What hardiness zones is Anethum graveolens suitable for?

Anethum graveolens is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10.

What are the sun requirements for Anethum graveolens?

Anethum graveolens requires Full Sun.

How much water does Anethum graveolens need?

Anethum graveolens has Medium water needs.

Herbs

Anethum graveolens

Dill

ApiaceaeMediterranean, southwestern Asia

At a Glance

TypeAnnual

HabitUpright

FoliageDeciduous

Height24-48 inches (60-120 cm)

Width12-18 inches (30-45 cm)

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

2 - 10

Zone 2

Zone 3

Zone 4

Zone 5

Zone 6

Zone 7

Zone 8

Zone 9

Zone 10

These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.

Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators

Attracts Butterflies

Deer Resistant

Fragrant (strong)

Container Friendly

Maintenancelow

Overview

Anethum graveolens is an erect annual herb in the carrot family (Apiaceae) reaching 24–48 inches (60–120 cm) tall with a 12–18 inch (30–45 cm) spread. Stems are erect, smooth, hollow, blue-green, with fine longitudinal ridges. Leaves are alternate, finely dissected into thread-like (filiform) segments, feathery, blue-green, strongly aromatic with a distinctive anise-like scent. Flowers are tiny, yellow, borne in compound umbels 4–8 inches (10–20 cm) across. Fruit (seed) is flattened, oval, 0.1–0.2 inch (3–5 mm) long, ribbed, strongly aromatic. Both foliage (dill weed) and seeds (dill seed) are used in cooking, with distinct flavor profiles — the foliage has a lighter, grassier flavor while the seeds are more pungent and warming. The taproot is slender and does not tolerate transplanting well; direct sowing is the standard method. Bolts rapidly in heat above 75°F (24°C). In the Pacific Northwest, successive sowings every 2–3 weeks extend the harvest of fresh foliage. A host plant for swallowtail butterfly larvae (Papilio species).

Native Range

Native to the Mediterranean and southwestern Asia, cultivated for at least 5,000 years. Grows in full sun in well-drained soil. Widely naturalized along roadsides and waste ground in temperate regions. In the Pacific Northwest, the cool spring and early summer conditions extend the leafy foliage stage before bolting.

Suggested Uses

Used in herb gardens, kitchen gardens, and container plantings. Foliage (dill weed) is used fresh in fish dishes, salads, dips, and sauces. Seeds (dill seed) are used in pickling, bread, and spice blends. Planted as a beneficial insect attractant in vegetable gardens — the umbels host parasitic wasps and other biological control agents. A host plant for swallowtail butterfly larvae. Used in windowsill and balcony herb gardens in containers of 3+ gallons.

How to Identify

Distinguished from Foeniculum vulgare (fennel) by the shorter stature (24–48 inches versus 48–72 inches), the blue-green (versus bright yellow-green) foliage, the hollow (versus solid) stems, and the flat fruit (versus elongated). Both are Apiaceae with feathery filiform leaves and yellow umbels, and both have an anise-like scent — dill is lighter and grassier, fennel is sweeter and more licorice-like. Distinguished from carrot foliage by the blue-green color, the stronger aroma, and the thread-like (versus slightly broader) leaf segments.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height2' - 4'

Width/Spread1' - 1'6"

Colors

Flower Colors

yellow

Foliage Colors

blue

green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~3 weeks

Summer

Flowers from June through August. Compound umbels bloom over 2–3 weeks. Pollinated by bees and beneficial insects. Seeds mature 2–3 weeks after flowering. Once the flower stalk elongates (bolting), the foliage flavor diminishes. Seed harvest occurs when the seeds turn brown and the umbel begins to dry.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Yellow

Foliage Description

Blue-green, finely dissected into thread-like segments (filiform); feathery; aromatic

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun

Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.5(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loamsandsilt

Drainage

well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Direct sow seeds 0.25 inch (6 mm) deep after the last frost date, spacing 12 inches (30 cm) apart. Successive sowings every 2–3 weeks extend the fresh foliage harvest through summer. In the Pacific Northwest, sow from April through July. Provide consistent moisture; drought stress triggers premature bolting. The slender taproot does not transplant well. Stake tall cultivars or plant in a sheltered location to prevent wind lodging. Harvest foliage (dill weed) before flowering for the strongest flavor. Allow some plants to flower and set seed for dill seed harvest and to attract beneficial insects.

Pruning

Pinch growing tips to delay bolting and extend foliage harvest. Cut foliage stems as needed, leaving at least one-third of the plant. Cut entire seed heads when seeds are brown and dry, placing them upside down in a paper bag to catch falling seeds.

Maintenance Level

low

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 3 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic

Planting Guide

Planting Methods & Timing

Planting Method

direct sow

Direct Sow Timing

After last frost, successive sowings every 2-3 weeks through midsummer

Days to Maturity

40–60 days

Plant Spacing

12 inches

Companion Planting

Good Companions

cabbage

onion

lettuce

cucumber

Avoid Planting With

carrot

fennel

tomato