Dill is a versatile herb used in a variety of dishes. The leaves are often used in salads, soups, and sauces, and pair beautifully with vegetables, fish, and yoghurt-based dishes. In Indian cuisine, dill is known as "shepu" and is used in traditional recipes like Shepu Chi Bhaji or added to dals for a distinct flavour. Dill seeds, on the other hand, are often used as a spice or seasoning in pickles and curries.
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Growing dill or shepu at home is a rewarding and straightforward process that allows you to enjoy the herb fresh from your garden. With minimal effort, you can cultivate dill in both garden beds and containers, reaping the benefits of this aromatic herb in your cooking. By following the simple steps of sowing, watering, and caring for dill, you’ll have a steady supply of flavourful leaves and seeds to enhance your meals.
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There are several varieties of dill, each with slightly different growth characteristics. Some of the popular varieties include Bouquet, a common variety grown for both leaves and seeds; Fernleaf, a compact type suitable for container gardening and Long Island Mammoth, a larger variety known for its strong aroma and robust growth. For home gardening, Bouquet or Fernleaf are good choices, especially if you want to grow them in pots or smaller spaces.
Growing Conditions
Dill thrives in sunny locations and is relatively low-maintenance. Dill loves full sun and requires at least 5-6 hours of direct sunlight each day. Choose a sunny spot in your garden or balcony for optimal growth. Dill may become leggy and weak in low-light conditions. It needs well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral soil. Loamy or sandy soil is ideal. Make sure the soil is rich in organic matter by mixing compost or well-rotted manure before planting.
Dill grows best in temperatures between 15-25°C. It is a cool-season herb and may struggle in extremely hot weather, though some varieties are more heat-tolerant.
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Planting Dill
There are two ways to grow dill at home: from seeds or from young plants. Growing from seeds is the most common and recommended method, as dill has a taproot that doesn’t transplant well.
Sowing Seeds
Dill is best grown by directly sowing the seeds in the garden or containers. It does not tolerate transplanting well due to its delicate roots. Dill seeds are small but easy to handle. You can soak them in water for a few hours before planting to promote faster germination, though this step is optional.
Plant dill seeds about ¼ inch deep and 12 inches apart. If planting in rows, space them about 18 inches apart. After planting, gently water the soil to keep it moist but not waterlogged. Avoid overwatering, as dill does not thrive in soggy conditions.
Growing Dill In A Container
If space is limited, dill can be grown in containers or pots. Choose pots that are at least 12 inches deep to accommodate the plant's taproot. Ensure good drainage by using pots with holes and filling them with a well-draining potting mix.
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Caring For The Dill Plant
Once your dill seeds have been planted, they typically germinate within 10-14 days. After germination, it’s important to provide consistent care to promote healthy growth.
Dill requires moderate watering. Keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy. Once the plants are established, they are somewhat drought-tolerant, but consistent watering will result in more vigorous growth.
Dill doesn’t need heavy feeding. If the soil is rich in organic matter, additional fertilisation is not necessary. However, if your soil is poor, a balanced, organic fertiliser can be applied once every month during the growing season.
Keep the area around your dill plant weed-free. Weeds compete for nutrients and water, which can weaken your plants. Once the seedlings reach a few inches in height, thin them to ensure enough space for each plant to grow. Thinning will prevent overcrowding and allow for better airflow.
Dill is generally resistant to pests, though it may attract aphids, caterpillars, or spider mites. If pests appear, use organic insecticidal soap or neem oil to treat the plants. Ensure good airflow to prevent mildew or fungal issues.
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Harvesting Dill
Dill leaves can be harvested once the plants are about 6-8 inches tall. The tender, feathery leaves have the best flavor when picked before the plant starts to flower. Use scissors to snip the leaves just above the stem, and avoid cutting more than one-third of the plant at a time to encourage regrowth.
Dill produces yellow flowers, and after flowering, it forms seeds. The seeds are aromatic and can be harvested for culinary use or for planting future dill crops. To harvest seeds, allow the flowers to dry on the plant. Once the seeds turn brown, collect them by gently shaking the flower heads.
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To preserve dill, you can dry the leaves by hanging them upside down in a cool, dark place, or freeze them in airtight containers.