BUSHY - Open Pollinated Dill Seeds

Sow seeds directly in the soil as it does not transplant well. Choose a sunny location with well-draining soil. Sow the seeds in early spring after the last frost date for your region. Scatter the seeds on the soil surface, spacing them about 12-18 inches apart. The soil temperature should be between 60° and 70ºF (15° and 21°C) for the best germination results. Lightly cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil, as dill seeds need light to germinate. Keep the soil consistently moist during germination, which typically takes 7 to 14 days. To ensure a season-long fresh supply of dill, continue sowing seeds every few weeks. For an extended harvest of the leaves. 

THIN: When the seedlings have grown to a few inches tall, thin them to a final spacing of about 10-12 inches apart. This ensures adequate airflow and prevents competition among plants. 

WATER: Once the plants are established, water them regularly, especially during dry spells. Avoid overwatering, as dill prefers slightly dry conditions. 

FEED: Dill thrives in moderately rich soil with a pH level between 5.5 and 6.5. Incorporate organic matter like compost into the soil before planting. Fertilize sparingly, as excessive nitrogen can reduce the aromatic quality of the leaves. A balanced fertilizer applied once during the growing season should be sufficient. 

PROTECT: Apply a layer of organic mulch around the dill plants to conserve soil moisture, suppress weed growth, and maintain a stable temperature. 

PRUNE: To encourage bushier growth, pinch off the flower buds as they appear. This will also prolong the plant's leaf production. If you are growing dill primarily for the seeds, allow a few plants to flower and produce seeds for harvesting. 

Dill leaves can be harvested once the plant reaches about 8 inches in height. Snip off the leaves close to the stem but be sure not to remove more than one-third of the plant at a time to allow it to continue growing. 

To harvesting seeds, wait until the dill flowers have dried and turned brown. Cut the flower heads and place them upside down in a paper bag. Shake the bag gently to release the seeds, which will be collected at the bottom. 

Fresh dill leaves can be used immediately, while dried leaves can be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. Dill seeds can be stored in airtight containers in a dry and cool place for several months.