Herb – Dill Dukat

Description

Dill Dukat – Dukat dill

50 Seeds per pack

Annual Herb

Days to Maturity: 60–70 Days

Sun Requirements: Full Sun to Light Shade

Botanical Name: (Anethum graveolens)

Bred in Denmark for the Scandinavian cuisine, Dukat Dill stands out for its sweeter flavor and abundant foliage. It grows to a height of 18–24 inches, with finely cut, blue-green leaves that are darker and denser than most, creating a lush, full plant. This variety maintains its leafy growth longer before producing flower heads, extending the harvest season for “Dill weed”. Large 10-inch umbels yield aromatic seeds ideal for pickling and seasoning. Slower to bolt than many dills, Dukat handles warmer weather while continuing to produce fragrant, flavorful leaves.

Mild and slightly sweet, its fresh leaves enhance steamed vegetables, sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, salads, dressings, and sauces. It pairs beautifully with fish and Mediterranean dishes. Allowing some plants to flower provides seed heads perfect for pickling and spice blends, and if left in the garden, it will reseed itself for the following year.

Rich in essential oils, Dukat Dill is not only flavorful but also aromatic. Its seeds are used in culinary and cosmetic applications, and has long been prized for aiding digestion and easing colds. Packed with vitamins A and C, along with folate, calcium, and magnesium, Dukat Dill is a healthy and delicious choice for the herb garden.

Planting Instructions for Dill – Dukat Seeds

When to Plant:
Sow dill seeds directly outdoors after the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed to at least 60°F (15°C)—typically in late spring. Because dill develops a long taproot and doesn’t transplant well, direct seeding is preferred. For a steady supply of fresh leaves, sow additional batches every 2 to 3 weeks through midsummer. Indoors, dill can be grown year-round if given enough light and space for its roots.

Where to Plant:
Choose a location with full sun (6–8 hours of direct light) and protection from strong winds, as dill’s tall, hollow stalks can be blown over easily. Dill thrives in well-drained, fertile soil rich in organic matter with a slightly acidic to neutral pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Raised beds and deep containers also work well, especially for compact varieties like Dukat dill.

How to Plant:
Sow seeds about ¼″ (6 mm) deep and ½″ apart in rows spaced 12–18″ apart. For containers, use a pot at least 15″ deep to accommodate the taproot, and sow seeds thinly over the surface. Water the soil thoroughly after sowing. Seedlings emerge in 10–14 days. Once they are 2–3″ tall, thin to 10–12″ apart to give plants ample room to develop. In cold or windy areas, plants may benefit from a cloche or stake support.

How to Grow:
Keep soil consistently moist, especially during germination and hot and dry spells. Dill is not a heavy feeder; enrich the soil with compost before sowing, and side-dress with a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) if growth is slow. For bushier plants, regularly pinch back the growing tips and remove early flower stems. Taller varieties may need staking. To avoid early bolting in hot weather, water deeply once or twice a week and mulch around the base of the plant to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Harvesting Tips:
Begin harvesting leaves when plants are about 8″ tall—roughly 6–8 weeks after sowing. Snip off outer leaves or young tips as needed, always leaving some foliage to support continued growth. Harvest regularly to prevent flowering. To collect seeds, wait until flower heads dry and seeds turn tan. Cut the entire seed head and hang upside down in a paper bag to catch the seeds as they drop. Store fully dried seeds in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.

Seed Saving:
Dill seeds remain viable for up to 5 years if stored dry and cool. We offer seed-saving envelopes that are ideal for organizing and labeling your own collection.

Companion Planting:
Dill pairs well with Brassicas like broccoli and cabbage, repelling pests and attracting beneficial insects such as wasps, bees, and predatory hoverflies. Avoid planting near carrots, as dill may inhibit their growth.

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