Large-leaved Variety
Elephant Dill is an aromatic, late-flowering heirloom cultivar of Anethum graveolens that reaches harvest in just 40 to 50 days. This variety stands out for its vibrant green color and reliable productivity, making it a favorite among gardeners who want flavorful fresh dill without a long wait. Frost-hardy and surprisingly forgiving, it thrives in full sun with moderate warmth and produces the feathery foliage dill lovers crave for both fresh use and seed collection.
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Full Sun
Moderate
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Annual
Moderate
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Elephant Dill delays flowering longer than standard varieties, giving you an extended window to harvest tender foliage before the plant bolts. Its aromatic intensity and lush green color make it visually striking in the garden, while the 40 to 50 day timeline means you can sow succession crops throughout the growing season and still bring in harvests before summer heat arrives. The frost-hardy nature also opens doors for spring and fall sowings in cooler climates.
Elephant Dill is grown primarily for its feathery leaves, which are harvested fresh for culinary use in salads, fish dishes, soups, and as a garnish. The plant also produces seed that many gardeners collect for pickling, seasoning, and seed saving purposes. Its productivity and extended harvest window make it especially valuable for cooks who want continuous supply of fresh dill throughout the season.
Elephant Dill can be started indoors in cool conditions (55 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit) and will germinate in 7 to 21 days. Sow seeds 1/8 to 1/4 inch deep in sterile seed-starting mix and keep soil consistently moist but not soggy. Transplant to outdoor gardens 6 to 8 weeks before your expected frost date.
Harden off seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over 7 to 10 days. Transplant when soil temperature reaches at least 50 degrees Fahrenheit and plants have developed true leaves. Space transplants 2 to 4 inches apart in their final location.
Direct sow seeds outdoors in spring once soil is workable and temperatures hover around 50 degrees Fahrenheit or warmer. Press seeds 1/8 to 1/4 inch into the soil and keep consistently moist until germination occurs in 7 to 21 days. Thin seedlings to 2 to 4 inches apart once they develop true leaves.
Begin harvesting Elephant Dill foliage once plants reach 6 to 8 inches tall, typically 40 to 50 days after sowing. Pinch off the feathery top growth to encourage bushier production and delay flowering. Harvest regularly from the outside of the plant, working inward, and pick in the morning when aromatic oils are most concentrated. If you want to collect seed, allow the plant to flower and the seed heads to dry fully on the plant before cutting and collecting.
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