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Most herb garden information texts describe dill as being herb garden plants with plumes of finely cut blue-green leaves and lemon yellow flowers with flattish heads in mid summer. Although this varies slightly from plant to plant, this is an accurate enough description for dill as a whole. It grows to about 90 cms (3 ft) in height.

Usage:

Leaves and seeds both contain a mild sedative, although the flavours are dissimilar. Dill water was a remedy for squalling babies 100 years ago and dill is the sweet tasting ingredient in gripe water. Its primary culinary use is as an addition to pickled cucumbers and gherkins - known in America as dill pickles. Dill vinegar is another popular condiment, made by soaking half a cup of dill seed in a litre of malt vinegar for three to four hours, then straining off the liquid and bottling.

History:
A native of the Mediterranean countries and Russia.

Cultivation:
These rather delicate herb garden plants have hollow stalks which become top heavy in bloom and may be knocked over by strong wind, making it best to find a sheltered spot for dill cultivation. Sow seeds in a sunny spot, thin seedlings out to 20 cms (8 ins) apart. Grow in place if possible as dill will often bolt into flower prematurely when transplanted. Current herb garden information says to sow dill in Spring when the ground warms up and follow with staggered sowings fortnightly throughout the summer to ensure a regular supply of fresh leaves. Where winters are very mild seed can be sown in the autumn (fall) to overwinter and provide a good early crop the following spring. Don’t sow near fennel - the two plants tend to cross-pollinate and the resultant seeds lose flavour. The wispy foliage may be cut about 6 to 7 weeks after sowing and the seed collected when fully ripe.

Harvesting:

To get the richest flavour from these herb garden plants, harvest the leaves just before the plant flowers. Small sprigs wrapped in foil and sealed will keep for several weeks in the freezer. Alternatively, chop the leaves, add a little water and freeze in ice cubes.

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