Dill
Anethum graveolens L.
Botanical family: Apiaceae
Anethum graveolens, native to the eastern Mediterranean, mentioned in the Egyptian Ebers papyrus (1550 BC). The whole plant is aromatic: feathery leaves (fish, yogurt sauce), seeds (gherkins, sauerkraut, rye bread). A short cycle (3 months), staggered sowings from April to July. Source: French Pharmacopoeia, list A of traditionally used medicinal plants (fruit).
Full sun
Light
Moderate: water as soon as the weather turns dry, or it quickly runs to seed
Annual
Role in permaculture
A major apiaceae for attracting pollinators and helpers (hoverflies, ichneumons, lacewings) to its yellow-green summer umbels. To be let go to seed. Self-seeds faithfully. A classic companion of the cucumber, to be avoided in direct contact with the carrot, which mature dill tends to outcompete.
Good companions
Cover the soil (moisture, fewer weeds)
Traditional companion planting (benefit not demonstrated)
Poor companions
Same family: shared diseases and pests
Allelopathy, reputed or observed: may slow some neighbours
Traditional avoidance (antagonism not demonstrated)
Insects attracted or useful
Seasons & availability
May to September.
Available: May, June, July, August, September.
Guidance for the oceanic / temperate climate; it may vary with your region, altitude, exposure and growing method.
Sources
- RHS, « How to Grow Dill » (rhs.org.uk/herbs/dill/grow-your-own)
- La Ferme de Sainte Marthe, « Réussir la culture de l'aneth » (fermedesaintemarthe.com/en/blogs/comment-reussir-la-culture-de/reussir-la-culture-de-laneth)
Nutritional & medicinal properties
For educational purposes. Not a substitute for medical advice. Effects depend on the form, the dose and personal context.
Precautions & contraindications
Few strong clinical claims can be put forward.
Family behaviour: Apiaceae
In general, Apiaceae are umbel plants (carrot, parsley, celery, coriander, dill) whose flowers attract precious beneficials: hoverflies, ichneumons, parasitoids. Fairly easy to pair, except fennel, they are useful along edges to feed beneficials.
Understanding families means learning one rule per family rather than every pairing one by one. Learn more →
Species & varieties
The best-known species and varieties in France.
Common varieties
Voices of peoples
Paraphrases attributed to their documented sources. Never an invented quote.
The Gospel according to Matthew (Judeo-Christian tradition) · Roman Judea, text written around the 1st century AD
Dill is named in the Gospel according to Matthew (23:23), where Jesus reproaches the Pharisees for 'paying the tithe of mint, dill, and cumin' while neglecting justice and mercy. The attested fact is that these fine garden herbs were precious enough, in 1st-century Judea, to be subject to the tithe. The passage makes it the example of a meticulous zeal diverted from the essential: that is a reading of the text, not botanical data, and it testifies above all to the cultural and ritual value attached to the plant.
Évangile selon Matthieu 23, 23 (Nouveau Testament, texte du Ier siècle apr. J.-C.) ; versions comparées sur BibleHub
The identification remains debated: some ancient translations render the Greek anethon as 'dill', others as 'anise'. The mention is therefore not to be over-interpreted as certainly designating today's dill. The text sheds light on an ancient cultural and fiscal use; it grounds no health claim, and the example does not serve to essentialise a religious tradition.