Dill

300 Seeds

Dill (Anethum graveolens) is a fast-growing aromatic herb that prefers cool to mild weather. In the Gulf, it is best grown during autumn, winter, and early spring, while avoiding the extreme summer heat.

🌱 Best Growing Season

• Best sowing time: October–January.
• A second sowing can be made during February–March in cooler Gulf areas.
• Avoid: Late spring and summer, especially when temperatures regularly exceed 30–35°C.
• Ideal growing temperature: 15–25°C.

🌿 Seed Sowing

1. Choose a sunny location with fertile, loose, well-drained soil.
2. Sow seeds directly into the final growing location, as dill develops a taproot and does not transplant particularly well.
3. Plant seeds approximately 0.5–1 cm deep.
4. Space plants about 15–25 cm apart.
5. Leave approximately 30–45 cm between rows.
6. Water gently after sowing.
7. Keep the soil consistently moist until germination.

⏱ Germination

• Seeds generally germinate within 7–14 days under suitable conditions.
• Keep the seedbed moist but not waterlogged.
• Germination is usually faster in warm, but not excessively hot, soil.

🌱 Growing & Care

• Sunlight: Full sun, approximately 6–8 hours daily during the cooler Gulf season.
• Soil: Fertile, light, well-drained soil enriched with compost.
• Watering: Water regularly to maintain even moisture, particularly during early growth and hot periods.
• Fertilizing: Dill does not require heavy feeding. Add compost before sowing and use a mild balanced fertilizer if growth is weak.
• Avoid excessive nitrogen, which can produce excessive foliage with weaker stems.
• Keep the planting area free of weeds.

🌿 Harvest

• Harvest young leaves once the plants are well established, usually around 30–45 days after sowing.
• Cut leaves as needed, preferably in the morning.
• For dill seeds, allow the plants to flower and produce seed heads.
• Harvest seed heads when they begin to turn brown and the seeds become mature.
• For continuous fresh dill, sow a new batch every 2–3 weeks during the suitable growing season.

🌡 Gulf Climate Tips

• In Kuwait and other very hot Gulf areas, the cooler months from November to January are particularly suitable.
• Provide light afternoon shade if temperatures begin rising.
• Use mulch to help maintain soil moisture and reduce soil temperature.
• Drip irrigation is recommended for efficient watering.
• Water early in the morning to reduce evaporation.
• Protect young plants from hot, dry winds.
• When temperatures become consistently hot, dill may flower quickly and produce less tender foliage.