herb
EdibleDill
Anethum graveolens
Considered non-toxic to cats and dogs (source: ASPCA).
A sunny south-facing window with 6+ hours, or a grow light.
Keep evenly moist — water when the top inch of soil is dry.
Needs a little consistency, but nothing fancy.
Dill is a fast feathery herb that prefers bright light and a deeper pot for its taproot. It bolts to flower fairly quickly, so resow in batches for continuous fronds.
About Dill
Dill (Anethum graveolens) is a fast, feathery herb that prefers bright light and a deeper pot for its taproot. It comes from the eastern Mediterranean and western Asia. For a renter it suits a 4-litre container in a sunny window, sown directly into its final pot since dill resents having its roots disturbed. It's quick to leaf but short-lived once it runs to flower.
Because it bolts fairly quickly, the trick is to sow a fresh batch every few weeks for a continuous supply of fronds. Give it depth for the taproot and bright light to keep the stems sturdy. A first harvest comes around 40 to 60 days. Heat and crowding both push it to bolt sooner, so a cooler, roomier spot stretches its useful life.
What it’s like to grow
Dill is rated moderate, mainly because of its taproot's dislike of transplanting and its habit of bolting. Early flowering is the clearest signal that it's winding down, often hurried along by heat or crowding. Floppy, leggy stems point to too little light. Aimed at the grower happy to resow in batches rather than rely on one long-lived plant. Dill is non-toxic to cats and dogs, so the pot is safe around pets.
What to expect
First harvest in about 40–60 days. It asks for a little consistency, but nothing fancy. No sunny window? It also does fine under a clip-on grow light.
See what you’ll need to get started ↓Companions
Tips
- Sow directly into the final pot, since dill resents root disturbance.
- Give it a deeper container to accommodate the taproot.
- Sow a fresh batch every few weeks as plants bolt.
Common problems
- Early bolting to flower, especially in heat or when crowded.
- Floppy, leggy stems in low light.
Common questions
Is Dill toxic to cats and dogs?
Dill is non-toxic to cats and dogs, which makes it a safe pick if you have pets. Source: ASPCA.
How much light does Dill need?
Dill wants bright light — a south-facing window with six or more hours of sun, or a grow light to make up for it.
How often should I water Dill?
Water Dill when the top inch of soil feels dry, then let it drain. Aim for evenly moist, not soggy.
What temperature does Dill need?
Dill is happiest around 15–24 °C. It tolerates brief dips to about -4 °C, but cold drafts and sudden chills set it back.
How long does Dill take to grow?
Expect a first harvest about 40–60 days from sowing under good conditions. Quick to leaf but short-lived once it bolts; succession-sow for a steady supply of fronds.
Can I grow Dill without a sunny window?
Yes. Dill does well under an affordable clip-on grow light, so a bright window isn't essential.
How big does Dill get?
A feathery upright herb ~0.4–0.6 m tall; sow several together and harvest young.
How do I propagate Dill?
Sow seeds directly into the final pot; dill resents root disturbance from transplanting.
What pests affect Dill?
Watch for aphids, spider mites and whitefly. Check new growth and the undersides of leaves often, and treat early with a rinse or insecticidal soap before they spread.
Is Dill easy to grow?
Dill is moderately easy. It asks for some consistency with light and water, but nothing advanced.
Gear for Dill
Gear suggestions to get you started — general picks, not paid placements.
Pet-toxicity from the ASPCA. Care details are general guidance, not professional or veterinary advice; only eat plants you can positively identify as the edible plant and part described. Photo: JLPC, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA). Care info last updated 2026-06-02.