Under suitable site conditions, dill (Anethum graveolens) grows almost by itself. However, for a good harvest of the popular spice plant, the right conditions must first be created.

How often should dill be watered?

In general, dill needs a relatively large amount of water, so regular watering should be ensured, especially during dry summer periods. However, the dill does not tolerate waterlogging either, which is why when growing dill in a pot, care should be taken to ensure appropriate drainage or drainage options downwards. If possible, do not spray the umbels of the dill blossom with water, but it is better to water them very close to the ground. Wetness on the flower umbels could otherwise promote diseases such as umbel smut.

Can you repot the dill too?

The dill usually reacts very sensitively to any transplanting. Therefore, preferring dill is not recommended. It is better to sow the dill seeds on the spot as soon as there are no longer any night frosts to be expected in spring.

When to cut dill

As an annual herb, dill is cut only for harvesting purposes or when certain parts of the plant have turned brown due to disease. At the earliest, about six weeks after sowing, the first parts of the dill herb or dill tips can be cut for use in the kitchen without impairing the further growth of the dill. However, if you intend to dry the dill seeds, you must leave enough leaf material on the plants for the dill flowers to develop.

Will the dill be attacked by pests?

Basically, apart from aphids and certain types of bugs, dill itself is hardly attacked by pests, rather it represents a natural protection of the following plant species from pests in the vegetable bed:

  • drives cabbage whites away from cabbage
  • protects carrots from the carrot fly
  • repels root pests of caraway, celery and basil

What to do if the dill turns brown

Dill can turn brown for a number of reasons. If the infestation spreads like a nest on the cones, it may be cone fire. In this case, infested areas must be cut out and overhead watering avoided.

Should the dill also be fertilized?

As a very undemanding plant, dill does not require any special fertilization in the garden. However, it also doesn't hurt to enrich the soil with nutrients before sowing by incorporating stored compost.

tips and tricks

The ideal location for the dill should offer some shade for the root area and enough sun for the upper parts of the plant. In addition, a sheltered location protects the filigree dill plants from storm and rain damage.

WK

Category:

Vegetable garden