How to Grow Dill Dukat

Dill Dukat

Anethum graveolens 'Dukat'

herb

Dill Dukat is a compact, bushy cultivar of common dill bred specifically for leaf production rather than seed heads. This variety stays shorter and bushier than traditional dill, making it ideal for container growing and continuous harvesting. It produces abundant feathery foliage with excellent flavor for culinary use.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily; tolerates light afternoon shade in hot climates

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Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply 1-2 times weekly, more frequently in hot weather. Avoid overhead watering to prevent disease.

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Spacing: 6-12 inches

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Days to maturity: 35-50 days for leaf harvest; 70-80 days for seed production

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Planting depth: 0.25-0.5 inches

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil

pH: 5.5-7.5

Amendments:

Compost Perlite for drainage Aged manure

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 3-9; prefers cooler weather and tolerates frost

3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b

Growth Stages

Seedling

2-3 weeks

Fine, delicate cotyledons emerge within 7-14 days. First true leaves are thread-like and pale green.

Keep soil evenly moist. Thin seedlings to proper spacing once first true leaves appear. Protect from wind.

Vegetative Growth

3-4 weeks

Plant develops bushy, feathery foliage with multiple stems. Dukat cultivar remains compact and full.

Pinch off early flower buds to encourage bushiness and leaf production. Fertilize lightly every 3-4 weeks with balanced fertilizer.

Leaf Harvesting

4-8 weeks

Plant produces abundant tender, aromatic foliage ready for culinary use. Maintains compact growth habit.

Begin harvesting outer leaves when plant reaches 6-8 inches tall. Harvest regularly to promote continued growth and delay flowering.

Flowering (if allowed)

2-3 weeks

Small yellow flowers appear in delicate umbels atop the plant. Growth of new leaves slows significantly.

Allow to flower only if you want to collect seeds. Pinch back flower buds to maintain leaf production.

Seed Production

3-4 weeks

Flowers develop into flat, oval seeds with characteristic dill appearance. Plant begins to decline.

Allow flower heads to mature and dry on plant. Harvest seed heads when they turn brown and seeds fall easily into hand.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Cucumber Lettuce Cabbage Carrot Tomato Corn Broccoli Spinach Parsley

Avoid planting near:

Fennel Carrots (can cross-pollinate and affect seed purity) Anise

Common Pests

Tolerate on dill as they're beneficial; relocate if severe damage occurs. Plant extra dill for sharing with caterpillars.
Spray with water to dislodge. Use neem oil or insecticidal soap for heavy infestations. Increase humidity.
Spray with strong water stream. Use neem oil, insecticidal soap, or introduce ladybugs. Plant companion flowers to attract predators.
and
Hand-pick in early morning. Use copper tape barriers. Create beer traps or use diatomaceous earth around base.

Uses

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Fresh herb for cooking and garnish

Culinary

Dill Dukat's tender leaves are ideal for fresh use in salads, soups, fish dishes, and as a delicate garnish. The compact, bushy growth habit makes it perfect for container cultivation on kitchen windowsills for convenient harvesting. [source]

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Pickling and preservation

Culinary

Dill is a classic pickling herb used in cucumber preservation and fermented vegetables. Fresh or dried leaves from Dukat can be used to make homemade pickles with authentic flavor. [source]

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Digestive aid and traditional remedy

Medicinal

Dill has been used traditionally for centuries to support digestive health and ease gastrointestinal discomfort. Dill water was historically used to soothe infant colic. [source]

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Aromatic and flavoring agent

Household

Fresh or dried dill leaves provide characteristic flavor to vinegars, oils, and dry spice blends. The aromatic essential oils make it useful for infusing beverages and culinary preparations. [source]

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Pollinator and butterfly host plant

Wildlife

Dill's flowers attract beneficial insects including bees and serves as a host plant for swallowtail butterfly caterpillars. Growing dill supports local pollinator populations and creates butterfly gardens. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Begin harvesting leaves when plant reaches 6-8 inches tall, usually 35-50 days after planting. Pinch or snip outer leaves from the top, allowing center to continue growing. Harvest in the morning after dew dries for best flavor and aroma. Regular harvesting encourages bushier growth and delays flowering. For continuous supply, sow seeds every 2-3 weeks. Dukat variety is bred to produce abundant leaves without early bolting, unlike traditional dill varieties.

Fun Facts

🌱 Dill Dukat was specifically bred in Germany to produce abundant leaves rather than seeds, making it superior to traditional dill for continuous leaf harvesting without early bolting.
🌱 The name 'dill' comes from the Old Norse word 'dilill' meaning 'to calm,' reflecting its historical use as a soothing remedy.
🌱 Dill flowers are highly attractive to beneficial insects and parasitic wasps that prey on garden pests, making it an excellent companion plant for pest management.

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