the bag gently to release the seeds.
Store the seeds in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.

Harvesting Dill Leaves

Harvest dill leaves early in the morning, after the dew has dried but before the sun gets too hot. Cut off the leaves with a sharp pair of scissors or pruners, making sure to leave some stems attached.
Harvest only a few leaves from each plant at a time, to avoid damaging the plant.
Store the harvested leaves in a plastic bag in the refrigerator, or use them fresh in your favorite recipes.

It's time to grow dill

With the information provided in this guide, you can confidently grow and nurture dill in your garden or balcony. From its various uses in culinary dishes to its medicinal benefits, dill is a valuable addition to any garden.

So why not leap and start growing dill in pots today? Give it a try and enjoy the fruits of your labor. Remember, with a little effort and care, you can reap the rewards of fresh and flavorful dill all year round.