Dill Seeds

I have a problem growing Dill from seeds. They sprout abundantly, but the plants never seem to develope those luxuriant fronds that I have see in the fresh herb section of the grocers. My plants do grow, but they are spindly and the fronds are thin and sparse. Hardly good enough, or worth picking, to use in cooking and canning.

Do the dill seeds come in different variety names? Maybe I don't buy the right variety? Does it need a certain type of soil to grow in? Perhaps the developing plants need special feeding? Where is the best source for dill seeds?

I do great with parsley and basil, but not dill ! Would love to hear from someone who knows all about growing dill !!

This message was edited May 9, 2009 8:07 AM

There ARE different cultivars - we were talking on a different thread about the trouble we were having getting dill to use as fresh foliage before it goes to seed (which is what I assume you would use in canning). I'll see if I can find it for you.

I just ordered dill seeds from Richters: Delikat, Hercules, and Dukat

I've never had any problems growing dill in Z7 OR Z6, I beleive the name was mammoth dill and i used it in pickles and used the top of the plant with seeds and leaves. I grew it in my regular garden not far from my cukes in full sun. Hope you can get some going this year. Don't know for sure but probably got my seeds from Pinetree seeds in Maine.
www.superseeds.com
Vickie

Many Thanks, Vickie.......a really nice website with a good assortment of different spices. (Or any other seeds that one might be looking for.)

Didn't see Mammoth, but the picture of Vulgare looks promising! Maybe I can find Mammoth somewhere else.

This message was edited May 13, 2009 7:12 AM

I was recently looking at a website selling the mammoth dill I think it was Victory seed co. not sure though I do know it is an heirloom variety if that helps you. I have some growing right now and it's a wonderful dill that is both fragrant and flavorful; and plentiful! It will probably bolt a lot quicker in the heat though-mine has already started to flower (but I planted in October last year) Actually, I probably have some extra seeds if you would like.

What are your growing methods? I have sowed in peat pots w/ limited success so this year I'm going to direct sow. I just hoping that they grow fast enough for me to use!

Well, since I get "Complaints" from my DH when I try sowing indoors before the last frost, I have been either direct sowing outdoors or in pots. Dills and a few others like parsley that I started in the fall are all doing great in pots. Oregano and marjoram also spent most of the winter outside in pots and they are going strong.

I just used an organic potting soil and mixed in some bloodmeal then planted the seeds. Make sure the soil stays moist and keep and eye to make sure they aren't getting burnt from the sun. Last year in the heat of the summer, I had to put most of my potted herbs in partial shade because it gets very hot in the afternoon. I found that even an established herb like basil definitely cannot take our summer heat and it's supposed to like full sun.

Another way to germinate is to take yoghurt, sour cream, cottage cheese, and the like containers wash and cut a hole in the bottom, cut the top center out except for the part that goes around the rim of the bowl. use as starting pots. It works real well for me because I can just stick a piece of plastic wrap over the top of the bowl and then put the rim to keep tight. That way the seeds get sun exposure and the moisture stays in with the plastic wrap. Once they germinate you can take the plastic wrap off.

Thanks, allwild!

Many thanks for the responses. Especially "allwild" for the very informative post descibing her method. Since I have bought about three or four different kinds of dill, will wait 'till next year to try planting Mammouth. Have my fingers crossed and high hopes for this year's planting. Again, Thank You Everyone !