Elephant

Family: Apiaceae Herb

Planting Schedule

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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

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Elephant Planting Dates by USDA Zone

Estimated US hardiness-zone windows for sow, transplant, and harvest. Enter a US ZIP above for exact local dates, or open a zone below.

Zone	Start Indoors	Sow / Transplant	Harvest
Zone 1a	Protected Environment Only
Zone 1b	Protected Environment Only
Zone 2a	Direct Sow	May 25th	Jul 29th – Aug 29th
Zone 2b	Direct Sow	May 15th	Jul 19th – Aug 25th
Zone 3a	Direct Sow	May 15th	Jul 19th – Sep 1st
Zone 3b	Direct Sow	May 19th	Jul 23rd – Sep 21st
Zone 4a	Direct Sow	May 15th	Jul 19th – Sep 24th
Zone 4b	Direct Sow	May 13th	Jul 17th – Sep 27th
Zone 5a	Direct Sow	May 8th	Jul 12th – Sep 30th
Zone 5b	Direct Sow	May 4th	Jul 8th – Oct 5th
Zone 6a	Direct Sow	May 1st	Jul 5th – Oct 10th
Zone 6b	Direct Sow	Apr 25th	Jun 29th – Oct 16th
Zone 7a	Direct Sow	Apr 20th	Jun 24th – Oct 20th
Zone 7b	Direct Sow	Apr 10th	Jun 14th – Oct 28th
Zone 8a	Direct Sow	Apr 1st	Jun 5th – Nov 5th
Zone 8b	Direct Sow	Mar 23rd	May 27th – Nov 12th
Zone 9a	Direct Sow	Mar 6th	May 10th – Nov 26th
Zone 9b	Direct Sow	Feb 9th	Apr 15th – Dec 9th
Zone 10a	—	Oct 1st	Dec 5th – Feb 28th
Zone 10b	—	Oct 1st	Dec 5th – Feb 28th
Zone 11a	—	Oct 1st	Dec 5th – Feb 28th
Zone 11b	—	Oct 1st	Dec 5th – Feb 28th
Zone 12a	—	Oct 1st	Dec 5th – Feb 28th
Zone 12b	—	Oct 1st	Dec 5th – Feb 28th
Zone 13a	—	Oct 1st	Dec 5th – Feb 28th
Zone 13b	—	Oct 1st	Dec 5th – Feb 28th

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.