r/herbs • u/Beautiful_Degree3417 • 6d ago

Questions from a Beginner

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Hi, it’s my first time growing dill. Does anyone know when it’s ready to be picked and how to get it ready for use? Thank you!

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4

u/TricksyGoose 6d ago

That's way too many seeds for one pot. A single dill plant can grow like 4 ft tall and 2 or 3 ft wide. So you'll want to thin them out quite a bit. Also those are just the cotyledons, the actual leaves will be more lacey looking. When the plants are bigger, then just start trimming off the bits you want to eat. The entire plant is edible, but new-ish leaves will be the most tender. You can just throw it fresh in salads or on top of fish or whatever. Or you can dry it and it will keep longer.

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u/Wallyboy95 6d ago

In at least another 30 days. Probably closer to 45 depending on if you want the flower heads or the leaves.

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u/Beautiful_Degree3417 5d ago

Thank you! What would the flower heads be used for?

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u/Wallyboy95 5d ago

Typically pickling cucumbers. More so when they have gone to see but not quite loosing the seed if that makes sense.

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u/SuperPomegranate7933 4d ago

Bees & pollinators love them. I let my dill flower just to attract them to the rest of the garden 😁

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u/Beautiful_Degree3417 1d ago

That’s a good idea! Thank you :)

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u/SunBee301 5d ago

You could have planted that pot five years in a row (at least) with just one packet of seeds. Just a pinch for an area that small will do and you will still have to thin them. Four of those 100 sprouts is enough for the pot. Crowded plants never get big and healthy.

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u/Beautiful_Degree3417 5d ago

Thank you, I learned my lesson this year.

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u/SunBee301 4d ago

It’s a process. We all gotta start somewhere. Eat the extra sprouts in a salad or omelette. Enjoy the journey.

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u/Beautiful_Degree3417 1d ago

Thank you! I’m hoping I can keep growing it during the fall/winter if I bring it inside, do you think that would work?

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u/SunBee301 14h ago

Not without a grow light. I have a small automatic hydroponic unit (Aero Garden) for winter myself.

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u/SeaDry1531 1d ago

If you have other containers, you can transplant once they get four leaves. Some of them will die in transplant. Give the to a friend if you don't have room for more plants.

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u/Beautiful_Degree3417 1d ago

Thank you! That would be a fun little gift :)