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Dill
Mar 14, 2007 13:00:20 GMT
Post by Deleted on Mar 14, 2007 13:00:20 GMT
Hi all,
We sowed dill two years ago and it just grew straight up and flowered ... very few leaves. Last year it self-seeded, and did the same thing again ... now I've noticed a couple of new self-seeded plants. Any advice on how to make it bushy and leafy - it's one of our absolutely fave herbs for cooking and I'd like to have a high 'yield' ... cheers ...
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Dill
Mar 15, 2007 17:44:25 GMT
Post by Deleted on Mar 15, 2007 17:44:25 GMT
Anyone? Please?
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Dill
Mar 15, 2007 18:41:37 GMT
Post by davidk on Mar 15, 2007 18:41:37 GMT
Hi Canarycreeper!
Sorry! Only just spotted this.
Dill will produce wispy leaves growing on a single stem about 75cm (30in) high, which can be harvested about eight weeks after sowing. At this stage the plant will begin to produce flower heads, causing the leaf production to stop.
The best way to harvest the leaves is to cut the plant down to an inch of its base as soon as there is any sign of the flower heads developing. With a little luck, the plants will re-grow to produce a second crop in late summer.
Hope this is what you needed to know.
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Dill
Mar 15, 2007 18:55:39 GMT
Post by Spruance on Mar 15, 2007 18:55:39 GMT
This is an extract from Geoff Hamilton's Successful Organic Gardening book CC... Dill. This attractive hardy annual may sometimes seed itself but, in cold areas, it is worth saving seed for resowing. Its feathery leaves and delicate yellow flowers make dill a suitable plant for the border, and it is also a widely used culinary herb.
Soil and Site A well-drained soil and sunny position will suit dill best.
Sowing and Planting Sow seeds in short rows 30cm (12") apart outside in mid-spring, and thin the plants to 30cm (12") apart. Make a single sowing if you only require the seeds but, for leaves, sow successionally at monthly intervals until mid summer. If you buy plants or grow them in pots, plant them out 30cm (12") apart. Do not sow dill near fennel as the two may cross pollinate.
Maintenance. Keep plants free from weeds and well watered in dry weather.
Harvesting and Storing. Pick fresh leaves as they are required. The leaves and the seeds can be dried and stored.Also, my RHS Encyclopedia says that dill runs to seed very quickly, so this is presumably why Geoff Hamilton suggests successional sowings. Hope this helps.
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Dill
Mar 15, 2007 18:58:56 GMT
Post by davidk on Mar 15, 2007 18:58:56 GMT
Canarycreeper!
Further to my previous message I would add (apologies if you already knew) that Dill will keep well in the fridge for about three weeks - the remainder can be stored in the freezer in individual portions. It can also be dried and stored in an air-tight container, but in my experience this causes it to loose most of it's flavour.
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Dill
Mar 16, 2007 13:11:09 GMT
Post by Deleted on Mar 16, 2007 13:11:09 GMT
Thanks both of you! Grow lots of plants - cut down as soon as sign of flower - successional sowing - got it! Delighted your back to advise us novices, David ... cheers ...
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Dill
Mar 18, 2007 18:06:36 GMT
Post by Cheerypeabrain on Mar 18, 2007 18:06:36 GMT
I also read somewhere that you shouldn't grow dill anywhere near fennel.....is this tosh?
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Dill
Mar 19, 2007 12:40:49 GMT
Post by Deleted on Mar 19, 2007 12:40:49 GMT
Yes, I've read that CPB ... apparently they cross-pollinate ...
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