Elephant

Family: Apiaceae Herb

Fragrant and boldly aromatic, Elephant Dill unfurls feathery fronds with a rich, fresh “dillweed” perfume that fills the garden on warm days.

Expect tender, finely textured foliage and a classic, bright dill flavor that shines in everything from pickles to creamy sauces and herb-forward garnishes. With dependable performance to harvest in about 65 days, it’s a standout choice for gardeners who want lush, showy growth and reliable harvests.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 65 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 29th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	65
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)	40
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Elephant dill is built for loud, clean aroma—those tender fronds hold their dill flavor when you add them late, not early. Use it where you want brightness and herbal lift to cut through fat and salt, especially with dairy and fish.

Best Uses

stacked-fresh on gravlax or smoked salmon as a cooling herb layer
stir into warm sour cream or yogurt sauces and let it mellow off-heat
fold into cucumber salad and pickle brines for a crisp, assertive finish
finish soups and stews with fronds added at the end so they stay fragrant

Flavor Profile

bright, classic dillweed punch feathery tender fronds with a fresh herbal snap aromatic, slightly sweet anise-like lift

Kitchen Pairings

cucumber sour cream lemon capers salmon garlic

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease most often affects Anethum graveolens (dill), and how can I fix it?

Dill is commonly hit by aphids, which cluster on tender new growth and can cause distorted leaves. Spray plants with a strong stream of water, then apply insecticidal soap if aphids persist for more than a few days. Keep foliage dry by watering at the soil line, because damp conditions can also worsen foliar fungal issues.

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

Water dill so the top 1 inch of soil stays evenly moist during active growth, typically about 1–2 times per week depending on heat and rainfall. Let the soil surface dry slightly between waterings, but don’t allow it to fully dry out, since dill quickly gets stressed and may bolt. Use a gentle, direct-to-soil method to avoid wetting the leaves.

How do I tell when Anethum graveolens is ready to harvest?

For fresh dill, start harvesting leaves once plants are about 6–8 inches tall and continue picking regularly to keep growth tender. For seeds, wait until flowers form umbels and the seed heads turn tan and begin to dry, usually around 65 days from sowing. Cut the seed umbels on a dry day and let them finish drying indoors before threshing.