Anethum graveolens
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dill
An upright annual or biennial herb 60-100cm tall, with finely dissected, aromatic blue-green leaves approximately 35cm long. Flat umbels of tiny yellow flowers are produced on upright, finely ribbed stems in mid-summer. Dill is often grown as a herb for fresh scented leaves and as a cut flower. Dill seeds are also important culinary additions. Essential oil contained in seeds has medicinal properties. Various cultivars of dill are available; cultivar 'Mammoth' can reach up to 1.5m tall and cultivar 'Mariska' is very popular with florists
Other common names
anetdill-oil plant
see moreEast Indian dill
meeting-seed
Sabbath day posy
Indian dill
Synonyms
Anethum sowa hort. non Roxb. ex Flem.
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
1–2 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Blue Green | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Yellow | Blue Green | ||
Autumn | ||||
Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Apiaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Genus
Anethum can be annuals or biennials, scented of aniseed, with leaves finely divided into linear segments, and umbels of small yellow flowers in summer
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- S W Asia
How to grow
Cultivation
Easy to grow in well-drained soil, in full sun sheltered from strong winds. Follow dill cultivation for more advice.
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown in succession from spring to mid-summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildlife gardens
- Flower borders and beds
- Cut flowers
Pruning
No pruning required; can be left to self-seed after flowering
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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