How to Grow Dill Long Island
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Dill Long Island
Anethum graveolens 'Long Island'
herbDill Long Island is a tall, feathery herb variety known for its elongated seed heads and abundant foliage. This cultivar is prized for both fresh leaf and seed production, making it ideal for culinary and pickling applications. It's an annual herb that grows quickly and reseeds readily in gardens.
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Example Dill Long Island timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Dill Long Island
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Dill Long Island
Around Jun 1≈ 45 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Dill Long Island dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 2-9; prefers cooler growing seasons and bolts in intense summer heat
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Seedling
10-14 daysDelicate, thread-like cotyledons emerge; feathery true leaves develop quickly with distinctive fine texture
Keep soil consistently moist; thin seedlings to 12 inches apart when 2-3 inches tall; provide gentle light without direct scorching sun initially
Vegetative Growth
20-30 daysPlant develops bushy foliage with multiple stems; feathery, blue-green leaves proliferate; plants reach 24-36 inches tall
Pinch back early flower buds if leaf harvest is priority; maintain consistent moisture; apply balanced fertilizer every 3 weeks; stake tall varieties if needed
Flowering
15-25 daysTiny yellow flowers appear in flat-topped umbel clusters at stem tips; flowering indicates plant is approaching seed stage
Allow flowering to begin if seed harvest is desired; reduce nitrogen fertilizer to prevent excessive leaf growth; continue regular watering
Seed Production
20-30 daysFlowers fade and elongated, ridged seed pods (fruits) develop; seeds mature from green to brown; seeds dry on plant
Stop harvesting leaves; allow seeds to dry naturally; water sparingly once seeds form; harvest seed heads when they turn brown but before they shatter
Harvest & End of Season
Ongoing through frostSeed heads dry and brown; plant may self-seed if allowed to mature fully; plant begins to decline naturally
Harvest mature seed heads by cutting stems and hanging upside down to dry; collect seeds once pods split; remove plant once production ends or allow to self-seed for next season
Common Pests
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Spray with water to dislodge; use insecticidal soap; encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs
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Hand-pick if damage is severe; allow some feeding as caterpillars become beautiful butterflies; tolerate light defoliation
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Increase humidity; spray with neem oil; use insecticidal soap; encourage predatory mites
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Use row covers for young plants; spray with neem oil; encourage beneficial insects
Uses
Pickling & Preserving
CulinaryDill seed is the classic flavoring agent for dill pickles and fermented vegetables. The Long Island variety's abundant seed production makes it ideal for large-batch pickling projects. [source]
Fresh Herb Cooking
CulinaryFresh dill fronds add bright, anise-like flavor to fish dishes, salads, soups, and cream sauces. Delicate leaves should be added near the end of cooking to preserve flavor. [source]
Digestive & Anti-inflammatory Support
MedicinalDill seeds and leaves contain compounds that support digestive health and may reduce bloating and gas. Traditionally used in herbal teas and remedies for gastrointestinal comfort. [source]
Seed Storage & Cooking Pantry
HouseholdDried dill seeds store well for 2-3 years in airtight containers and are staple pantry ingredients for pickling, spice blends, and flavoring compounds. [source]
Pollinator & Beneficial Insect Support
WildlifeDill flowers attract pollinators including bees and hoverflies, and serve as host plant for swallowtail butterfly caterpillars, supporting garden biodiversity. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
For fresh foliage: Begin harvesting when plant is 6-8 inches tall, pinching off outer leaves or stem tips; continue harvesting for 3-4 weeks before flowering. For seeds: Allow plant to flower and form seed heads; harvest seed heads when completely dry and brown (typically 70-90 days from planting), cut stems and hang upside down in a paper bag to catch falling seeds. Seeds are ready when they separate easily from the head.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The name 'dill' comes from Old Norse 'dilla,' meaning 'to calm,' because the herb was historically used to soothe fussy babies and aid digestion.
- 🌱 Dill Long Island is a tall variety that can exceed 3 feet in height, making it visually dramatic in gardens compared to dwarf varieties.
- 🌱 Swallowtail butterfly caterpillars have a strong preference for dill and can defoliate plants; many gardeners deliberately plant extra dill specifically as a caterpillar host plant.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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