While you can pick dill leaves at virtually any time, the best time for dill weed is just before the plants start to flower. That’s when the oil in the leaves is most potent and it has the best flavor. If you want to extend the harvest on your growing dill weed, prevent the plants from flowering and going to seed.
How do you know when dill is ready to pick?
Pick for leaf harvest just before flowers open. This is when the leaves contain the highest concentration of oils. The day before harvesting leaves, spray them with water so that they will be clean and dry the day of harvest. The day of leaf harvest, pick dill in the early morning or place stems in water for two hours.
Does dill grow back after you pick it?
To cut fresh dill so that it keeps growing, you must never cut back more than a third of the plant and be sure to leave enough time for the plant to recover after pruning. This will ensure that the dill is able to regrow after having been cut back.
What part of dill do you pick?
Cut just the leafy foliage or remove entire stems to dry for canning and seeds. Remove the stems when the seeds are brown and ripe. Dill flavor is best when it just begins to flower. Wash the herbs after harvesting dill weed to remove dirt and insects.
Is dill still good after flowering?
Dill is an annual – it completes its short life in less than 1 growing season. The dill will die after flowering.
Can you cut 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 keep dill fresh after harvesting?
Refrigerate fresh dill.
Wash the dill in cold water, remove excess moisture with a salad spinner, and wrap the bundle of dill in several damp paper towels. Place the wrapped stems and leaves in a plastic bag or airtight container. Store in the crisper drawer for up to two weeks.
How do you keep dill from falling?
Dill grows on tall stalks that when left untended may droop. Plant dill in an area protected from high winds so the plants aren’t knocked over. Pinch the plants back every few weeks to encourage compact, bushy growth instead of drooping.
How do you process fresh dill?
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a Silpat mat. Wash the fresh dill sprigs in cold water then dry very well on a towel or a few paper towels. Remove all the stems from the dill sprigs and place them on a dry towel. Once all the stems are removed, pat them dry one more time.
Will dill survive winter?
Dill plants are very cold-hardy and can tolerate temperatures that dip as low as 25 degrees Fahrenheit.
How long does dill plant last?
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). If left to grow naturally, A single dill plant should come back year after year.
Should fresh dill be refrigerated?
Refrigerate fresh dill
Nothing is as tried-and-true for keeping produce fresh as the fridge. To get the maximum fridge life out of fresh dill, United Regulations recommends rinsing your dill leaves under cool water and patting them dry with a paper towel.
Can you use dill after it bolts?
Dill – like cilantro, is very cold tolerant and can be grown early and late in the season. This self seeds willingly, so you can always allow a patch to flower and drop its seeds giving you a perpetual patch. The flowers of dill are tasty in pickles and marinades.
Why is my dill plant falling over?
Your dill seedlings could be falling over because of legginess or damping off. Leggy seedlings are tall, spindly seedlings caused mainly by too little light. Damping-off is a disease that kills or weakens seedlings during germination.
How often do you water dill?
Water dill once per week. Do not water dill daily. You will know your dill is properly watered when the soil is moist to a depth of 6 inches (15 cm). Your dill needs water if the soil is dry at a depth of 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm).
What do I do with all my dill?
11 Things to do with Fresh Dill
- 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.
Do you use the stem of fresh dill?
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.
How do you winterize dill?
Annual herbs, such as dill and coriander, survive for a single season and will be killed with the first frost. There isn’t much you can do about this, but be sure to pull the dead herbs and clear the area of plant debris. Otherwise, you’re providing a handy hiding place for pests that will make an appearance in spring.
Does dill like lots of water?
1. Keep dill moderately watered. While many herbs like to dry out between waterings, dill prefers steady moisture. Water when the top inch of the soil feels dry.
What should not be planted with dill?
2 Types of Plants to Avoid Growing With Dill
- Umbellifers: Dill should not be planted near other members of the Umbelliferae family, like angelica, caraway, carrots, and fennel.
- Nightshades: Hot peppers and bell peppers should be kept away from dill, as should other nightshades like eggplant.
Elvira Bowen is a food expert who has dedicated her life to understanding the science of cooking. She has worked in some of the world’s most prestigious kitchens, and has published several cookbooks that have become bestsellers. Elvira is known for her creative approach to cuisine, and her passion for teaching others about the culinary arts.