Growing and Harvesting Dill Seed in the Kitchen Garden

Dill Seed

Dill is easy to grow in Utah, and it grows well in most soils provided they are well drained and moderately fertile. Dill does not require a lot of fertilizer, but you may want to conduct a soil test before planting so you know exactly what your soil needs. If you do need to add nutrients, apply no more than 1 inch of well-composted organic matter per 100 square feet of garden area.

Once planted, dill requires no supplemental watering. It is also relatively tolerant of dry soil conditions, though you will want to keep the plants watered at least once per week.

Plant dill in full sun and work the top 6 inches of soil with compost before planting. Dill can grow in a variety of soils and does best in moist, rich, but well-drained soils. It is not a good choice for heavy clay soils.

Dill flowers attract bees and other beneficial insects, including ladybugs, tachinid flies, green lacewings, and hoverflies. These insects help control aphid populations on the plant.

A common pest problem on dill is powdery mildew, but this disease is not a major concern. Dill is a larval host for black swallowtail butterflies (Papilio polyxenes).

Harvesting Dill Seed

When growing dill in your kitchen garden, it’s important to watch the seed heads for signs of maturity. The seeds will begin to ripen and mature about 90 days after you sow the seeds. Once the seed heads are dry and shriveled, you can cut them off with a length of stem from the plant, tie them in a paper bag, and leave them to dry for a few weeks before removing them and saving the seeds.

The seeds have a fresh, slightly sour flavor that pairs nicely with fish and other vegetables, but can be used to add a bit of earthiness to raw root veggies. Try dill seeds in soups, braised dishes, or on roasted carrots and beets with coriander and lemon for a delicious flavor boost.

Dill seeds can be stored for up to a year in an airtight container. They’re also very tasty when dried, and you can freeze them.

Using Dill Seed in the Kitchen

Dill seed has a flavor that is crisp and slightly pungent, like caraway. It can be toasted to release its flavor and is especially effective when paired with other herbs, mustard, or coriander. It is especially nice with pickles, but it’s also a great addition to hearty soups and stews.

If you’re preparing a dill pickle recipe, the seeds can be soaked in cold water before use to avoid browning. They can also be ground before use to make a powder that is ideal for pickling and seasoning other foods.