Bouquet Dill
Bouquet Dill stands out as the most widely cultivated dill variety, bred specifically for its large seed umbels and dark green foliage that makes it perfect for both pickling and cut flower arrangements. This compact annual herb reaches 24-36 inches tall and flowers earlier than other dill varieties, producing abundant harvests in just 40-45 days. Hardy across zones 3-10, it thrives in full sun and tolerates cool weather, making it reliable for gardeners seeking both culinary herbs and ornamental appeal. The strongly aromatic foliage, stems, and seed heads deliver that classic caraway-like dill flavor that's essential for pickles and countless other culinary uses.
Full Sun
Moderate
3-10
36in H x 12in W
Annual
Moderate
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What sets Bouquet Dill apart is its dual-purpose design and impressive productivity. This variety was specifically bred to produce large, showy seed umbels that work beautifully in cut flower arrangements while delivering exceptional yields of both fresh leaves and seeds for the kitchen. It flowers earlier and grows more compactly than mammoth dill varieties, making it ideal for container growing and smaller spaces. The plant's strongly aromatic qualities and abundant crop production have made it the most favored variety among gardeners who want reliable harvests of both dill weed and pickling seeds.
Bouquet Dill excels in pickling applications, where both its fresh leaves and mature seeds are essential for flavor. The fresh foliage makes excellent dill weed for potato salads, cucumber dishes, and soups, while the seeds provide the classic pickling spice flavor. Beyond culinary uses, the large umbels of golden-yellow flowers make striking additions to cut flower arrangements and table decorations, earning it the 'bouquet' designation.
Start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before the last frost date at 60°F soil temperature. Sow 3-5 seeds per cell in containers or cell trays, planting 1/8 to 1/4 inch deep. Use biodegradable pots that can be planted directly in the ground to avoid disturbing the taproot.
Transplant quickly after starting indoors, spacing plants 2-4 inches apart in rows at least 4 inches apart. Ensure soil temperature reaches at least 60°F before transplanting.
Direct sow in spring as soon as soil can be worked, 1-2 weeks before the last frost date. Plant successive sowings every 2-3 weeks for continuous harvest of fresh leaves throughout the season.
Harvest fresh leaves once plants reach 12 inches tall by snipping close to the stem, continuing right up to flowering for best flavor. For seeds, wait until seed heads turn golden brown, typically 2-3 weeks after flowering. Cut the entire flower head and place in a paper bag, allowing seeds to fall naturally for collection. Harvest seed heads just as they begin turning golden brown for optimal flavor and storage quality.
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“Bouquet Dill represents a purposeful breeding achievement, developed to combine the best traits for both culinary and ornamental use. Native to the Mediterranean and West Asia regions, this variety was specifically bred to produce large seed umbels and maintain dark green foliage, setting it apart from wild dill ancestors. The breeding focused on creating a variety that would flower earlier while maintaining the compact, bushy growth habit that makes it suitable for modern gardens and container growing.”