Dukat Dill

Family: Apiaceae Herb

Aromatic and vivid from the first feathery fronds, Dukat Dill fills the garden with a fresh, sweet-anise fragrance and a clean, bright flavor that lingers on the palate.

Expect tender, finely divided foliage with a graceful, upright habit—ideal for harvesting repeatedly at peak softness around 40 days. Dukat Dill shines in classic uses like seasoning for pickles and brined vegetables, as well as fresh garnishing and stirring into sauces for an unmistakably crisp dill character.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 40 DaysHabit: Upright

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Columbus (Zone 6b).

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Direct Sow
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Apr 25th
Harvest Begins	Jun 4th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	40
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Upright
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Surface
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	60
Min Night Temp (°F)	28
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Dukat Dill’s finely divided, tender fronds deliver that unmistakable dill-and-anise brightness without getting woody, so it stays clean even when folded into warm food. Add it late—its aroma pops when heat just touches it, and it won’t bulldoze delicate dairy or fish.

Best Uses

fresh-chopped garnish for gravlax, smoked fish, and cucumber bowls
stir-in herb for warm pan sauces and quick reductions at the end of cooking
pickle brine flavoring—both infused and layered into jars
dressing/soft-marinade agent for yogurt, sour cream, and labneh

Flavor Profile

bright, crisp dill snap sweet-anise aromatic edge light, slightly grassy herbal bitterness tender fronds that turn fragrant when warmed

Kitchen Pairings

cucumber lemon sour cream yogurt garlic salmon

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease problem commonly affects Anethum graveolens (dill), and how can I manage it?

A common issue is powdery mildew, which shows up as a white, powdery coating on dill leaves during warm, humid weather. Remove the most affected leaves, improve airflow with wider spacing, and water at the base so foliage stays dry. If mildew keeps spreading, use a labeled horticultural fungicide and repeat according to the label until new growth stays clean.

How often should I water dill (Anethum graveolens) during the main growing phase?

During the active leaf-growing period (roughly weeks 2–6), keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy—typically about 1 inch of water per week depending on rainfall and heat. Water deeply when the top 1 inch of soil feels dry, and avoid frequent light sprinkling that keeps the surface wet and encourages mildew. In hot spells, you may need to water 2–3 times per week to maintain even moisture.

How do I tell when Dukat dill (Anethum graveolens) is ready to harvest?

Start harvesting leaves when plants are about 6–8 inches tall and leaves are feathery and abundant, usually around 40 days to maturity. For the best flavor, snip the newest, top growth in the morning, and keep harvesting frequently to encourage more leaf production. If you’re harvesting seed, wait until the flower umbels turn brown and the seeds look fully formed before cutting for drying.