Dill is a feathery herb with roots in ancient Egypt and the Roman Empire. It was used to flavour food and soothe digestion, and even tucked into amulets for protection. In Australia, dill is grown by gardeners who love its airy presence and dual-purpose use—leaves for salads, seeds for pickles.
Sowing Calendar
Best Months to Plant – Dill
Climate Zone
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Cool/Mountain
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Temperate
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Arid
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Subtropical
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Tropical
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Cool/Mountain – Dill
Method
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Start in trays
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Plant out transplants
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Direct sow
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Temperate – Dill
Method
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Start in trays
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
Plant out transplants
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
Direct sow
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
Arid – Dill
Method
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Start in trays
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
Plant out transplants
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
Direct sow
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
Subtropical – Dill
Method
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Start in trays
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
Plant out transplants
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
Direct sow
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
Tropical – Dill
Method
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Start in trays
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
Plant out transplants
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
Direct sow
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
Where to Plant
Shady Spots & Herb Gardens
Shady Spots & Herb Gardens
• Areas receiving dappled or indirect sunlight, often near trees or buildings
• Best for shade-tolerant herbs like mint, parsley, or greens like spinach
• Helps prevent sun stress and conserves moisture
• Often used in cooler corners of the garden
In-Ground Garden Beds
In-Ground Garden Beds
• Traditional garden beds dug directly into the soil
• Suitable for deep-rooted crops and long-term plantings
• Offers natural soil ecology and drainage benefits
• Requires proper soil preparation and weed management
Pre-treatment
None Identified
There are no pre treatments required for germination.
Sowing Method
Start in Trays
• Fill seed trays or punnets with quality seed-raising mix
• Sow seeds at the correct depth—refer to seed packet for guidance
• Place trays in a warm, sheltered location with good light
• Mist or bottom-water to avoid disturbing small seeds
• Transplant seedlings once they develop 2–4 true leaves
Direct Sow
• Sow seeds directly into prepared garden soil or outdoor containers
• Best for plants that dislike transplanting, such as root vegetables and beans
• Loosen soil and remove weeds before sowing
• Sow at the recommended depth and spacing, then water gently
• Keep the area moist until germination and thin seedlings if needed
Watering
Low
• Suitable for drought-tolerant or Mediterranean-style plants
• Needs watering only during extended dry periods or heatwaves
• Prefers deep but infrequent watering to encourage strong root growth
• Ideal for well-drained soils and low-maintenance garden beds
• Mulching helps retain moisture and reduce watering even further
Fertilisation
Frost
Frost Tolerant
These plants can tolerate light to moderate frosts and may survive through cooler seasons.
Maintenance and Harvesting
Dill bolts easily, so sow in succession and avoid excessive heat. Stake taller varieties, and harvest leaves before flowering for best flavour. Collect seeds once they mature and brown.
Pests and Diseases
Aphids
Aphids are tiny, soft-bodied insects that cluster on new growth and the undersides of leaves. They suck sap from plants, causing leaves to curl, yellow or become distorted. As they feed, they excrete sticky honeydew that encourages sooty mould, and colonies can build quickly in warm weather.
Start with organic controls: blast colonies off with a firm jet of water, encourage beneficial insects like ladybirds and lacewings, and spray neem oil or insecticidal soap to disrupt feeding. Keep plants well watered and avoid excess nitrogen that promotes soft growth. If pressure remains high, selective chemical sprays can be used sparingly, taking care to protect pollinators and beneficials.
Leaf spot
Leaf spot describes several fungal or bacterial diseases that create dark, often round lesions on foliage—sometimes with yellow halos. Severe infections cause premature leaf drop and reduced vigour, especially during warm, wet spells or when leaves stay damp.
Reduce spread by removing infected leaves, watering at the base, and spacing plants for airflow. Mulch to limit soil splash and rotate crops. Organic preventatives include copper and sulfur sprays applied early. If disease escalates, registered fungicides offer a chemical backup.
Powdery mildew
Powdery mildew appears as a white, talc‑like coating on leaves and stems. It thrives in warm days, cool nights, and still air, and can weaken plants by reducing photosynthesis, leading to yellowing and early leaf drop.
Prune for airflow, avoid overhead watering, and remove badly affected foliage. Organic sprays such as milk solution, potassium bicarbonate, sulfur, or neem help suppress outbreaks. Chemical fungicides are effective when started early, but use sparingly to preserve beneficial organisms.
Caterpillars & chewing larvae
Caterpillars and chewing larvae are moth and butterfly young that devour leaves or bore into stems and fruit, reducing growth and spoiling harvests.
Hand‑pick where practical and protect young crops with fine netting. Encourage parasitic wasps and birds. Apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) for an organic, caterpillar‑specific control. Broad‑spectrum insecticides can work but may harm beneficials, so reserve for severe cases.
Damping off (seedlings)
Damping‑off is a soil‑borne disease that attacks seeds and seedlings, causing poor germination, sudden collapse, or pinched, water‑soaked stems at soil level. It thrives in cool, wet, stagnant conditions.
Sow into fresh, clean seed‑raising mix; avoid reusing contaminated trays. Provide warmth, light, and airflow; water lightly and allow the surface to dry between waterings. A light dusting of cinnamon or chamomile tea is a gentle organic measure; fungicidal drenches are rarely necessary for home growers when hygiene is good.
Bolting (heat/long days)
Bolting (heat/long days) can affect plant health and yields in home gardens. Typical symptoms include slowed growth, discolouration, and reduced productivity, often triggered by weather, nutrition, or cultural conditions.
Start with cultural fixes: rotate crops, improve soil with compost, water consistently, and choose resistant varieties. Organic sprays or amendments can reduce severity; chemical options are a last resort and should be used carefully and in accordance with labels.
Growing Tips
• Dill bolts quickly once days lengthen; sow small batches regularly for a steady supply.
• Dill can topple in wind; grow in a sheltered spot or stake taller plants.
• Dill dislikes root disturbance; sow direct rather than transplanting.
