Culinary Dill
Tetra Dill is a robust cultivar of the classic herb Anethum graveolens, bred to deliver reliable harvests of feathery foliage and seeds in a compact 30, 36 inch frame. This variety thrives in full sun and matures quickly enough for successive sowings throughout the season, making it ideal for gardeners who want a continuous supply of fresh dill without the sprawl of taller varieties. Plant it 12 inches apart and you'll have a productive, manageable herb garden staple that performs reliably from spring through summer.
Full Sun
Moderate
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36in H x ?in W
Annual
Moderate
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Tetra Dill stands out for its compact, bushy habit, reaching just 30, 36 inches tall compared to standard dill varieties that can stretch to 4 feet or more. This makes it far easier to manage in smaller gardens, containers, and vegetable beds without sacrificing productivity. The variety responds beautifully to successive sowings every 2, 3 weeks, ensuring you never run out of fresh foliage for cooking or seeds for preservation. Its willingness to germinate at relatively cool soil temperatures (60°F) means you can get an early start in spring and continue planting well into the season.
Dill is a kitchen staple prized for its delicate, feathery leaves and aromatic seeds. The foliage is harvested fresh for garnishing seafood dishes, flavoring pickles, and brightening salads and sauces. The seeds, which develop later in the season, are essential for dill pickle production and add warm, slightly sweet notes to breads, cheese, and egg dishes. Both leaf and seed can be dried for storage, making Tetra Dill valuable for year-round use.
Start seeds indoors 8–10 weeks before your average last frost date in biodegradable pots (which can be transplanted directly into the ground without root disturbance). Maintain soil temperature around 60°F for reliable germination. Dill seedlings are delicate, so handle with care and keep the soil evenly moist until they're ready to move outdoors.
Transplant seedlings outdoors when they are 3 inches tall and your soil temperature has reached at least 60°F. Plant in full sun with 12 inches between plants and 12 inches between rows. Use the biodegradable pots to minimize transplant shock.
Direct sowing is recommended, especially for succession plantings. Sow seeds 1–2 weeks before your average last frost date once soil temperature reaches 60°F. Continue sowing every 2–3 weeks throughout the growing season for a continuous fresh supply. Press seeds lightly into the soil surface rather than covering them deeply.
Begin harvesting dill foliage once plants are established and have developed several sets of true leaves, typically 3, 4 weeks after sowing. Pinch off leaves from the top of the plant to encourage bushier growth and delay flowering. For a continuous supply of tender foliage, harvest regularly before plants begin to flower and set seed. If you want to harvest seeds, allow some plants to flower and mature fully; the seed heads will turn brown and dry before you collect them for storage or replanting.
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