Get Your Dill Seeds Germinating with These Tips and Tricks
Germinating dill seeds can be tricky, but with the right tips and tricks, you can have success. To start, it helps to think about what the seed would need if it were growing wild. Most herbs take longer to start indoors than they do planted outdoors, so patience is key. You may want to try sprouting some on a damp paper towel cut 2x2 or 4x4 square inside a baggie. Put it somewhere where it gets filtered sunlight for a few hours a day and check it at least once a day to see if you have signs of life and to make sure the paper towel is damp. If you have a magnifying glass it might help the examination, or if you take a picture with your phone that you can zoom in on it will let you see if there are changes.
If you get a plant growing indoors size isn't a problem, just cut it back to a manageable height and wait for new growth. Once you notice changes fill a 2.25 or 4 inch square pot to within 1/4 inch of the top with damp, lightly compressed potting soil. Tamped down, cover with Saran Wrap over container to avoid drying out and keep moist until germination occurs.
For those who live in warmer climates, direct sowing outside may be an option. Make sure to use fresh seed, as this will increase your chances of successful germination. For best results, sow the seed when temperatures are between 60-70 degrees F (15-21 C). Dill needs light for germination and moisture, so misting twice a day should help speed up the process.
In addition, many people find success by starting their dill indoors under lights. This allows them to control temperature and moisture levels more easily than outdoor sowing does. Fill containers with damp potting mix, barely cover the seeds and place under fluorescent lighting set 12-14 inches above the surface of the soil. Keep the lights on 16 hours per day and water regularly to maintain even moisture levels while waiting for germination.
Overall, germinating dill seeds can be difficult but not impossible! With the right environment and conditions, you can successfully grow dill from seed in no time.
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What tips can I use for germinating dill?
Try sprouting some on a damp paper towel cut 2x2 or 4x4 square inside a baggie. Put it somewhere where it gets filtered sunlight for a few hours a day. Check it at least once a day to see if you have signs of life and to make sure the paper towel is damp. If you have plenty of seed, fill a 2.25 or 4 inch square pot to within 1/4 inch of the top with damp, lightly compressed potting soil. Tamped down, and barely cover the seed. Germinate under light with Saran Wrap over container to avoid drying out.
Can I grow dill indoors?
Yes, if you get a plant growing indoors size isn't a problem, just cut it back to a manageable height and wait for new growth. Getting it started indoors is sometimes tricky, but it helps to think about what the seed would need if it were growing wild. Most herbs take longer to start indoors than they do planted outdoors, or perhaps you just check about three times as often and it seems that way.
Does dill need light for germination?
Yes, dill needs light for germination. Soak seeds 12-24 hours, avoid using heat mat (temp of 60-70 degrees F is best), barely cover, germinate under light with Saran Wrap over container to avoid drying out.
Can I sow dill directly in the garden?
Yes, you can sow dill directly in the garden. Last fall some people sowed some dill directly in the garden and they came on their own term without bolting. The seed were from their own saved, from summer crop and being cool crop, they stood temps down to 24F. The same applied to fenugreek.
Is there any winter indoor growers of the shorter varieties?
Yes, you can grow shorter varieties indoors during winter by cutting them back to a manageable height and waiting for new growth. Make sure to provide filtered sunlight for a few hours a day and keep the soil damp but not wet.