Plant Profile
DillAnethum graveolens
Dill (Anethum graveolens) is a popular annual herb prized for its fresh, anise-like flavor. Native to the Eastern Mediterranean and Western Asia, dill is now found worldwide in kitchens and gardens. It is excellent for companion planting and attracts beneficial insects. Harvest is continuous for the leaves or in late summer for the seeds, which can also be used culinarily. Dill is relatively easy to care for but requires a sunny location and well-drained soil.
Quick profile
Key data
Suitable growing locations:
Good neighbors
CucumberCabbageLettuce
Avoid
FennelCarrots
Indoor & direct sowing
Dill: Sowing and germination
Pre-culture is not recommended for dill due to its sensitive taproot.
Successive sowings every 2-4 weeks for continuous harvest.
Planting & site
Dill: Planting and spacing
Direct sowing preferred.
Site & practical notes
Dill is a light germinator; seeds should be lightly covered with soil or pressed in. Early sowing outdoors is possible once severe frosts are no longer expected. Regular watering is important, especially during dry periods, to prevent premature bolting. For a continuous harvest of leaves, successive sowings should be made every 2-4 weeks. Harvesting leaves is best done before flowering, as they can lose flavor afterward. Seed heads for harvesting seeds mature in late summer.
Temperature & frost
Dill: Temperature and site
Water & nutrients
Dill: Water, nutrients and care
Container & growth
Dill: Container, support and growth
Year plan
Dill Calendar
Sowing in spring and continuous harvesting in summer make dill a year-round pleasure.
Recurring tasks
Relevant now
June
- No additional single task
Next up
July
- No additional single task
Monthly tasks
Single tasks from monthly data; repeated seasonal windows are shown in the overview above.
January
Quiet month
February
Quiet month
March
Quiet month
April
No additional single task
May
No additional single task
June
No additional single task
August
No additional single task
September
No additional single task
October
No additional single task
November
Quiet month
December
Quiet month
Flowering & pollination
Dill Flowering & pollination
Flowering period
June to August
Flower type
Compound umbel
Flower color
Yellow
Self-fertility
Self-fertile but benefits from cross-pollination
Pollinator needed
yes
Overview
Pollination is primarily carried out by insects such as hoverflies, bees, and beetles.
Notes
The flat umbels are an important food source for beneficial insects, especially hoverflies.
Companion guide
Dill Companion guide
Good neighbors
CucumberCabbageLettuce
Avoid
FennelCarrots
Use & storage
Dill Use & storage
Harvest leaves before flowering; seeds in late summer when brown.
Storage
Short-lived fresh produce or dried spice
Storage life
Fresh: 2-3 days; Dried: 1-2 years; Frozen: 6-12 months
Primary use
Culinary and medicinal herb
Flavor
Anise-like, fresh, slightly sweet
Harvest
Harvest leaves before flowering; seeds in late summer when brown.
Processing
After harvest
Use fresh dill immediately or store in a damp cloth in the refrigerator.
Edibility & safety
Dill Edibility & safety
For people
In brief: which parts are edible, which parts remain risky, and whether raw consumption makes sense.
Safety notes
Non-toxic. Contact with plant sap combined with UV light may cause phototoxicity in rare cases.
Animal safety
For many animals, this plant is generally low-risk: 14 animal types are rated suitable or mostly suitable. Quantity, plant part, and individual tolerance still matter.
Each row shows which parts are more suitable and which parts are critical.
Companion animals
DogLeaves, Seeds
No risk parts listed
Leaves, Seeds
No risk parts listed
Phototoxicity from sap contact with UV light (rare)
usually no action needed
Dill is considered non-toxic for dogs. All commonly edible parts (leaves, seeds, flowers, tender stems) can be fed in small amounts as a treat. Contact with plant sap and sunlight poses a rare risk of skin irritation.
Open animal page
CatLeaves, Seeds
No risk parts listed
Leaves, Seeds
No risk parts listed
Phototoxicity from sap contact with UV light (rare)
usually no action needed
Contact with plant sap and sunlight may rarely cause phototoxicity. Young leaves and seeds are edible and occasionally consumed by cats. No known poisoning cases with normal feeding. Excessive consumption may cause gastrointestinal upset.
Open animal page
RabbitLeaves, Seeds
No risk parts listed
Leaves, Seeds
No risk parts listed
Overconsumption may cause gastrointestinal upset due to high essential oil content.
observe
Dill is suitable for rabbits in small amounts as a treat. The leaves, seeds, flowers, and tender stems are edible and generally well-tolerated. Due to its essential oil content, feeding should be limited to occasional to avoid gastrointestinal upset. Contact with plant sap and UV light poses a low risk of phototoxicity, which is negligible under normal feeding conditions.
Open animal page
Guinea pigLeaves, Seeds
No risk parts listed
Leaves, Seeds
No risk parts listed
Phototoxicity possible with sap contact and UV light
usually no action needed
Dill is generally suitable for guinea pigs as a treat in small amounts. Leaves, seeds, flowers, and tender stems can be fed. Contact with plant sap and UV light poses a low risk of phototoxicity. No known serious poisoning symptoms from oral ingestion.
Open animal page
HamsterLeaves, Seeds
No risk parts listed
Leaves, Seeds
No risk parts listed
Phototoxicity possible with sap contact + UV light
usually no action needed
Dill is suitable for hamsters in small amounts as a treat. Leaves, seeds, flowers, and tender stems are edible. Coarse, woody stems should be avoided. Contact with plant sap and UV light may rarely cause phototoxicity. No known poisoning cases in hamsters. Feed occasionally as a treat.
Open animal page
BudgieLeaves, Seeds
No risk parts listed
Leaves, Seeds
No risk parts listed
Overconsumption may cause gastrointestinal upset
usually no action needed
Dill is suitable for budgies in small amounts as a treat. The plant contains essential oils that may cause gastrointestinal upset if overconsumed. Young leaves and seeds are preferred for feeding. If signs of discomfort occur, discontinue feeding and consult a veterinarian if symptoms persist.
Open animal pageFarm animals
HorseLeaves, Seeds
No risk parts listed
Leaves, Seeds
No risk parts listed
Phototoxicity possible with sap contact and UV light
usually no action needed
Essential oils may cause mild gastrointestinal upset in sensitive animals. Phototoxicity possible with sap contact and UV light theoretically but rare in horses due to coat coverage. Safe in normal feeding amounts.
Open animal page
ChickenLeaves, Seeds
No risk parts listed
Leaves, Seeds
No risk parts listed
Phototoxicity from sap contact with UV light (rare)
usually no action needed
Dill is safe for chickens and can be fed as part of a varied diet. All aerial parts are edible and nutritious. Contact with plant sap and strong sunlight poses a low risk of phototoxicity, which is unlikely during normal feeding.
Open animal page
DuckLeaves, Seeds
No risk parts listed
Leaves, Seeds
No risk parts listed
Phototoxicity from plant sap contact combined with UV light
usually no action needed
No direct species-specific source was found for ducks. This is a cautious inference from the geese profile and the known plant-part risks.
Open animal page
GooseLeaves, Seeds
No risk parts listed
Leaves, Seeds
No risk parts listed
Phototoxicity from plant sap contact combined with UV light
usually no action needed
Dill is safe for geese in small amounts as a treat. All usual edible parts (leaves, seeds, flowers, tender stems) can be fed. Contact with plant sap combined with UV light poses a rare risk of phototoxicity.
Open animal page
SheepLeaves, Seeds
No risk parts listed
Leaves, Seeds
No risk parts listed
Phototoxicity possible with sap contact and UV light exposure
usually no action needed
No direct species-specific source was found for sheep. This is a cautious inference from the cattle profile and the known plant-part risks.
Open animal page
GoatLeaves, Seeds
No risk parts listed
Leaves, Seeds
No risk parts listed
Phototoxicity possible with sap contact and UV light exposure
usually no action needed
No direct species-specific source was found for goats. This is a cautious inference from the sheep profile and the known plant-part risks.
Open animal page
CattleLeaves, Seeds
No risk parts listed
Leaves, Seeds
No risk parts listed
Phototoxicity possible with sap contact and UV light exposure
usually no action needed
Dill is generally considered safe for cattle in normal feeding amounts. Essential oils may cause gastrointestinal irritation at very high doses. Phototoxic reactions are rare and occur only with direct sap contact followed by sunlight exposure. No indications of serious toxicity from oral ingestion in feed context. Suitable as a herbal additive in moderation. Consult a veterinarian if origin is uncertain or unusual…
Open animal page
PigLeaves, Seeds
No risk parts listed
Leaves, Seeds
No risk parts listed
Phototoxicity possible with plant sap contact and UV light
usually no action needed
Dill is non-toxic to pigs but should be fed in moderation due to its essential oil content. Young leaves and seeds can be offered as treats. Contact with plant sap and sunlight poses a low risk of phototoxicity.
Open animal pageThese guidelines are for general information only and do not replace veterinary diagnosis. If critical plant parts were ingested or the animal shows unusual behaviour or symptoms, seek veterinary advice.
Max risk
1 / 5
Highest status
moderation only
Urgency
observe
Saving seed
Dill Saving seed
Seed type
orthodox
Seed viability
2 - 3 years
Practical tips
Dill Practical tips
Common beginner mistakes
Success pattern
High-impact tips
Grower observations
Plant Profile
Additional plant images
Health
Pests, Diseases
Pests
Aphids
Curled leaves, sticky honeydew.
Diseases
Fusarium wilt
Sudden wilting of shoots despite moist soil.
Deficiencies
Nitrogen deficiency
Pale, yellowish leaves and stunted growth.
Plant health
Diagnosis help
Dill Diagnosis help
Pest groups
Disease groups
Prevention
Diagnosis
Dill is sensitive to soil issues; wilting is often a sign of root pathogens.
Cultural prevention
Thin sowing for good air circulation
Monitoring
Weekly check for aphids
First response
Nettle water for aphid infestation
Diagnostic rules
Yellow leaf tips
Possible causes: Drought, Nitrogen deficiency
- Check soil moisture
- Review fertilization
FAQ
When is the best time to sow dill?
The best time to sow dill outdoors is from April, once severe frosts are no longer expected. For a continuous harvest, you can sow successively every 2-4 weeks.
Why is my dill bolting prematurely?
Premature bolting is often triggered by drought stress, heat, or nutrient deficiency. Ensure consistent watering and a cool location if possible.
Can dill be grown in pots?
Yes, dill can be grown successfully in pots. Choose deep pots (at least 25 cm deep) due to its taproot and ensure good drainage.
Is Dill safe for Dog?
Dill is classified as moderation only for Dog. Risk: 1 / 5. Urgency: usually no action needed. Dill is considered non-toxic for dogs. All commonly edible parts (leaves, seeds, flowers, tender stems) can be fed in small amounts as a treat. Contact with plant sap and sunlight poses a rare risk of skin irritation.
Is Dill safe for Cat?
Dill is classified as moderation only for Cat. Risk: 1 / 5. Urgency: usually no action needed. Contact with plant sap and sunlight may rarely cause phototoxicity. Young leaves and seeds are edible and occasionally consumed by cats. No known poisoning cases with normal feeding. Excessive consumption may cause gastrointestinal upset.
Is Dill safe for Rabbit?
Dill is classified as moderation only for Rabbit. Risk: 1 / 5. Urgency: observe. Dill is suitable for rabbits in small amounts as a treat. The leaves, seeds, flowers, and tender stems are edible and generally well-tolerated. Due to its essential oil content, feeding should be limited to occasional to avoid gastrointestinal upset. Contact with plant sap and UV light poses a low risk of phototoxicity, which is negligible under normal feeding conditions.
Is Dill safe for Guinea pig?
Dill is classified as moderation only for Guinea pig. Risk: 1 / 5. Urgency: usually no action needed. Dill is generally suitable for guinea pigs as a treat in small amounts. Leaves, seeds, flowers, and tender stems can be fed. Contact with plant sap and UV light poses a low risk of phototoxicity. No known serious poisoning symptoms from oral ingestion.
Guides
Related guides
Guide
Rabbits in the Garden: Herbs and Vegetables
Learn how to choose suitable herbs and vegetables for rabbits, grow feeding plants, and plan a rabbit-friendly garden.
Guide
Pet-Safe Herb Gardens for Balconies and Beds
Learn how to create a pet-safe herb garden with suitable herbs, thoughtful layouts, and practical maintenance strategies.
Guide
Growing Basil: Site, Watering and Harvesting
Learn how to grow basil successfully with the right site, steady watering, regular harvesting, and tips to delay flowering.
Guide
Chickens in the Garden: Safe Plants and Zones
Learn how to design a chicken-friendly garden with suitable plants, protected beds, and well-planned activity areas.
Internal links
Related plants
Fennel
Both belong to the Apiaceae family.
Both are Apiaceae.
Coriander
Both are popular annual culinary herbs.
Similar growth habit and use as a culinary herb.
Lettuce
Both plants have medium nutrient requirements.
Spinach
Both prefer consistent soil moisture and do not tolerate drought.
Parsnip
Both are Apiaceae.
Chives
Both are popular culinary herbs for fresh dishes.
Fennel
Both belong to the Apiaceae family and have similar foliage.
Sources
Public sources
- Wikidata entity
Wikidata · 2026-05-12
- GBIF species match
GBIF · 2026-05-12
- Deutschsprachige Wikipedia: Dill (Pflanze)
Wikipedia · 2026-05-12
- English Wikipedia: Dill
Wikipedia · 2026-05-12