Direct-sow after risk of severe frost as soil begins warming. Place seed approximately 6 mm (1/4 in) deep, keep the surface moist, and thin to 25 or 30 cm (10 to 12 in). Because ‘Bouquet’ flowers relatively early and leaf production then declines, make small sowings every two or three weeks through midsummer. This succession maintains tender foliage while initial plants carry umbels. Avoid transplanting older seedlings because the taproot handles disturbance poorly. Record dates and adapt the final sowing to the length of your local season. Protect young seedlings from strong wind and do not allow the surface to dry completely during emergence.
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Annual culinary herb
Apiaceae
Organic culinary herb seeds
Organic ‘Bouquet’ dill (Anethum graveolens)
Anethum graveolens
Organic ‘Bouquet’ dill is a fast-growing annual herb producing finely divided blue-green foliage, large yellow umbels, and aromatic seed. The cultivar generally reaches 60 to 90 cm (24 to 36 in) and suits pickling, fish, potatoes, sauces, cut flowers, and seed harvest. Direct-sow in sun after severe frost because its taproot handles transplanting poorly. Successive sowings every two or three weeks extend leaf availability. Umbels attract various pollinating insects, and foliage may feed black swallowtail caterpillars. Well-drained soil, even moisture, and protection from strong wind support healthy growth. Harvest leaves before full flowering for the freshest aroma, then retain selected plants when flowers or mature seed are desired.
Quantity
About 120 organic seeds
Exposure
Full sun
Hardiness
Zone 4 to 8
Difficulty level
Easy
Discover the plant
Family
Apiaceae
Genus
Anethum
Species
graveolens
Cultivar
Bouquet
Type
Annual culinary herb
Cycle
Cool- to warm-season annual
Organic ‘Bouquet’ dill (Anethum graveolens) is a fast-growing annual herb cultivated for finely divided blue-green foliage, large yellow umbels, and aromatic seed. ‘Bouquet’ generally reaches 60 to 90 cm (24 to 36 in) and produces large flower heads valued for pickling, seed harvest, and bouquets. Fresh leaves flavour fish, potatoes, cucumbers, sauces, and dressings. Flowers attract bees, hoverflies, and other insects, while foliage may feed black swallowtail caterpillars. This organic seed suits vegetable gardens, herb beds, and edible borders. Its airy structure adds height without creating dense shade when plants receive suitable spacing and light.
Direct-sow after the risk of severe frost because dill’s taproot handles transplanting poorly. Choose a location receiving at least six to eight hours of sunlight and protected from strong wind. Place seed approximately 6 mm (1/4 in) deep in loose, organic-rich, well-drained soil. Keep the surface moist until emergence, then thin to approximately 25 to 30 cm (10 to 12 in). Make small sowings every two or three weeks through midsummer to extend leaf harvest. Water during dry periods without leaving soil saturated and stake stems exposed to wind. Avoid heavy fertilization, which can produce weak growth and reduce aromatic concentration.
Harvest leaves as needed before umbels fully open, ideally in the morning after dew has dried. Remove only part of the foliage from each plant to maintain growth. For seed, wait until it changes from green to tan, then cut heads before they scatter. Hang them inside a ventilated paper bag in shade until completely dry. Leave several umbels in bloom when you want to support insects and observe black swallowtail caterpillars. Because ‘Bouquet’ flowers relatively early, combine regular harvest with successive sowings instead of trying to prevent its natural bolting completely. Label dried seed and protect it from heat, moisture, and bright light during storage.
Planting guide
From planting to establishment.
Planting depth
Approximately 6 mm (1/4 in)
Spacing / density
Thin to approximately 25 to 30 cm (10 to 12 in)
Establishment temperature
15 to 20 °C (59 to 68 °F)
Establishment time
Approximately 10 to 14 days depending on temperature
Best planting time
May to July
Propagation
Direct sowing; self-sowing may occur when mature seed falls
Growing method
Direct-sow after risk of severe frost in a bed receiving six to eight hours of sunlight. Loosen soil, add a modest amount of mature compost, and avoid excessive nitrogen. Make a furrow approximately 6 mm (1/4 in) deep, distribute seed, and cover lightly. Keep the surface moist until emergence, generally in 10 to 14 days. When plants reach approximately 5 cm (2 in), thin to 25 or 30 cm (10 to 12 in). Make new small sowings every two or three weeks through midsummer to maintain leaf production. Water deeply during dry periods and weed shallowly. Protect stems from strong wind with discreet support. Harvest foliage before full flowering, then keep several plants for umbels and seed. Cut heads as seed begins turning brown and finish drying inside a ventilated paper bag in shade. Label each batch, keep it dry, and remove only diseased plants; healthy individuals may self-sow. Check seed carefully before storage and dry it longer whenever moisture remains. Inspect foliage before every cutting and wash harvests only when they are about to be used. Record emergence and flowering dates to improve the next succession. If aphids appear, identify the problem early and use only a method authorized for edible herbs. Keep harvested foliage out of direct sun and cool it promptly.
Soil and care
The right conditions.
Exposure
Full sun
Soil pH
Slightly acidic to neutral
Hardiness zone
Zone 4 to 8
Minimum temperature
0°C (32°F)
Watering
Keep the surface moist until emergence, then water deeply as soil begins to dry; avoid standing water and extreme wet-dry cycles.
Soil type
Loose, organic-rich, slightly acidic, well-drained soil
Fertilization
Incorporate modest mature compost before sowing; avoid frequent or nitrogen-heavy feeding that may weaken stems.
Seasonal care
In spring, prepare a sunny, well-drained area and sow after severe frost. Keep the surface moist and protect young shoots from soil crusting and weeds. Thin early to leave airflow around foliage. Make another small sowing every two or three weeks through midsummer. During growth, water deeply in dry weather, check for aphids, and support exposed stems. Harvest leaves regularly from initial batches before flowering. In early summer, select several plants for umbels intended for pickling or insects. Avoid nonselective insecticides when black swallowtail caterpillars are present; move one only when necessary to another healthy dill plant. As seed turns brown, bag or cut heads before scattering. Dry them completely in shade, label them, and store away from heat. In autumn, remove diseased plants, control self-sowing, and record flowering dates. Clean stakes and containers, then retain only thoroughly dry seed for the following season. Inspect stored seed after several days and dry it again if any condensation or softness appears. In containers, check moisture daily during hot windy periods and empty saucers after rain. Compare height, stem strength, and flowering dates among batches. Harvest surplus leaves before quality declines without completely stripping plants retained for seed. Keep notes with the garden plan and change location the following year when root problems or aphids persisted. Sanitize scissors after diseased tissue, wash reusable labels, and discard any stored seed that develops mould or an unusual odour.
Container growing
A controlled environment.
Recommended pot size
30 to 40 cm (12 to 16 in)
Use a pot at least 25 to 30 cm (10 to 12 in) deep for the taproot, with several drainage holes and a stable base. Fill it with light herb potting mix amended with modest mature compost. Direct-sow 6 mm (1/4 in) deep, maintain surface moisture, then thin to leave at least 20 to 25 cm (8 to 10 in) per plant. Place the container in full sun and rotate it regularly for balanced stems. Water slowly when the upper layer dries, then empty the saucer. A fine stake or sheltered position prevents hollow stems from breaking in wind. Fertilize very lightly because overly soft growth lodges easily. Cut leaves before flowering and sow a second pot to provide replacements. When retaining umbels, watch their weight and harvest seed before it scatters. At season’s end, clean the pot but deliberately leave only several seeds when self-sowing is desired. Inspect drainage after every storm and never keep roots in saturated mix. Label every pot with its sowing date, clean scissors between plants, and cool harvested leaves promptly. Inspect umbels after rain so they do not remain bent or wet. Keep containers far enough apart for airflow, and replace an aging foliage crop with a fresh sowing instead of applying extra fertilizer.
Bloom and dimensions
The complete profile.
Flower color
Yellow
Foliage color
Blue-green
Foliage type
Finely divided annual herbaceous foliage
Growth rate
Fast
Bloom period
Large yellow umbels in summer; ‘Bouquet’ flowers relatively early
Fruiting
Aromatic seeds and edible foliage
Harvest
Leaves before full flowering; green umbels for pickling; seed as it changes from green to tan
Garden associations
What to plant with it.
Good companions
Broccoli, Cabbage, Cucumber, Turnip
Avoid planting with
Annual
Fish, potatoes, cucumbers, sauces, dressings, pickles, preserves, breads, and spice blends
From the garden to inspiration.
Creamy dill sauce — Wash and dry 20 g young ‘Bouquet’ dill leaves, then chop them finely with a clean knife. Combine 250 mL (1 cup) plain yogurt, 15 mL (1 tbsp) lemon juice, 5 mL (1 tsp) mild mustard, 5 mL (1 tsp) honey, and a small pinch of salt. Fold in dill, add pepper, and rest for 15 minutes in the refrigerator. Serve with potatoes, cooked fish, cucumbers, or roasted vegetables. Taste before adding more salt or lemon. Store the sauce in a closed container and refrigerate immediately; use it according to the safe storage period of the dairy product selected. Do not leave the preparation at room temperature through a prolonged meal. To use seed, crush a small amount separately and add it gradually because its aroma is more concentrated than leaf flavour. Remove thick stems and every yellowed leaf before preparation. Wash hands before preparation, keep raw fish separate when it is part of the meal, and use a fresh spoon each time the sauce is tasted.
Frequently asked questions
Everything toknow.
Cut clean outer shoots after the plant is well established and before umbels fully open. Use clean scissors and do not remove all foliage at once; enough leaves must remain for continued growth. Harvest in the morning after dew dries, then cool stems promptly. Young leaves generally provide the freshest aroma and lose quality quickly after cutting. When regular harvest is needed, rely on several small sowings instead of repeated severe cuts. Leave selected plants untouched when flowers, seed, or foliage for a black swallowtail caterpillar are desired. Wash leaves immediately before use rather than storing them wet, and discard any slimy or heavily damaged tissue.
Watch umbels after flowering and act when most seed changes from green to tan-brown, before it falls. Cut heads with a length of stem, place them inside a paper bag, and hang everything in shade in a warm, dry, well-ventilated location. Pierce several small holes in the bag to support airflow. Mature seed gradually drops to the bottom. Once completely dry, remove debris and store seed in an airtight container away from heat and light. Check the container after several days; any condensation means additional drying is required. Label the cultivar and harvest date, and discard seed showing mould, unusual odour, or persistent softness.
Yes. Flat yellow umbels make nectar and pollen accessible to bees, hoverflies, and other small insects during bloom. Foliage also serves as a host plant for black swallowtail caterpillars. To retain this value, allow several plants to flower and avoid nonselective insecticides. Observe visitors without shaking stems and accept that a caterpillar may consume part of the foliage. If relocation becomes necessary, place it carefully on another healthy dill plant rather than an unknown species. Wildlife value depends on flowers remaining in place; a row harvested entirely while young provides far fewer resources. Keep blooming plants away from frequent foot traffic so insects and stems are not disturbed.
Yes. Choose a stable pot at least 25 to 30 cm (10 to 12 in) deep with numerous holes so the taproot can develop. Direct-sow approximately 6 mm (1/4 in) deep in light, well-drained potting mix, then thin to one plant every 20 or 25 cm (8 to 10 in). Place the container in full sun, rotate it regularly, and shelter it from strong wind. Water when the surface begins drying without leaving water in the saucer. A fine stake supports large umbels. For continuous harvest, start a second pot several weeks after the first instead of cutting one plant severely. Check moisture daily during hot, windy weather because containers dry faster than beds.
Its strengths, naturally.
Not recommended for pets
Pets
Attracts or supports pollinating insects
Pollinators
Plants that attract butterflies
Butterflies
