Herb 'Dukat Dill'

Anethum graveolens — Dukat Dill
Dukat Dill is a flavour-rich variety with darker foliage and exceptionally large seed heads, making it a top choice for homemade pickles and culinary use. Its leaves are excellent fresh or dried, offering a particularly fine bouquet compared to standard dill. Compact in height (18–24"), Dukat grows well in full sun, even in large containers. Like all umbellifers, its umbrella-like blooms attract beneficial insects—lady beetles, hoverflies, lacewings, and parasitoid wasps—helping to keep the garden in natural balance.

DETAILS:

QTY: 100

SITE: Sun

TYPE: Annual

DEPTH: Cover lightly - Light Needed

GERMINATION: 10-21 Days at 15-20°C

MATURITY: 70 Days

HEIGHT: 18-24"

SPACING: 6"

HOW TO GROW:

Planting:

• When to Plant: Sow dill seeds directly into the garden after the last spring frost has passed. Dill does not transplant well due to its long taproot, so direct seeding is highly recommended. You can plant successive crops every two to three weeks until midsummer for a continuous harvest.

• Where to Plant: Choose a location that receives at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. A spot protected from high winds is ideal, as the tall, hollow stalks can be prone to blowing over. Dill can be planted in garden beds or in large pots at least 12 inches deep.

• Sowing Seeds: Sow seeds shallowly, about 1/4 inch deep. Lightly cover with soil. The seeds need some light to germinate, which typically takes 7-21 days. Once seedlings are about 2 inches tall, thin them to 10-12 inches apart to allow for proper air circulation and growth.

Soil & Fertilizing:

• Soil Preference: Dill prefers well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0-7.0) that is rich in organic matter. Avoid heavy, compacted soils that can cause problems for its taproot.

• Fertilizing: Dill is not a heavy feeder. If your soil is rich with organic matter, no additional fertilizer is needed. If you choose to fertilize, a light, balanced fertilizer application in the spring is sufficient. Over-fertilizing, especially with nitrogen, can lead to lush foliage but weaker plants and reduced flavor.

Watering:

• Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during germination and early growth. Once established, dill is relatively drought-tolerant, but consistent watering (about 1 inch per week) will help the plant stay productive and prevent it from bolting (flowering and going to seed prematurely).

Pests & Diseases:

• Dill is generally a very resilient plant. Common pests include aphids, which can be dislodged with a strong spray of water or managed by attracting beneficial insects like ladybugs.

• It is a host plant for the caterpillars of the black swallowtail butterfly, so don't be alarmed if you see them feeding on your dill. Many gardeners happily share their plants to support these pollinators.

• Fungal diseases like powdery mildew and damping off can be prevented by ensuring good air circulation and avoiding overwatering.

Harvesting:

• For Dill Weed (Leaves): You can begin harvesting leaves once the plant is at least 6 inches tall and has several stems. For the best flavor, harvest leaves just before the plant flowers. Snip off individual leaves or small stems as needed. Harvesting regularly will encourage the plant to produce more foliage.

• For Dill Seed: If you want to harvest seeds, allow the plant to flower and let the seeds mature. Wait until the seed heads turn from green to a pale brown. Cut the entire stalk and place it upside down in a paper bag in a warm, dry, well-ventilated area. The seeds will fall into the bag as they dry. Once dried, store the seeds in an airtight container away from heat and light.

Tips for Success:

• Succession Planting: To ensure a steady supply of fresh dill weed throughout the season, sow new seeds every 2-3 weeks.

• Companion Planting: Dill is an excellent companion plant for a variety of vegetables as it attracts beneficial insects that prey on garden pests. It can be planted near cucumbers, lettuce, and cabbage.

• Bolting: When dill flowers, it puts all its energy into producing seeds, and the leaves become less flavorful. To prolong the harvest of leaves, pinch off the flower buds as they form.