Sunday 28 June 2015

Growing Dill




"Anethum graveolens" (Dill) was named 2010 herb of the year by the International Herb Association and lends a wonderful flavour to many foods. It is one of the few herbs that is a bit challenging to sustain, as it requires flower removal and repeated sowing. Luckily the herb grows quickly and steadily but that makes it no less desirable in any herb garden.

Types Of Dill:

Mammoth dill: A popular tall variety, produces great leaves and seeds

Monia dill: A “new and improved” dwarf variety like the better-known Fernleaf dill that can be grown in smaller spaces, including in containers

Dukat dill: An excellent "all-around variety” for gardeners with space to spare to let it grow to a good size


When To Grow:

Sow the seeds directly into the ground two to three weeks before the last usual frost date or in early May to avoid any weather surprises. Dill is heat-sensitive and will bolt when summer temperatures soar, but it can be sown again in September.

Where To Grow:

Plant your dill in well-drained, loamy, sandy soils or clay soils as well. You may grow dill in an outdoor pot at least 12 inches deep so its taproot can be accommodated. While dill can be planted in rows, consider planting dill in a “clump” where it can be allowed to self-seed for successive crops. 
Dill thrives in full sun. If it does not receive enough light, it will get leggy. Since most varieties are bushy and tall, place dill along with the sunny north side of your garden so that it doesn’t shade shorter sun-loving herbs or vegetables.

Dill is heat-sensitive and bolts quickly. It is inevitable that it will not have a long life.



How To Grow:

1. Adequately amend the soil with composted organic material or build a bed for planting.

2. Directly sow seeds 1/4-inch deep providing light to germinate.

3. Now plant in rows about two feet apart or prepare a square foot or larger area, broadcast the seeds, and rake the seeds into the soil at the recommended depth.

4. Provide regular water until the plants are well established allowing the soil to dry between irrigation. DO NOT OVER-WATER

5. Thin seedlings when they are 2 to 4 inches tall, leaving the strongest plants preventing the plants from crowding each other. "Good air circulation around the base promotes healthy plants"

6. It can be used as soon as the needle-like foliage appears.

No comments:

Post a Comment