Dill Seed

This attractive herb has many, many uses. The leaves can be used raw in salads or added as a last-minute garnish to fish dishes - fish and dill are a natural pairing, gravlax being the ultimate example.

Alternatively, let the plants grow on (they become beautiful architectural plants) and go to seed which brings another host of uses. Use seed raw, cooked or in vinegars when pickling, especially when pickling cucumbers for gherkins.

In time gone by magicians used dill in their spells; others have used it in their wine to enhance the passions!

A member of the carrot family.

• Annual.
• Reaches 3 feet (1 metre) tall.
• Prefers a cool sheltered spot in full sun.
• Likes a medium rich soil with plenty of moisture.
• Yellow flowers July to August.
• Sow thinly in rows 12" (30 cm) or in small clumps, March to September in its final position. 
• A midsummer sowing can be made for autumn cropping.
• Thin to 9" (23 cm) apart.
• Lightly cover the seed with soil / compost.
• Keep moist at all times and well watered in hot weather.
• Germination usually takes around 3 weeks.
• Will self-seed.
• Can be grown in pots.

• Top Tips
• A succession of sowings through the year will provide a succession of fresh greens.
• Always sow in its financial growing position as transplanting and root disturbance will cause plants to run to seed.
• Avoid hot dry conditions as plants will run to seed.
• Avoid growing close to Fennel as these will cross-pollinate producing bitter-flavoured seed.

• Culinary Uses.
• Good in stews and pickles.
• Rich in mineral salts (so can reduce the need for salt).
• Flowers are edible.

• Medicinal Uses.
• To ease digestive disorders.
• Can help flatulence (it is used in gripe water!).
• Can ease colic in infants.
• Can help encourage appetite.
• High in calcium.
• Eases intestinal spasms and menstrual cramps, nausea.
• Can help colds and flu as well as hiccups.
• Can stimulate milk in breast feeding mothers.

• Other Uses.
• Flowers are good for beneficial insects.
• Can be infused to make a nail bath, to strengthen nails.
• Can sweeten breathe.

Disclaimer
As with all alternative medicines and plants with purported medicinal benefits it is important to inform your health care providers that you are using them; this helps to ensure safe and coordinated care. We can accept no liability for any side effect or contingency from any allergy or any other cause or harm that may arise. If in doubt please do consult a medical practitioner before using. Not suitable for a low sodium diet.