I blame it on my father, my obsession with pickles that is. He grew up in a post-war home where the Victory Garden was still very much in evidence, which meant pickling was a necessity. I don't discriminate and will eat anything pickled, from onions to watermelon, but my particular favorite is the dill pickle. It's all about the dill flavoring, and it seems I'm not the only one with a fascination for the herb. Let's read on to learn more about the fascinating history of dill weed plants.

History of Dill Plants

According to my pickle pal, Dad, it's getting impossible to find real old-fashioned dill pickles, the kind his mom made. True or just the musings of an aging mind (sorry Dad!), I thought I might try my hand at my Grandmother's recipe. First, though, I wanted to learn a bit more about dill. Dill is steeped in ancient lore. Native to the eastern Mediterranean and western Asia, dill (Anethum graveolens) belongs to the same family as parsley and celery. Ancient Egyptian medical texts refer to the use of dill as far back as 3,000 B.C. What was dill used for back then? It seems the herb was useful in warding off witches as well as being a popular aphrodisiac. To the ancient Greeks, dill indicated that one had considerable wealth, while to the Romans, dill weed was considered good luck. For centuries, many cultures utilized dill medicinally. Dill seed, called "meetinghouse seeds," were given by both Quakers and Puritans to their children to chew on at church to quell growling tummies. This might have something to do with the meaning of dill. Dill comes from the Old Norse 'dylla,' which means to soothe or lull. Old-fashioned dill has long been highly prized and was, in fact, taxed or tithed on many occasions, including when Edward I of England lacked money in the coffers to repair the London Bridge. He did what any monarch at the time would do and taxed dill plants.

About Heirloom Dill Plants

Heirloom dill, like other heritage plants, tends to have better flavor than more modern counterparts. Fresh dill with its licorice-like flavor tastes much akin to fennel and is, in fact, often mistaken for fennel fronds. Varieties of old-fashioned dill include:

• 'Bouquet'
• 'Delikat'
• 'Dukat'
• 'Fernleaf'
• 'Hercules'
• 'Long Island Mammoth'
• 'Mammoth'
• 'Tetra'
• 'Vierling'

Most are taller varieties of dill that can grow from 3-5 feet (1-1.5 m.) in height, but some, like 'Fernleaf,' are dwarf varieties that only get to around 12-18 inches (30-46 cm.) tall. Some are more suitable for delicate seasoning of fish or summer squash while others, like 'Mammoth,' are the quintessential old-fashioned dill perfect for pickling. So now that I've found the perfect pickling dill, I'm bound and determined to make some old-fashioned dill pickles. After all, my pickle pal and I are in good company; 2.5 billion Americans crave these sour treats just as much as we do.

Companion planting is a centuries-old technique that by locating various plants in close proximity, creates conditions that enhance growing conditions by repelling pests, attracting pollinators, and making the best use of available space. When it comes to companion plants for dill, most of the following suggestions have not been tested in scientific labs but are highly recommended by experienced gardeners – often by trial and error.

Plants That Grow Near Dill

If you’re wondering what to plant with dill, experiment and see what works best in your garden. Here are some suggested dill companion plants – and a few things that AREN’T believed to be good dill plant companions. Dill is a good neighbor and a useful plant, valued for its ability to draw beneficial insects to the garden such as:

• Hoverflies
• Parasitic wasps
• Ladybugs
• Praying mantis
• Honeybees
• Butterflies

Dill also does good at discouraging various unwanted pests, including cabbage loopers, aphids, and spider mites. Gardener recommendations for dill plant companions include the following:

• Asparagus
• Corn
• Cucumbers
• Onion
• Lettuce
• Vegetables in the cabbage family (Brussels sprouts, kohlrabi, broccoli, etc.)
• Basil

Combinations to Avoid

Experienced gardeners warn against planting dill next to carrots. Why? The two are actually members of the same plant family and can easily cross-pollinate. Dill may also stunt the growth of nearby carrots. Other poor dill companion plants include:

• Peppers
• Potatoes
• Eggplant
• Cilantro
• Lavender

Results are mixed when it comes to planting dill near tomatoes. Young dill plants attract pollinators, repel certain tomato enemies, and tend to benefit tomato health and growth. However, many gardeners have observed that when mature, dill plants stunt the growth of tomato plants. The answer to this quandary is to prune dill every week so the plant doesn’t bloom. If you want dill to bloom, leave it in place while both plants are young, then relocate dill to another area of your garden before it flowers.

Herbs are the perfect plants to grow in containers, and dill is no exception. It’s beautiful, it’s tasty, and in late summer it produces fantastic yellow flowers. Having it in a container near or even in your kitchen is a great way to ensure you get the most out of cooking with it. But how do you grow potted dill plants? Keep reading to learn more about growing dill in containers and care of dill in pots.

Potted Dill Plant Care

The most important thing to keep in mind when growing dill in containers is the depth of your containers. Dill grows a long tap root, and any container shallower than 12 inches (30 cm.) won't provide enough space for it. That being said, your container doesn’t need to be extremely deep. Dill is an annual, so it doesn’t need extra space to build up a big root system over the years. One to two feet (30-61 cm.) deep should be plenty. You can sow dill seeds directly into your container. Fill it up with any soilless potting mix, making sure there are drainage holes in the bottom, first. Dill will grow in most types of soil, though it prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soil. Sprinkle a few seeds on the surface, then cover them with a very light layer of potting mix. Potted dill plants need 6 to 8 hours of sunlight per day and warm temperatures above 60 degrees F. (15 C.) to sprout. If all danger of frost has passed, you can keep your potted dill plants outside, but if it’s still early spring, you should keep them indoors in a sunny window or under a grow light. Keep the soil moist by misting often. Once the seedlings are a few inches (8 cm.) high, thin to one or two per pot and care for as you normally would out in the garden.

Dill is a great herb to have around. It has fragrant, delicate foliage, bright yellow flowers, and a flavor like none other. There are a few different varieties of dill, and it may not be easy to know which one to grow. Keep reading to learn more about dill weed varieties and the different types of dill plants.

Dill Plant Types

So, what are some different varieties of dill? There aren’t too many varieties of dill, but here are some notable types: Bouquet is probably the most popular variety, grown for its fragrant leaves and seeds that are used in both cooking and pickling. Long Island and Mammoth are also both very popular, largely because they grow so tall. Both can reach 5 feet (1.5 m) in height and are excellent for pickling. Fernleaf is a common dwarf variety at the other end of the spectrum, topping out at around 18 inches (46 cm.) in height. It’s especially popular grown in containers as well as cut and used in flower arrangements. Dukat is another smaller dill plant type that is good for container growing, a compact variety that is a brighter green than its cousins. It’s especially popular in salads. Superdukat is a cultivar that has more essential oil than Dukat. Delikat has lots of very dense foliage, making it ideal for harvesting leaves for cooking. Vierling is a variety that takes longer to bolt than other varieties of dill, making it a good choice if you want to harvest leaves all summer long. Hercules is another variety that takes a long time to flower, though its leaves are coarser than those of other types, which means it’s best to harvest when the plant is young, and the leaves are the most tender.

As with most herbs, dill (Anethum graveolens) is a fairly easy to grow plant. Even so, the gardener may have to deal with his or her share of dill plant problems, from pests to dill plant diseases. The following article contains information on identifying and treating diseases affecting dill plants.

Dill Plant Problems

Dill is an herbaceous plant grown as an annual. A member of the family Apiaceae, dill is cultivated for its leaves and seeds which are used in foods and medicinally. Dill means “to calm or soothe,” hinting at its ancient use to calm upset stomachs or colicky babies. Believed to originate in the Mediterranean, dill (like other Mediterranean herbs) can be grown in a variety of soils but thrives in well-draining sandy loam, rich in organic matter. Again, like its Mediterranean relatives, dill is a sun lover and needs 6-8 hours of direct sun each day. The plant is grown for either its seeds that are produced once the starburst shaped, yellow flower heads begin to die back or for its feathery, fern-like foliage. Dill does not like to be transplanted, so it is best to direct sow in the spring once all danger of frost has passed. Once the plants have emerged (7-21 days later), thin to 12 to 15 inches (31-38 cm.) between plants. Thereafter, promote a bushy habit by regularly pruning the plants back and take care not to overwater. Once the plants have established, they are less likely to succumb to dill plant problems. That said, there are always the aphids that seem to be drawn to anything green and a plethora of other pests that must be watched for. Dill plant diseases are generally more deadly than pest infestation, but pests often are the source of dill diseases. Identifying and prompt treating of these issues with dill are the keys to saving the dill plants.

Diseases of Dill

As mentioned, insects are often the vectors for disease and aphids are one of the major culprits. Aphid infestations may result in the dill acquiring Carrot Motley Dwarf disease. This disease is caused by two viruses, carrot redleaf virus and carrot mottle virus, both of which must be present to infect the plant. The disease causes yellow and red discoloration of leaves and general stunting of plant growth. As the name suggests, carrots are the origin for this disease, the aphids just pass it along. To prevent this disease of dill, control aphids with insecticidal soap and avoid planting the herb near areas of the garden where carrots have overwintered. Other diseases affecting dill plants are not insect related at all but fungal. Cercospora leaf blight fungus is one such disease that causes necrotic areas on the plant accompanied by a characteristic halo. These dying blemishes begin to blend together, resulting in large necrotic regions with the result of leaf die off. This disease may be the result of infested seed that is then spread via wind, rain, or irrigation. To thwart cercospora leaf blight, use disease free seeds, rotate crops, eliminate crop debris, and use fungicide sprays according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Another fungal disease, damping off, may also afflict dill. This disease results in soft, rotting seeds which do not germinate, or seedlings that emerge with reddish lesions around their stems and soon after die. Fungal spores can be spread in water, soil, or on equipment. Treatment involves applying a fungicide to seeds prior to planting; planting in raised beds to aid in soil drainage; and avoiding planting in cool, wet, poorly draining soil. Additional fungal diseases that afflict dill are downy mildew fungus and powdery mildew fungus.

• Downy mildew fungus appears as yellow spots on foliage accompanied by a white, fluffy growth on the underside of the leaves. As the disease progresses, the yellow spots begin to darken. This disease targets young, tender leaves and is fostered by wet leaves. Use disease free seed, don’t overcrowd the plants, and rotate crops to minimize the incidence of downy mildew.
• Powdery mildew looks just like what it sounds like, a powdery growth that attacks leaves and flower stalks. The results are chlorotic leaves and distorted blossoms. This fungal disease may float on air currents for long distances and is favored by conditions of high humidity combined with moderate temps. Avoid over fertilizing and apply protective fungicides to prevent this disease from affecting dill. If infection is spotted early in the season, treat with an application of sulfur.

Treating Issues with Dill

There are a few common denominators when treating disease issues with dill. These include:

• Planting disease resistant seeds, when possible
• Keeping the garden free of plant detritus and weeds that act as havens for disease and insects that transmit them
• Treating insect infestations
• Rotating crops
• Planting dill in well-draining soil
• Watering early in the morning at the base of the plants so the foliage does not stay wet
• Using sanitation practices on tools, boots, and gloves to avoid the spread of disease

Dill is one of the easiest herb to grow, needing just average soil, plenty of sunlight and moderate moisture. Problems with dill plants aren't too common, as this is a hardy, "weed-like" plant, which thrives in conditions more tender specimens can't tolerate. However, yellowing dill plants can be an indication of incorrect cultural care, improper site or even insects or disease. Yellow leaves on dill can also indicate the end of the season. If you are asking, "why is my dill plant turning yellow," read on for more information about common causes.

Why is My Dill Plant Turning Yellow?

We all know dill as a main flavoring in canned pickles, as a fresh herb for flavoring fish and for its seeds as a culinary accent to a variety of recipes. This plant is thought to be from the Mediterranean and has a host of health benefits as well. The slender, hollow stems and airy foliage combined with the umbels of bright yellow flowers also enhance any garden bed. When dill weed turns yellow, you need to find the cause or potentially lose all that great potential. If it is late September to October, you might as well ask why is the sky blue. Yellowing is a normal process when cold temperatures enter the picture and the plant begins to die back. Dill is an annual plant that sets seed at the end of the season and then finishes up its life cycle. Cold weather will signal that the growing season is over, and once the seed is set, the plant has done its work and will die. Yellowing dill plants are also commonly caused by incorrect cultural care. The herb requires 6 to 8 hours of bright sunlight. Lack of light can cause some dulling in leaves. There really can be too much of a good thing. Excess fertilizer causes salt build up in soil so dill weed turns yellow. Dill prefers well-draining soil that is not too fertile.

Yellow Leaves on Dill from Disease and Insects

Dill is not especially bothered by insects but there are always a few bad actors. Primary among the pests of dill are aphids. Their sucking feeding activity causes the plant to lose sap and the leaves will stunt and yellow. You may actually see the insects, but their presence is also easily recognized by the honeydew they leave behind. This sticky substance encourages the growth of sooty mold on leaves and stems. Carrot Motley Dwarf is a disease transmitted by the aphids that further yellow leaves with red streaks and stunted growth. Downy mildew is another fungal disease that causes yellow spots on the upper surface of foliage and white cottony growth on the undersides.

Other Problems with Dill Plants

Dill can become weedy, so it is best to control the growth of the plant while it is young. Cut off seed heads before they form to prevent over seeding. Most insect pests avoid dill, but it is great for attracting beneficial insects. Cutworms may pose a problem to young plants and root knot nematodes will attack the root system and cause overall plant yellowing. If you are growing your dill for the airy foliage, harvest it early in the season, as hot temperatures force the plant to bolt, producing the thick, hollow stems and ultimately the flower head. Happily, in most areas, dill is relatively trouble free and easy to manage. Long season gardeners can even hope to get a second crop of dill when seed is planted in mid-summer.

Dill is an essential herb for pickling and many other dishes like stroganoff, potato salad, fish, beans, and steamed vegetables. Growing dill is fairly straightforward, but sometimes our hopes for big, bushy dill plants don’t work out as we plan. The plant can quickly grow long and leggy, but if you learn how to prune dill, the plants will produce plenty of the aromatic spice for all your favorite dishes, including jars and jars of pickles.

How to Prune Dill Plants

It’s a good idea to plan on staking an individual dill plant since it can grow very tall, up to 2 to 3 feet (61-91 cm.). If you have more than one or two plants, however, they often help support one another. If you see your dill growing tall and leggy, the answer lies in knowing how to trim a dill plant. When the plant is a couple of months old, use clean garden shears to cut off the leaves growing closest to the top of the plant. Snip the leaves right at the spot where they join the stem and enjoy them in recipes throughout the season. Pruning them from the top part of the plant will help them grow lots of leaves further down the stalk. In addition, nipping out the top buds on the plant will result in more lower leaves and will prevent the plant from going to seed too soon. It pays to be watchful and remove these buds as soon as they appear. Doing this will encourage the plant to sprout more leaves lower on its stalk and will discourage it from using all its energy just to grow taller. Plucking buds and pruning upper leaves will make your dill plants bushy. Everything you take from the dill plant can be used in food, either dried, chopped, or as fresh fronds laid across a casserole. Using these dill pruning tips will help make your dill plants bushy and full, with plenty to spare for pickles. The scent of dill is fresh, potent, and slightly reminiscent of caraway, but it has its own distinctive flavor and aroma. Harvesting an entire plant will fill your house with an unforgettable fragrance.

Delicious on fish and a must for any self-respecting dill pickle lover, dill (Anethum graveolens) is an herb native to the Mediterranean. As with most herbs, dill is fairly easy to care for, but it does have its share of dill plant pests. Read on to find out about getting rid of insects on dill and other dill plant care.

Pests on Dill Plants

Dill isn’t bothered by too many pests. That said, there are a few frequent insects that enjoy feasting on these plants.

Aphids

One of the more common pests on dill plants is the aphid. This comes as no surprise since aphids seem to enjoy munching on everything. A few aphids are no big deal, but aphids tend to multiply rapidly and can then severely weaken the plant. Interestingly, you may have heard that if you have plants that are being attacked, you should plant dill near them. The dill acts as a magnet to the aphids, drawing them to the herb, and removing the threat from other plants. Aphid pests on dill plants usually meet their downfall in the form of the herb’s flowers. The small flowers are a powerful attractor to ladybugs, and ladybugs just happen to love dining on aphids. If your dill is in bloom, the problem will probably take care of itself. If not, you can always buy some ladybugs and sprinkle them onto the aphid-infested dill.

Caterpillars and Worms

Another dill plant pest is the parsley worm. These caterpillars will eventually become gorgeous, black swallowtail butterflies. They are usually not so plentiful that they will destroy the dill, but if you want to avoid any damage, simply remove them by hand. Less benign is the armyworm whose young larvae feed heavily wreaking havoc on foliage. The armyworm reproduces rapidly as well, with from three to five generations in a single year. Biological control of Bacillus thuringiensis can be used to parasitize the larvae. Chemical control for the home gardener is limited in its usefulness. Cutworm larvae can eat clean through stems at the soil line. These pests are active at night but can be seen when the soil is disturbed during the day in their tell-tale curled C-shape. Cutworms, sort of like aphids, like almost everything to eat. They are difficult to treat. Remove all plant detritus from the area post-harvest or at least two weeks prior to replanting. Use plastic or foil collars around the plant stems, dug down into the soil several inches (8-15 cm.) to prevent the larvae from severing stems. Also, spread diatomaceous earth around the base of the plants which will cut the worms if they crawl over it.

Other Dill Pests

Other less common pests affecting dill plants include grasshoppers, tomato hornworms, slugs, and snails.

Dill Plant Care and Pest Control

Dill plant care is simple but vital to the health of the plant. If the dill is in good health, generally getting rid of insects on dill is not imperative unless there is a severe infestation. Dill thrives in a full sun location in well-draining soil amended with organic fertilizer like compost. Sow the seeds in early spring once the ground has warmed. Plant the seeds just below the surface of the soil. Keep the plant regularly watered. A self-seeding annual, healthy dill will return year after year. The lovely lacy, yellow flowers will attract not only ladybugs but parasitic wasps, which attack all manner of caterpillars. Between these two predator insects, dill stands a good chance of making it into those homemade dill pickles.

Dill is a biennial that is most commonly grown as an annual. Its leaves and seeds are culinary flavorings but flowering will impede leaves while providing the zesty seeds. You need to decide which part you desire the most in order to promote a bigger harvest of that dill growth. When a dill plant has flowers, foliage decreases and the plant focuses its energy on forming a bigger seed head. Flowering in dill plants can be prevented if you wish to preserve the dainty foliage for seasoning.

Help, My Dill Plant is Flowering!

So you say, "My dill plant is flowering." This may be a good thing or a bad thing depending upon which part of the plant you use most often. Hot weather will enhance bud formation and cause the plant to bolt, or flower. The flower signals the end of the plant's life and the cessation of foliage production. It really depends which part you use the most when flowering in dill plants initiates. If you are concerned about your dill forming a flower head, it means you probably use the lacy leaves most often for seasoning. You will notice as the head forms that the stem thickens and foliage becomes smaller and more sparse. This is because the plant is focusing on producing flowers, seeds and the reproductive cycle. Why is my dill flowering? Plants that grow in hot regions will see this occurring early in the season, while plants in cooler regions will not flower until later in summer. The good news about flowers is that they lead to seed and, therefore, more future plants. Dill grows fast and you might be able to get another crop if you plant more seeds.

What to do if a Dill Plant Has Flowers

Bolting is a natural plant response when environmental conditions become less than optimum. The plant's impulse is to produce seeds and preserve its genetics. In order to prevent the flower head for a time and encourage more leaves, you must literally nip it in the bud. This means pinching when you first see the beginnings of the small buds. Pinching can enforce a larger, bushier, more compact plant and prevent it from starting to die back. Of course, eventually the plant will die and probably flower but you can extend the leaf harvest somewhat. If your dill plant has flowers already, pinching will likely not help, as the plant has already made the decision to leave this cruel world and leave behind its genetic memento. The flowers will develop into pungent seeds, commonly used in canning and pickling. To harvest the seeds, let the flower turn brown and the seeds turn from green to tan. Snip off the head and hang it upside down in a dry, warm location to finish maturing. When the seeds are ready, place the entire flower head in a paper bag. Shake the head vigorously into the bag, collecting the tiny oval seeds. Store the leaves in a tightly sealed glass jar in a cool, dry, dark location – such as your spice cupboard. Dill is best fresh and will gradually lose its flavor over time. It is a good idea to replace your dill seasoning annually to preserve that intense flavor. Fortunately, growing dill is quick and simple and the seeds you collect can be used to start the next season's crop.

Dill weed is an essential flavoring for pickling. The feathery, fresh young leaves add a delicate flavor to fish, potatoes and sauces and yield thick stems at maturity. The plant bolts in high heat and produces umbrella-shaped flower appendages topped with hard little seeds. The herb literally grows “like a weed,” which is the genesis of the name dill weed. Learn how to harvest dill and how to store dill weed to keep the delicate flavor around all year.

How to Harvest Dill

Dill weed is preserved by drying the leaves, seeds or entire stem of the herb. Use pruners or sharp scissors when harvesting dill weed for drying. Cut just the leafy foliage or remove entire stems to dry for canning and seeds. Remove the stems when the seeds are brown and ripe. Dill flavor is best when it just begins to flower. Wash the herbs after harvesting dill weed to remove dirt and insects.

How to Dry Dill

Dill weed refers to the greenish blue leaves of the herb, while dill seeds are just the seeds of the dill plant. The overall name of dill is used to describe the entire plant. Dill weed is delicate even when fresh and should be added to dishes at the end of the cooking process to preserve the light, grassy flavor. Dry dill weed leaves lose some of their pungency and require more of the seasoning to produce the same flavor profile as fresh. Dill seeds are more flavorful and are often used where a stronger dill flavor is desired, such as in pickling.

Drying Dill Seeds

Drying dill seeds actually accentuates their flavor and ensures a supply of seasoning for the next pickle-canning. You can bunch dry dill seeds by tying the stems together and hanging the herbs upside down. Keep the bunches lightly bundled so air can circulate. Cover the bunches with paper bags that have been liberally punched with holes on the side. The bags will catch the seeds as they dry, along with any pieces of leaf.

Drying Dill Weed

Dill leaves or dill weed are used dried as a crushed aromatic. The flavor is very light but the aroma is strong and adds complexity to foods. Dry dill by clipping off the individual leaflets and laying them in one layer on a dehydrator sheet or bakers rack. The leaves will dry in less than a day in a food dehydrator but will take several days on a baker's rack in a warm, dry location. Turn the leaves every day so they are evenly exposed to the warm air.

How to Store Dill Weed

Crumble or crush the leaflets after they are completely dry. Herbs must be stored in a cool, dark area to avoid diminishing the color and flavor. Dry dill weed will keep for four to six months and can be used just like fresh dill leaves.

Dill is a popular herb in the kitchen, flavoring everything from pickles to fish. Gourmets know that you can't beat fresh dill for the flavor. The best way to have the very freshest dill possible is by growing dill in your own garden. Let's look at how to grow dill.

Planting Dill Seed

The best way how to grow dill is directly from seeds rather than from a transplant. Planting dill seed is easy. Dill planting is simply done by scattering the seeds in the desired location after the last frost, then lightly cover the seeds with soil. Water the area thoroughly.

Care of Dill Weed Plants

Growing dill plants and caring for dill plants is also very easy. Dill weed plants grow best in full sun. Other than this, dill will grow happily in both poor and rich soil or in damp or dry conditions.

Harvesting Dill Weed Plants

One of the benefits of growing dill is that both the leaves and seeds of dill weed plants are edible. To harvest the dill leaves, regularly trim off the desired amount of leaves you need for cooking. If you wish to harvest dill seeds, allow the plant to grow without trimming until it goes into bloom. Once dill weed plants go into bloom, they'll stop growing leaves, so make sure that you don't harvest any leaves from that plant. The dill flower will fade and will develop the seed pods. When the seed pods have turned brown, cut the whole flower head off and place in a paper bag. Gently shake the bag. The seeds will fall out of the flower head and seed pods and you'll be able to separate the seeds from the waste. There are many recipes that use dill. Planting this herb in your garden will keep plenty of fresh dill on hand for all of these recipes. Now that you know how to grow dill, you have no reason not to be planting dill seed out this year.