Dill (Anethum graveolens) Datasheet

1. Common Name: Dill

2. Scientific Name: Anethum graveolens

3. Family: Apiaceae

4. Origin: Native to North Africa, Western Asia, Mediterranean region

5. Zone Hardiness: USDA Zones 3–10; annual

6. Light Requirements: Full sun (6–8 hr/day); tolerates light afternoon shade in heat

7. Water Needs: Moderate—keep soil evenly moist (~1–2″/week); avoid waterlogging

8. Soil Preferences: Well-drained sandy or loamy soil, slightly acidic pH 5.8–6.5

9. "Ponics" Compatibility:
   • Aquaponics: Very compatible 
   • Aeroponics: Compatible
   • Hydroponics: Compatible
   • Preferred Method: Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) or media-bed; maintain EC 1.0–1.6, pH 5.5–6.4

10. Growth Habit: Erect annual herb with finely divided, fern-like foliage and hollow stems; taprooted

11. Height & Spread: 18″–48″ (45–120 cm) tall; ~12–36″ (30–90 cm) spread

12. Time from Germination to Harvest: Leaves in ~40–60 days; seed umbels in ~70–90 days

13. Flowering Time: Mid to late summer; umbels of yellow flowers; seed production follows

14. Edible Parts: Foliage (dill weed), flower heads, seeds

15. Medicinal Uses: Carminative and digestive aid; traditionally used for colic and gas; essential oil used for antimicrobial properties

16. Companion Plants: Excellent with cucumbers, cabbage, lettuce, onions; attracts beneficial insects; avoid planting near carrots or potatoes

17. Pest & Disease Resistance: Attracts predators of pests; may host swallowtail caterpillars; susceptible to aphids, fungal diseases—ensure airflow

18. Harvest Time:

    • Leaves: Harvest regularly before flowering; cut sprigs leaving ⅓ of plant to encourage regrowth

    • Seeds: Harvest umbels when seeds mature and turn brown; dry in paper bag

19. Propagation Methods: Direct‐seed ¼″ deep; germination in 7–21 days; thin to 9–12″ apart; sow every 4–6 weeks for continuous harvest

20. Sustainability Features: Self‑sows readily; supports pollinators and beneficial insects; deep taproot loosens soil

21. Culinary Uses: Essential for pickles, gravlax, soups, salads, sauces; seeds used in bread, pickling spice; leaves best fresh

22. Fun Fact: Dill was found in Egyptian tombs (~1400 BC); the name derives from an Anglo-Saxon word meaning "to lull" due to its soothing properties

Bouquet (Anethum graveolens 'Bouquet')
Flavor Profile: Classic dill aroma—bright, slightly tangy, aromatic.
Culinary Uses: All-purpose: ideal for pickling, fresh use in salads, soups, fish dishes, and drying.
Notes: Tall (2–3 ft), dark blue-green foliage with large yellow flower umbels; excellent seed production 
Planting Tip: Direct sow after frost in full sun; thin to ~10 in apart and succession plant for continuous harvest.
Days to Maturity: Leaves ~40–60 days; seeds ~85–100 days

Fernleaf (Anethum graveolens 'Fernleaf')
Flavor Profile: Milder, delicate dill flavor with finely cut foliage.
Culinary Uses: Best for garnishes, container growing, and soups.
Notes: Compact (~18 in tall), slow to bolt; All-American Selections 1992 winner .
Planting Tip: Ideal for pots; sow densely and harvest leaves frequently for fuller growth.
Days to Maturity: ~40–60 days

Dukat (Anethum graveolens 'Dukat')
Flavor Profile: Strong, sweet dill flavor with hint of anise.
Culinary Uses: Excellent for pickling, sauces, and robust flavor dishes.
Notes: Medium height, blue-green foliage; later flowering for extended leaf harvest .
Planting Tip: Sow early for spring leaves; pinch flowers to delay bolting.
Days to Maturity: Leaves ~50–60 days; seeds later

Superdukat (Anethum graveolens 'Superdukat')
Flavor Profile: Intensely aromatic with classic dill fragrance.
Culinary Uses: Great for fresh leaves, pickling, and heavy foliage use.
Notes: Tall (4–5 ft), uniform growth; slower bolting than Bouquet; high oil content .
Planting Tip: Needs support in windy areas; ideal for cutting gardens.
Days to Maturity: Leaves 40–50 days; seeds 90–100 days

Tetra / Dukat (synonym) (Anethum graveolens 'Tetra')
Flavor Profile: Complex dill-fennel blend—rich and aromatic.
Culinary Uses: Savory salads, sauces, and mixed herb blends.
Notes: Reaches 25–32 in tall; upright and bushy; slow-bolting trait .
Planting Tip: Provide 12 in spacing; regular cuttings help delay flowering.
Days to Maturity: ~50–70 days for leaves; later for seeds

Hercules (Anethum graveolens 'Hercules')
Flavor Profile: Robust, slightly coarser dill—best picked when young.
Culinary Uses: Ideal for pickles and hearty dishes; seeds ideal for preservation.
Notes: Up to 5 ft tall; tetraploid variety bred for foliage yield and slow bolting .
Planting Tip: Stake tall plants; early thinning ensures straight growth.
Days to Maturity: ~60–70 days; seeds later

Long Island Mammoth (Anethum graveolens 'Long Island Mammoth')
Flavor Profile: Strong dill aroma with large seed heads.
Culinary Uses: Excellent for pickling, tea, and culinary décor.
Notes: Heirloom cultivar, up to 5 ft tall; wide-spread, best for fresh cut herbs .
Planting Tip: Grow in back of garden beds; provides visual height and seed umbels.
Days to Maturity: ~60–80 days

Greensleeves (Anethum graveolens 'Greensleeves')
Flavor Profile: Classic dill—rich, fragrant, dark green.
Culinary Uses: Perfect for containers, fresh leaves, and pickling.
Notes: Compact, dark-green foliage, slow to bolt (~18 in tall) .
Planting Tip: Excellent for window boxes or indoor planters; regular harvesting extends growth.
Days to Maturity: ~40–60 days

🌱 Variety Comparison Snapshot