Dill Long Island Mammoth Seed

Outdoor Sowing (Directly in the Garden)

• Timing: Sow dill seeds outdoors in early spring, as soon as the soil can be worked, or in late summer for a fall harvest. Dill thrives in cool weather and tolerates light frost.
• Location: Choose a sunny spot with well-draining, fertile soil. Dill can grow in partial shade but performs best in full sun.
• Soil Preparation: Loosen the soil to a depth of 8-10 inches and incorporate compost to improve fertility. Dill prefers soil with a pH of 5.5-7.0.
• Planting Seeds:
  • Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep and space them 10-12 inches apart in rows or clusters.
  • Thin seedlings to maintain proper spacing once they are a few inches tall.
• Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist until seeds germinate, which typically takes 7-14 days. Dill requires consistent moisture for optimal growth.

Indoor Sowing (Starting Seeds Indoors)

• Timing: Start dill seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last expected frost date.
• Containers: Use seed trays or small pots with good drainage, filled with a light, well-draining seed-starting mix.
• Planting:
  • Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep, scattering them thinly over the soil surface.
  • Cover lightly with soil and mist gently to keep the soil evenly moist.
• Germination:
  • Maintain a temperature of 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal germination.
  • Expect seedlings to emerge within 7-14 days.
• Transplanting: Transplant seedlings outdoors when soil temperatures are consistently above 50 degrees Fahrenheit and plants have at least 2-3 sets of true leaves. Space plants 10-12 inches apart.

General Care Tips for Dill

• Sunlight: Provide full sun for best growth. Dill tolerates partial shade but may grow spindly in low-light conditions.
• Watering: Water consistently to keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Dill benefits from regular watering during dry periods.
• Fertilizing: Enrich the soil with compost before planting. Dill is a light feeder and typically does not require additional fertilization during its growing season.
• Pruning: Regularly harvest leaves to encourage new growth. Remove flower stalks to delay seed production if growing dill for leaves.
• Pest and Disease Control: Dill is relatively pest- and disease-resistant. It attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs and predatory wasps, which help control pests in the garden.
• Harvesting:
  • For Leaves: Harvest fresh leaves as needed once the plant is 6-8 inches tall. Snip leaves near the stem base, leaving enough foliage for regrowth.
  • For Seeds: Allow flower heads to mature and dry on the plant. Harvest seeds by cutting the flower stalks and shaking the seeds into a container.
• Storage: Store fresh dill leaves in a damp paper towel in the refrigerator for up to a week. Dry seeds and store them in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to a year.