The Best Dill Cultivars for all Your Needs

 

Are you looking for the best dill seed for your pickle jar, for your flower arrangements or to use fresh in your favorite recipes? You've come to the right place. We've compiled a list of the best dill varieties for almost any need.

Dill is a popular annual herb for commercial cultivation and for the backyard garden. Its popularity has encouraged growers to create varieties with favorable characteristics beyond what you will see when planting a classic heirloom dill like Bouquet dill. Some of these dill varieties are slow to bolt, while others are sized -- small for applications like container gardens - or large for increased crop yields. Still others have been cultivated to produce abundant seed or strong flavor. So, which dill cultivar is best for your application? Let's find out.

The following list of dill varieties is organized by each one's most favorable characteristic, although you will find in the descriptions that some have more than one potential plus to recommend them. I've also included a detailed at-a-glance summary of important details you'll need to grow,  maintain and use one or more of these dill plants in your garden and in your recipes.

Best Dill Cultivars by Feature

Common Dill (Anethum graveolens) has been modified over generations, resulting in a variety of cultivars, each with its own unique traits. Here's a breakdown of some popular choices:

Dill-iest Dill - Best Dill Cultivars for Flavor

Pickled cucumbers aren't the only way to enjoy the strong flavor of dill. Choose the right dill variety for all your pickled vegetables. Here are some strong flavored favorites to try in your garden.

Dukat Dill (Anethum graveolens 'Dukat'): This late-flowering variety was created to exhibit intense, persistent flavor. It's a good choice for cooks who want to maximize the dill's unique appeal in their dishes. Dukat dill is disease resistant and well known to commercial growers for it's reliably high yields.

Ambrosia Dill (Anethum graveolens 'Ambrozja') This hardy Polish dill will grow to 24 to 36 inches. Bushy and an easy care choice, ambrosia dill Is popular for it's intense flavor and good texture.

Hera Dill (Anethum graveolens 'Hera') The attractive blue green leaves and stems of Hera dill were first developed for their strong flavor and slow bolting characteristics. This dill variety is an excellent choice as a pickling herb or for use as a garnish.

Sprinter dill (Anethum graveolens ‘Sprinter’) Sprinter is a popular variety known for its fast maturing and compact size. That and its glossy leaves makes it a good landscape plant, and an attractive addition to an herb patch. It's a nice container plant, too.

Dill That Beats the Heat - Best Dill Cultivars Late to Bolt

Bolting is one of the reasons some gardeners stop trying to grow dill, but newer cultivars have gone a long way towards solving that problem. And even if you stick with heirloom dill varieties, successive plantings can ensure a full season of harvests. For delayed bolting try one or more of these dill cultivars.

Fernleaf Dill (Anethum graveolens 'Dwarfgurke'): Perfect for container growing due to its compact size (12 to 18 inches tall), Fernleaf dill is also known for its slow bolting habit, allowing you to enjoy fresh leaves into late summer.

Hera Dill (Anethum graveolens 'Hera') The attractive blue green leaves and stems of Hera dill were first developed for their strong flavor and slow bolting characteristics. This dill variety is an excellent choice as a pickling herb or for use as a garnish.

Tetra Dill (Anethum graveolens 'Tetra'): This dill variety reaches 25 to 32 inches in height and is favored for its slow bolting tendency. It also offers a continuous harvest of aromatic and tasty leaves with a complex blend of flavors reminiscent of dill with a whisper of fennel and anise in the mix.

Hercules Dill (Anethum graveolens 'Hercules') Hercules grows slowly and resists bolting for an extended harvest. Its height tops out at about 35 inches. This dill may require staking.

Greensleeves Dill  (Anethum graveolens 'Green Sleeves') Grows to 18" tall. This slow bolting dill is dark green, compact and has the potential for a long harvest time.

Best Dill Cultivars for a Long Harvest

Hercules Dill (Anethum graveolens 'Hercules') Hercules grows slowly and resists bolting for an extended harvest. Height tops out at about 35 inches.

The Nose Knows - Best Dill Cultivars for Strong Aroma

A strong flavor isn't the only important attribute to look for in the dill you choose to use in the kitchen. A pungent or more complex or spicy aroma can elevate your fish dishes and other culinary projects. Take a look at these dill varieties known to showcase persistent, deep aroma in recipes.

Bouquet Dill (Anethum graveolens 'Bouquet'): A widely grown cultivar, Bouquet dill has a pungent aroma and lots of feathery foliage. It will reach 24 to 30 inches in height.

Hera Dill (Anethum graveolens 'Hera') The attractive blue green leaves and stems of Hera dill were first developed for their strong flavor and slow bolting characteristics. This dill variety is an excellent choice as a pickling herb or for use as a garnish.

Dukat Dill (Anethum graveolens 'Dukat'): This late-flowering variety was created to exhibit intense, persistent flavor. It's a good choice for cooks who want to maximize the dill's unique appeal in their dishes. Dukat dill is disease resistant and well known to commercial growers for it's reliably high yields.

When Size Matters - Best Large Dill Plant Cultivars

Large dill cultivars help insure a big harvest of leaves and seeds, and can make a dramatic backdrop in an herb garden. Whether you're interested in commercial production or just plenty of fresh dill at your fingertips, check out these varieties.

Superdukat Dill (Anethum graveolens 'Superdukat'): As the name suggests, Superdukat dill is a giant among dill varieties, reaching 5 feet in height. It's a late bloomer with excellent seed production and bushy foliage.

Elephant Dill (Anethum graveolens 'Elephant'): This large cultivar grows to 36 to 48 inches tall. It's also a late bloomer and a good choice well-suited for gardeners who prioritize fresh dill leaves and blossoms over seed production.

Mammoth Long Island Dill (Anethum graveolens 'Long Island Mammoth')  Developed on Long Island, New York, specifically for its large size and high yield of leaves, this one is ideal for commercial production.

Fastest Growing Dill Cultivars

Spring and summer are great times to enjoy dill in salads,  fish dishes and more. You'll be able to harvest early if you choose the right fast growing dill seed for your garden. Here are some quick start options that won't disappoint.

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Teddy Dill (Anethum graveolens 'Teddy'): Similar to Fernleaf dill, Teddy is another excellent choice for container growing (12 to 18 inches) and fast growth. It also produces fine, closely packed leaves which makes it a good choice for baby leaf production, too.

Sprinter dill (Anethum graveolens ‘Sprinter’) Sprinter is a popular variety known for its fast maturing and compact size. That and its glossy leaves makes it a good landscape plant, and an attractive addition to an herb patch. It's a nice container plant, too.

Lukullus Dill (Anethum graveolens ‘Lukullus’) An early dill with strong aroma and flavor. This one was first developed in Germany, and is quite popular there.

Best Dill Cultivars for Commercial Production

Dukat Dill (Anethum graveolens 'Dukat'): This late-flowering variety was created to exhibit intense, persistent flavor. It's a good choice for cooks who want to maximize the dill's unique appeal in their dishes. Dukat dill is disease resistant and well known to commercial growers for it's reliably high yields.

Vierling Dill (Anethum graveolens 'Vierling')  Strong stemmed and aromatic, this dill is valued for its commercial application in the flower industry, largely in Europe.

Mammoth Long Island Dill (Anethum graveolens 'Long Island Mammoth')  Developed on Long Island, New York, specifically for its large size and high yield of leaves. This one is ideal for commercial production.

Best Dill Cultivars for Beginners

Will this be your first time growing dill? If so, choose a beginner friendly dill variety. Delikat dill  is a good example.

Delikat Dill (Lactuca sativa L. var. dill) Very easy to cultivate but best for cooler climates. Delikat dill has a low growing habit. This makes it a good candidate for a container, and it's slightly spicy leaves make it a delicious cooking herb, too. A charmer, this dill variety grows to between 12 and 18 inches high.

Dill for the Ages - Best Dill Cultivars for Seed Production

Superdukat Dill (Anethum graveolens 'Superdukat'): Reaching 5 feet in height, Superdukat is a behemoth among dill varieties. It's a late bloomer with excellent seed production and bushy foliage.

Tetra Dill (Anethum graveolens 'Tetra'): This dill variety reaches 25 to 32 inches in height and is favored for its slow bolting tendency. It also offers a continuous harvest of aromatic and tasty leaves with a complex blend of flavors reminiscent of dill with a whisper of fennel and anise in the mix.

Dill for Small Spaces - Best Dill Cultivars for Containers

When growing herbs on your deck or patio, don't forget dill. A. number of dill varieties do very well in containers and thrive in small spaces. Here are some standouts that top out at 18 inches and don't spread too much.

Delikat Dill (Lactuca sativa L. var. dill) Very easy to cultivate but best for cooler climates. Delikat dill has a low growing habit. This makes it a good candidate for a container, and it's slightly spicy leaves make it a delicious cooking herb, too. A charmer, this dill variety grows to between 12 and 18 inches high.

Fernleaf Dill (Anethum graveolens 'Dwarfgurke'): This compact variety thrives in containers, providing a steady supply of fresh leaves for balcony gardeners. It is also slow to bolt.

Teddy Dill (Anethum graveolens 'Teddy'): Similar to Fernleaf dill, Teddy is another excellent choice for container growing (12 to 18 inches) and fast growth. It also produces fine, closely packed leaves which makes it a good choice for baby leaf production, too.

Greensleeves Dill  (Anethum graveolens 'Green Sleeves') Grows to 18" tall. This slow bolting dill is dark green, compact and has the potential for a long harvest time.

Sprinter dill (Anethum graveolens ‘Sprinter’) is a popular variety known for its fast maturing and compact size. It's a nice container plant and a great kitchen staple.

Best Dill Cultivars for Pickling

There's nothing nicer than enjoying the flavor of dill all year long. When considering the best dill for pickling cucumbers and other vegetables, choose one with strong flavor and good seed production. Nice flowering characteristics help too, especially if you want to include a  dill flower in your pickle jar. Here are some good pickling dills.

Hera Dill (Anethum graveolens 'Hera') The attractive blue green leaves and stems of Hera dill were first developed for their strong flavor and slow bolting characteristics. This dill variety is an excellent choice as a pickling herb or for use as a garnish.

Superdukat Dill (Anethum graveolens 'Superdukat'): Reaching 5 feet in height, Superdukat is a behemoth among dill varieties. It's a late bloomer with excellent seed production and bushy foliage.

Tetra Dill (Anethum graveolens 'Tetra'): This dill variety reaches 25 to 32 inches in height and is favored for its slow bolting tendency. It also offers a continuous harvest of aromatic and tasty leaves with a complex blend of flavors reminiscent of dill with a whisper of fennel and anise in the mix.

Best Dill Cultivars for Large Flowers

In some areas of the world, dill flowers are common additions to garden bouquets and even professional flower arrangements. These bright yellow flowers are surprisingly cheerful, either on the plant, or in a vase on your kitchen table.

Superdukat Dill (Anethum graveolens 'Superdukat'): As the name suggests, Superdukat dill is a giant among dill varieties, reaching 5 feet in height. It's a late bloomer with excellent seed production, blooms and bushy foliage.

Tetra Dill (Anethum graveolens 'Tetra'): This dill variety reaches 25 to 32 inches in height and is favored for its slow bolting tendency. It also offers a continuous harvest of aromatic and tasty leaves with a complex blend of flavors reminiscent of dill with a whisper of fennel and anise in the mix.

Kronos Dill (Anethum graveolens ‘Kronos’) A mid-season entry that was first cultivated in the Netherlands. Kronos dill produces large flowers on thick stems. The plant itself has attractive, dark green, waxy leaves.

Care Instructions for Dill Cultivars

Ambrosia Dill (Anethum graveolens 'Ambrozja')

Sowing: Direct sow outdoors in mid-spring after frost
Days to Germination: 10 to 14 days - Dill needs light to germinate. Avoid covering seeds.
Soil Needs: Average to fertile, well-drained
Moisture and Humidity Needs: Moderate watering, avoid soggy soil
Light Requirements: Full sun
Spacing: 8 to 10 inches apart
Days to Maturity (for leaves): 45 to 50 days
Height at Maturity: 24 to 36 inches
Pests and Diseases: Aphids, caterpillars, fungal diseases like powdery mildew
Uses and Benefits: Culinary (leaves, seeds), strong flavor and good texture. Ambrosia dill is tolerant to cold and drought and diseases resistant.
History: Polish heirloom dill known for its strong flavor and hardiness.

Bouquet Dill (Anethum graveolens)

Sowing: Direct sow outdoors in mid-spring after frost or start indoors 3 to 4 weeks before last frost.
Days to Germination: 10 to 14 days - Dill needs light to germinate. Avoid covering seeds.
Soil Needs: Average to fertile, well-drained
Moisture and Humidity Needs: Moderate watering, avoid soggy soil
Light Requirements: Full sun
Spacing: 8 to 10 inches apart
Days to Maturity (for leaves): 40 to 50 days
Height at Maturity: 24 to 30 inches
Pests and Diseases: Aphids, caterpillars, fungal diseases like powdery mildew
Uses and Benefits: Culinary (leaves, seeds), bushy growth with abundant leaves, good for fresh use and drying.
History: This is not a specific cultivar but rather the general term for the common heirloom dill herb. It is one of the hardest dill plants available.

Compatto Dill (Anethum graveolens 'Compatto')

Sowing: Direct sow outdoors in mid-spring after frost or start indoors 3 to 4 weeks before last frost
Days to Germination: 10 to 14 days - Dill needs light to germinate. Avoid covering seeds.
Soil Needs: Average to fertile, well-drained
Moisture and Humidity Needs: Moderate watering, avoid soggy soil
Light Requirements: Full sun
Spacing: 3 to 6 inches apart
Days to Maturity (for leaves): 35 to 40 days
Height at Maturity: 18 to 20 inches
Pests and Diseases: Aphids, caterpillars
Uses and Benefits: Culinary (leaves, seeds), attracts beneficial insects
History: Originally developed for container growing.

Delikat Dill (Lactuca sativa L. var. dill)

Sowing Recommendations:  - Dill needs light to germinate. Avoid covering seeds.
Direct sow outdoors 2 to 4 weeks before your last frost date.
Sow seeds 1/4-inch deep in rows 12 to 18 inches apart.
Start Seeds Indoors 4 to 6 weeks before the last frost date and transplant outdoors after hardening off.
Days to Germination: 7 to 14 days
Soil Requirements: Prefers well-drained, loose soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
Amending the soil with compost before planting is beneficial.
Moisture and Humidity Needs: Prefers consistent moisture but avoid soggy soil. Moderate humidity is ideal.
Light Requirements: Full sun (6+ hours of direct sunlight) is best for optimal growth.
Spacing: Thin seedlings to 6 to 8 inches apart after they reach a few inches tall.
Days to Maturity: 50 to 60 days
Height at Maturity: 12 to 18 inches
Pests and Diseases: Common pests include aphids and caterpillars. Diseases like powdery mildew can occur in humid conditions. Practice good garden hygiene and crop rotation to minimize pest and disease problems.
Uses and Benefits: Delikat dill is known for its abundant, flavorful leaves perfect for fresh use in salads, dips, and sauces.
Common Names: Dwarf dill, Delikat Dill, Delicate Dill
History:  This is a full flavored dill native to Ukraine, Moldova and Russia. Historically, it's been popular for use fresh and in canning. May be challenging to find seeds or seed discs available in the U.S.

Dukat Dill (Anethum graveolens 'Dukat')

Sowing: Direct sow outdoors in late spring or early summer after last frost
Days to Germination: 10 to 21 days - Dill needs light to germinate. Avoid covering seeds.
Soil Needs: Average to fertile, well-drained soil with good compost for best performance
Moisture and Humidity Needs: Moderate watering, avoid soggy soil
Light Requirements: Full sun
Spacing: 12 to 18 inches apart
Days to Maturity (for leaves): 60 to 70 days
Height at Maturity: Up to 6 feet
Pests and Diseases: Aphids, caterpillars
Uses and Benefits: Culinary (for leaves and seeds), somewhat sweeter flavor than other dills. Dukat Dill also has a stockier profile and holds its leaves longer. 
History: Originally bred in Denmark for its uniquely fresh flavor popular in Scandinavian cuisine.

Elephant Dill (Anethum graveolens 'Elephant')

Sowing Recommendations: Sow seeds directly outdoors 2 to 4 weeks before the last frost date. Plant seeds ¼ inch deep and 12 to 18 inches apart. You can also start seeds indoors 4 to 6 weeks before the last frost date and transplant seedlings outdoors after hardening them off.
Days to Germination: 10 to 14 days - Dill needs light to germinate. Avoid covering seeds.
Soil Requirements: Prefers well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
Moisture and Humidity Needs: Needs moderate moisture. Water regularly, especially during hot weather, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Avoid waterlogged conditions.
Light Requirements: Full sun (at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily) is ideal for optimal growth and flavor development.
Spacing: 12 to 18 inches apart between plants.
Days to Maturity: 60 to 70 days for fresh leaves; 75 to 80 days for seeds.
Height at Maturity: 36 to 48 inches

Pests and Diseases: Aphids, cercospora leaf blight, caterpillars, and powdery mildew are occasional problems.

Uses and Benefits: Elephant dill is prized for its small, late blooms and large, flavorful leaves. It is late to bolt. It is ideal for fresh use in culinary applications. 
History: Originally developed for its late flowering, late bolting characteristics.

Emerald Dill (Anethum graveolens 'Szmaragd')

Sowing: Direct sow outdoors in mid-spring after frost or start indoors 3 to 4 weeks before last frost
Days to Germination: 10 to 14 days - Dill needs light to germinate. Avoid covering seeds.
Soil Needs: Average to fertile, well-drained
Moisture and Humidity Needs: Moderate watering, avoid soggy soil
Light Requirements: Full sun
Spacing: 6 to 8 inches apart
Days to Maturity (for leaves): 45 to 50 days
Height at Maturity: 18 to 24 inches
Pests and Diseases: Aphids, caterpillars
Uses and Benefits: Culinary (leaves, seeds), compact plant with dense, feathery foliage, good for containers, slow to bolt
History: Developed for its compact size, dense foliage, and suitability for container gardening. A popular herb in Poland, emerald dill has an excellent flavor and aroma. It also stores well either frozen or dried.

Fernleaf Dill (Anethum graveolens 'Fernleaf')

Sowing: Direct sow outdoors in mid-spring after frost or start indoors 3 to 4 weeks before last frost. 
Days to Germination: 10 to 14 days - Dill needs light to germinate. Avoid covering seeds.
Soil Needs: Average to fertile, well-drained
Moisture and Humidity Needs: Moderate watering, avoid soggy soil
Light Requirements: Full sun
Spacing: 6 to 8 inches apart
Days to Maturity (for leaves): 40 to 45 days
Height at Maturity: 12 to 18 inches
Pests and Diseases: Aphids, caterpillars
Uses and Benefits: Culinary (leaves, seeds), compact size ideal for containers, attracts beneficial insects
History: Developed for compact growth and container suitability (Winner of the 1992 All-America Selections)

Greensleeves Dill, alt. Green Sleeves (Anethum graveolens 'Green Sleeves')

Sowing: Direct sow outdoors in mid-spring after frost or start indoors 3 to 4 weeks before last frost. 
Days to Germination: 10 to 14 days - Dill needs light to germinate. Avoid covering seeds.
Soil Needs: Average to fertile, well-drained
Moisture and Humidity Needs: Moderate watering, avoid soggy soilx
Light Requirements: Full sun
Spacing: 6 to 8 inches apart
Days to Maturity (for leaves): 45 to 50 days
Height at Maturity: 18 to 24 inches
Pests and Diseases: Aphids, caterpillars
Uses and Benefits: Culinary (leaves, seeds), slower to bolt, abundant feathery leaves, ideal for fresh use
History: Developed for its dense, feathery foliage and extended harvest time.

Hera Dill (Anethum graveolens 'Hera')

Sowing: Sow seeds directly outdoors 2 to 4 weeks before the last frost date. Plant seeds 1/4-inch deep and 6 to 12 inches apart. You can also start seeds indoors 4 to 6 weeks before the last frost date and transplant seedlings outdoors after hardening them off.
Days to Germination: 10 to 14 days - Dill needs light to germinate. Avoid covering seeds.
Soil Requirements: Prefers well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
Moisture and Humidity Needs: Needs moderate moisture. Water regularly, especially during hot weather, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Avoid waterlogged conditions.
Light Requirements: Full sun (at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily) is ideal for optimal growth and flavor development.
Spacing: 6 to 12 inches apart between plants.
Days to Maturity: 60 to 70 days for fresh leaves; 75 to 80 days for seeds.
Height at Maturity: 18 to 24 inches tall
Pests and Diseases: Aphids, caterpillars, and powdery mildew are occasional problems.
Uses and Benefits: Hera dill is valued for its slow bolting habit, meaning it produces fresh leaves for a longer period compared to other dill varieties. The leaves have a strong aroma and flavor, perfect for culinary applications. You can also harvest the seeds for later use.
History: Hera dill is a specific cultivar developed for its strong flavor and slow bolting characteristics. It's a lovely blue green, and excellent as a garnish and pickling herb.

Hercules Dill (Anethum graveolens 'Hercules')

Sowing: Direct sow outdoors in mid-spring after frost or start indoors 3 to 4 weeks before last frost.
Days to Germination: 10 to 14 days - Dill needs light to germinate. Avoid covering seeds.
Soil Needs: Average to fertile, well-drained soil
Moisture and Humidity Needs: Moderate watering, avoid soggy soil
Light Requirements: Full sun
Spacing: 8 to 10 inches apart
Days to Maturity (for leaves): 65 to 70 days
Height at Maturity: 35 inches
Pests and Diseases: Aphids, caterpillars
Uses and Benefits: Culinary (leaves, seeds), tall and productive, slow to bolt, good for extended harvest of leaves
History: Not as widely documented as other varieties, but prized for its tall stature, high yield, and extended leaf production.

Kronos Dill (Anethum graveolens ‘Kronos’)

Sowing: Sow seeds directly outdoors 2 to 4 weeks after the last frost, in full sun. Seeds can also be started indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost, and transplanted outdoors after hardening off.

Days to Germination: 10 to 14 days

Soil Requirements: Prefers well-drained, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0-7.0.

Moisture and Humidity Needs: Moderate moisture. Water regularly, especially during hot weather, but allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Avoid overwatering.

Light Requirements: Full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day)

Spacing: 12 to 18 inches apart

Days to Maturity: 60 to 70 days

Height at Maturity: 30 to 36 inches tall

Pests and Diseases: Dill is relatively pest and disease resistant. However, common problems include aphids, caterpillars, and powdery mildew.

Uses and Benefits: The leaves and flowers of Kronos dill make a very nice presentation. The plant itself is attractive in the garden and a good producer.

History: Kronos dill is a relatively new variety, developed in the Netherlands. It is a mid-late crop that produces dark, waxy leaves and large flowers on sturdy stems. It has a strong, satisfying  aroma.

Lukullus Dill (Anethum graveolens ‘Lukullus’)

Sowing: Sow seeds directly outdoors 2 to 4 weeks after the last frost, in full sun. Seeds can also be started indoors 4 to 6 weeks before the last frost, and transplanted outdoors after hardening off.

Days to Germination: 10 to 14 days

Soil Needs: Prefers well-drained, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0-7.0.

Moisture and Humidity: Moderate moisture. Water regularly, especially during hot weather, but allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Avoid overwatering.

Light Requirements: Full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day)

Spacing: 12 to 18 inches apart

Days to Maturity: 60 to 70 days

Height at Maturity: 24 to 36 inches tall

Pests and Diseases: Common problems include aphids, caterpillars, and powdery mildew.

Uses and Benefits: The leaves and seeds of Lukullus dill are used in a variety of culinary applications. The leaves have a strong dill flavor and are used fresh or dried as a seasoning for fish, vegetables, dips, and sauces. The seeds are used in pickling and brining. Dill improves digestion and supports gut health.

History: Lukullus dill is a relatively new variety, developed in Germany in the 1970s. It is an early dill with a strong aroma due to its high oil content. This Is a garden variety dill that can be harvested from May to September.

Mammoth Long Island Dill (Anethum graveolens 'Long Island Mammoth')

Sowing: Direct sow outdoors in mid-spring after frost
Days to Germination: 7 to 10 days - Dill needs light to germinate. Avoid covering seeds.
Soil Needs: Average to fertile, well-drained
Moisture and Humidity Needs: Moderate watering, avoid soggy soil
Light Requirements: Full sun
Spacing: 8 to 10 inches apart
Days to Maturity (for leaves): 60 to 70 days
Height at Maturity: 3 to 4 feet
Pests and Diseases: Aphids, caterpillars, fungal diseases like powdery mildew
Uses and Benefits: Culinary (leaves, seeds), abundant yield of large leaves, good for pickling and fresh uses.
History: Developed on Long Island, New York, specifically for its large size and high yield of leaves, ideal for commercial production

Sprinter Dill (Anethum graveolens ‘Sprinter’)

Sowing Recommendations: Sow seeds directly outdoors 2 to 4 weeks after the last frost, in full sun. Seeds can also be started indoors 4 to 6 weeks before the last frost and transplanted outdoors after hardening off.

Days to Germination: 10 to 14 days

Soil Requirements: Prefers well-drained, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0-7.0.

Moisture and Humidity: Moderate moisture. Water regularly, especially during hot weather, but allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Avoid overwatering.

Light Requirements: Full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day)

Spacing: 8 to 12 inches apart (due to its compact size)

Days to Maturity: 45 to 50 days (fastest maturing variety on this list)

Height at Maturity: 18 to 24 inches tall (compact)

Pests and Diseases: Dill is relatively pest and disease resistant. However, common problems include aphids, caterpillars, and powdery mildew.

Uses and Benefits: The leaves and seeds of Sprinter dill are used in a variety of culinary applications. It is a compact variety that can thrive in a container.

History: Sprinter dill is a popular variety known for its fast maturity and compact size.

Superdukat Dill (Anethum graveolens 'Superdukat')

Hardiness Zones: 3-9
Sowing: Direct sow outdoors in late spring or early summer after last frost
Days to Germination: 10 to 14 days (may take longer in cooler soil) - Dill needs light to germinate. Avoid covering seeds.
Soil Needs: Average to fertile, well-drained
Moisture and Humidity Needs: Moderate watering, avoid soggy soil
Light Requirements: Full sun
Spacing: 12 to 18 inches apart
Days to Maturity (for leaves): 50 to 60 days
Height at Maturity: 3 to 5 feet
Pests and Diseases: Aphids, caterpillars
Uses and Benefits: Culinary (leaves, seeds), slower to bolt than other dills, good for extended harvest of leaves, strong flavor
History: Developed for its slow bolting habit and extended leaf production.

Szmaragd Dill - See Emerald Dill

Teddy Dill (Anethum graveolens 'Teddy')

Hardiness Zones: 3-9
Sowing Recommendations: Similar to Elephant dill, sow Teddy dill seeds directly outdoors 2 to 4 weeks before the last frost date or start seeds indoors 4 to 6 weeks before transplanting.
Days to Germination: 10 to 14 days - Dill needs light to germinate. Avoid covering seeds.
Soil Requirements: Prefers well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
Moisture and Humidity Needs: Needs moderate moisture. Water regularly, especially during hot weather, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Avoid waterlogged conditions.
Light Requirements: Full sun (at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily) is ideal for optimal growth and flavor development.
Spacing: 8 to 12 inches apart between plants due to its compact size.
Days to Maturity: 50 to 60 days for fresh leaves; 65 to 70 days for seeds
Height at Maturity: 12 to 18 inches tall
Pests and Diseases: Similar to Elephant dill, Aphids, caterpillars, and powdery mildew are occasional problems.
Uses and Benefits: Teddy dill is a great choice for container gardening due to its compact size and abundant foliage production. The leaves are perfect for adding fresh dill flavor to various dishes.
History: Teddy dill is a relatively new cultivar gaining popularity for its suitability for containers. It is compact but has lush, densely packed leaves that promise a good leaf harvest. Even absent other benefits, it makes an attractive potted plant.

Tetra Leaf Dill (Anethum graveolens 'Tetra Leaf')

Hardiness Zones: 3-9
Sowing: Direct sow outdoors in mid-spring after frost or start indoors 3 to 4 weeks before last frost
Days to Germination: 10 to 14 days - Dill needs light to germinate. Avoid covering seeds.
Soil Needs: Average to fertile, well-drained
Moisture and Humidity Needs: Moderate watering, avoid soggy soil
Light Requirements: Full sun
Spacing: 8 to 10 inches apart
Days to Maturity (for leaves): 50 to 60 days
Height at Maturity: 24 to 32 inches
Pests and Diseases: Aphids, caterpillars, fungal diseases like powdery mildew
Uses and Benefits: Culinary (leaves, seeds), bushy growth provides a long harvest of leaves and flowers, slow to bolt
History: Not as widely documented as other varieties, but prized for its bushy growth, heat tolerance and extended harvest. 

Vierling Dill (Anethum graveolens 'Vierling')

Hardiness Zones: 3-9
Sowing: Direct sow outdoors in mid-spring after frost or start indoors 3 to 4 weeks before last frost
Days to Germination: 10 to 14 days - Dill needs light to germinate. Avoid covering seeds.
Soil Needs: Average to fertile, well-drained
Moisture and Humidity Needs: Moderate watering, avoid soggy soil
Light Requirements: Full sun
Spacing: 8 to 10 inches apart
Days to Maturity (for leaves): 50 to 60 days
Height at Maturity: 2 to 3 feet
Pests and Diseases: Aphids, caterpillars, fungal diseases like powdery mildew
Uses and Benefits: Culinary (leaves, seeds), prized for its strong flavor and aroma, good for fresh use, drying, and seeds, late flowering variety for extended leaf harvest
History: Developed for its strong flavor, extended leaf production due to late flowering, and suitability for commercial production.