Growing Dill Indoors in 5 Steps

Native to the Mediterranean region of Europe and Asia, Dill is an herb which is relatively easy to grow indoors. The name 'dill' comes from the Anglo-Saxon word 'dylle' or 'dille" which means "to lull or soothe," probably named so for its gas-relieving properties. Dill is technically a perennial, however it is short-lived, and therefore is generally treated as an annual. Dill is harvested for its leaves, which are commonly used in soups, salads, and on fish, and its seeds which are used for flavoring and pickling. 

Growing dill indoors is relatively easy and yields results quickly; its leaves are typically ready for harvest within 6 to 8 weeks.

Step 1- Planting

Plant your seed 1/4 to 1/2 inches deep in a well draining, compost-rich soil. You may need to add sand or perlite to be sure your soil will properly drain after watering. Dill grow best in soil thats pH level falls between 6 to 7.5. If you are planting in a long container that runs along your window sill, plant seeds about 9 inches apart. You can sow about 4 inches apart, and then thin to 9 inches after they come up. 

Step 2- Getting Enough Light

Mediterranean herbs like dill are sun-lovers. If there is no spot in your home where dill will get 6 hours of sunlight, use grow lights. Fluorescent lights should be placed about 8 inches above the plants, while high-intensity lights like sodium lights should be several feet higher than your herbs. Most home growers use fluorescent lights, as they are much cheaper. 

Step 3 - Feeding and Watering

When growing in containers, herbs should be fertilized weekly with a liquid fertilizer or fish fertilizer. Although dill is drought resistant, it will grow better if watered regularly. Water until soil is moist and don't water again until soil is dry.

Step 4 - Staking

Since indoor dill is likely to grow tall, you may need to stake if your dill starts to droop. Many gardeners plant a dwarf dill like 'Fern Leaf' when planting indoors which stops growing at about 18 inches, compared to 24 or 36 inches like standard varieties.

Step 5 - Harvesting

Leaves will be ready to harvest 6 to 8 weeks after planting. Once you see flower buds forming, leaf production will cease; trim off leaves from the stem base. About 2 to 3 weeks after blooming, seed buds will begin to ripen. Cut off stalks just before seeds ripen and turn a tan color. Hang the stalks upside down, and tie a plastic bag with tiny holes poked in it around the seed head. Seeds will fall into the bag as they ripen more.

If you don't have use for the seed, just cut down to a couple inches when the first leaves are ready. Your plant may grow back in another 8 weeks.