The leaves are at their best in spring and summer, before plants send up tall heads of tiny yellow flowers. Both the flowers and the aromatic seeds are edible too. The leaves are traditionally used in fish and egg dishes, and of course in dill pickles, or can be chopped into soups and salads.
What is dill good for in the garden?
Dill weed is an essential ingredient in many recipes as well as a good companion plant to grow in your vegetable garden. Dill attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs and hoverflies that prey on common pests like squash bugs and flea beetles. Dill also attracts pollinators that aid plant growth.
What can I do with fresh picked dill?
Here are a few ideas to help you out.
- Make vegetable dill dip.
- Make refrigerator pickles.
- Add dill to roasted potatoes.
- Sprinkle fresh dill on top of a homemade crescent veggie pizza appetizer.
- Stir fresh chopped dill into your favorite potato salad.
- Sprinkle a small amount of chopped fresh dill on top of deviled eggs.
What can you do with dill plants?
The tall, leggy plant is popular for pickling, but you may also use the foliage and seeds in soups, salads, breads, party dips and fish dishes. In cut flower arrangements, floral designers value dill as a feathery green filler.
How long does dill last in the garden?
Dill is a biennial warm-season herb, very sensitive to light-freezes and frost. Dill is not technically a perennial plant because a single plant only lives 2 years. It is quite proficient at self-seeding (if allowed).
How Dill grows.
| Temperature | |
|---|---|
| Germination | 50 – 70 F |
| For Growth | Hot |
| Soil and Water | |
| Fertilizer | Light Feeder |
Does dill come back every year?
Dill does not come back from the same plant every year, it is a short-lived annual. However, it does tend to self-sow as the flowers dry and drop seeds, so new plants may sprout the following spring.
Will dill take over my garden?
Dill can easily start to overtake other plants if left to its own devices. Though it is not nearly as invasive as mint, it is a good idea to regularly check your dill patch and weed out any plants if you notice it spreading.
Can you freeze fresh dill for later use?
For long-term storage that maintains a fresh flavor, freezing dill is the best option. To freeze dill sprigs, start by thoroughly rinsing the fronds and flower heads. Use a salad spinner or kitchen towel to remove excess moisture. Place the dill springs upright in a glass jar or laid flat in a freezer bag.
How do you store fresh dill long term?
Storing Fresh Dill
To successfully store fresh dill, spritz whole stems lightly with a fine spray of water, wrap loosely in paper towels, and place in a sealed zip-top plastic bag. Store the dill in the vegetable bin of your refrigerator. It should last up to a week and perhaps even longer.
What part of dill do you eat?
Small, tender stems can be chopped up right along with the leaves, but thicker stems can be put to good use too. Include the stems along with the flowers in a pickle jar, add them to a bouquet garni, or stuff a fish with dill stems before grilling or roasting it.
Should I let my dill flower?
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.
Can dill survive winter?
Dill plants are very cold-hardy and can tolerate temperatures that dip as low as 25 degrees Fahrenheit.
How do you harvest dill without killing the plant?
Using a pair of scissors, snip the stems of the leaves, right where they meet the growth point on the main stem. You can do this by hand as well, by pinching the stems off, especially if the plant’s stems are young and tender.
How do you take care of outdoor dill?
Dill is easy to start from seed and grows best when planted outdoors. Choose a location with full sun — at least eight hours of direct sunlight per day — and well-drained soil. If your soil holds water thanks to heavy clay, dig organic matter such as compost into the top few inches to help drainage.
Does dill grow like weeds?
With its feathery green leaves, fragrant dill is used most commonly in soups and stews or for pickling. As its name suggests, dill “weed” is easy to grow—here’s how!
How do you keep dill under control?
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.
What is the best way to freeze fresh dill?
Once the ice cubes are frozen, take the ice tray out, remove the ice cubes from the tray and place them in a resealable plastic bag. Then, stick the plastic bag of frozen herb back in the freezer. Whenever you need dill for a single dish, just take a couple of ice cubes.
Can dogs eat dill?
Dogs can eat dill in small quantities. Fresh dill contains antioxidants and nutrients that help prevent heart disease and boost your dog’s digestive system. You can sprinkle fresh or dried dill on your dog’s food or prepare a dill seed tea for your pet. However, too much dill can lead to stomach upset.
Justin Shelton is a professional cook. He’s been in the industry for over 10 years, and he loves nothing more than creating delicious dishes for others to enjoy. Justin has worked in some of the best kitchens in the country, and he’s always looking for new challenges and ways to improve his craft. When he’s not cooking, Justin enjoys spending time with his wife and son. He loves exploring new restaurants and trying out different cuisines.