'Dukat' dill (Anethum graveolens), offered by seed company WH Perron
'Dukat' dill is a highly prized aromatic variety , cultivated as much for its delicately fragrant leaves as for its intensely aromatic seeds . Its upright, uniform growth habit makes harvesting easy, and it is distinguished by producing larger umbels than many other varieties. Its fresh, aniseed flavor is particularly valued in cooking, whether with fish, vegetables, or in marinades and preserves.
Reliable and easy to grow , 'Dukat' dill is suitable for both vegetable gardens and container gardening. It is ideal for gardeners looking for a generous, simple, and versatile herb that provides regular harvests without complex maintenance.
Latin name : Anethum graveolens
Maturity : Annual
Type : Dill
Plant height : Approximately 60 to 75 cm
Spread : Approximately 30 cm
Quantity per packet : Approximately 200 seeds
Formulation : Treated
Uses : Fresh leaves, seeds, cooking, preserves
Companion plants : Broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, cucumber, gherkin, turnip
Nefarious plants : Carrot, parsnip, parsley
Farming method
Dill has a fragile taproot , which means it does not transplant well . It is therefore best to sow it directly where it will grow .
For container gardening, sow directly into pots at least 30 cm in diameter from April onwards, then place the pots in a sunny and warm location. In May, gradually move the containers outdoors to acclimatize the plants.
In open ground, direct sowing takes place at the end of May , when the soil has warmed up. Germination is slow , generally taking two to four weeks .
Floor and spacing
Dill thrives in light, well-drained, and fertile soil . If the soil is compacted, lighten it with sand and compost. Adding compost or a manure and seaweed amendment at planting time promotes vigorous growth.
Make furrows approximately 1 cm deep , spaced 20 cm apart, and sow one seed every 5 cm . Cover, firm lightly, and water. When the seedlings have 2 or 3 leaves , thin them out to leave one plant every 15 to 20 cm .
Growing tips
Young dill plants are sensitive to stress. Transplanting should be avoided at all costs, as it can cause premature flowering and shorten the harvest. Maintenance is minimal: water when the soil surface is dry , which helps maintain steady growth and delays bolting.
Harvesting and uses
Harvest the leaves as needed . They are particularly tasty when in bloom . The leaves can be used fresh, dried, or frozen.
The flowers and seeds are also edible. To harvest the seeds, wait until the flower heads turn brown and dry , then gently rub them in a paper bag. The seeds can be used in cooking or saved for future sowings. Aromatic, prolific, and easy to grow , 'Dukat' dill is a reliable herb garden staple, ideal for those who want to fully enjoy a fragrant plant from sowing to seed harvest.
