Herb – Dill Mammoth Long Island

Description

Dill – Mammoth Long Island – Mammoth Long Island Dill

50 Seeds per pack

Annual Herb

Days to Maturity: 65–70 (leaves, flowers), 70+ (seeds)

Sun Requirements: Full Sun to Light Shade

Botanical Name: (Anethum graveolens)

Mammoth Long Island Dill is a vigorous heirloom appreciated for both its culinary value and traditional medicinal uses. Historically brewed into teas for colds, coughs, and digestion, it was also used to soothe colic and freshen breath. Its beneficial compounds are still valued today for aiding digestion and promoting relaxation.

Hardy and adaptable, this variety thrives in full sun and prefers cooler temperatures to extend leaf production and delay bolting. Best grown in garden beds or large containers with deep soil, it reaches an impressive 3 to 6 feet in height. Its fine, feathery foliage is dark green, and its broad, umbrella-like flower heads span 6–8 inches and attract beneficial pollinators.

The leaves impart a bright, herbal flavor to salads, steamed vegetables, and sauces. Flowers can be used fresh in vinegar infusions or as a garnish, while the seeds are essential for pickling and add warm flavor to breads and spice blends.

All parts—leaves, flowers, and seeds—dry well for extended use. Rich in vitamins A and C, it also provides folate, calcium, potassium, and magnesium, making it a nourishing and versatile garden staple.

Planting Instructions for Dill – Mammoth Long Island 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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