Dill - Anethum graveolens
400 Seeds
Sow March - July
Hardy annual.
Height 60-150cm (2-5ft), spread 30cm (12in).
Prefers a fairy rich, well-drained, moist soil in a sunny position.
Sow thinly direct outdoors where they are to crop, 1.5cm (½in) deep, into finely-prepared soil. Alternatively sow seeds in succession 1.5cm (1/2in) deep, in small pots of compost, lightly covering the seed with a sprinkling of compost on a warm light windowsill all year round. Tolerates most soils, but resists drought.
Thin outdoor seedlings to 20cm (8") apart.
Dill has a taproot like a carrot, with one long, hollow, ridged, blue-green stem. The aromatic, blue-green leaves are feathery and thread-like. The numerous, tiny yellow flowers are arranged in flat clusters 6-8in across, which appear in midsummer and are highly aromatic. Dill and cabbage grow well together. It also helps corn, lettuce, onions and cucumbers. The flowers attract honeybees. Keep away from fennel or they will cross pollinate.
Dill
Also known as Dillweed or Dillseed.
From the family Apiaceae.
Dill is native to the Mediterranean area an Southern Russia. It has been used for over 5,000 years and it is mentioned in the Bible as a means of paying taxes. The name dill comes from the Norse dilla meaning 'to lull'. It was once used to induce sleep. In American history, dill and fennel seed were known as 'meeting seed' because children were given it to chew during the long sermons to prevent them from feeling hungry. Commercially the seeds are used in making gripe water for babies. In the Middle Ages it was used as a protection against witchcraft.