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pH: 5.5–6.5  ·  Well-drained, sandy

Low feeder

Fernleaf dill is a compact cultivar of common dill prized for its delicate, feathery foliage and mild anise flavor. It's used fresh or dried in pickling, fish dishes, salads, and as a garnish, and also attracts beneficial insects to the garden. Gardeners grow it for reliable leaf production in a smaller footprint than standard dill varieties.

Dill seeds germinate in 7–10 days at soil temperatures of 60–70°F (15–21°C), with cooler temperatures extending germination time slightly. Seeds need light to germinate, so sow them on the soil surface or cover very lightly; do not bury deeply. No pre-treatment is necessary.

Direct sow dill outdoors after the last spring frost, or start indoors 4–6 weeks before your last frost date in cell trays. Sow seeds thinly on the surface and keep soil consistently moist until emergence. Space plants 6–9 inches apart; Fernleaf's compact habit allows closer spacing than larger dill varieties. Dill prefers cool weather and bolts quickly in heat, so plan successive sowings every 2–3 weeks for continuous harvests.

Water regularly to keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged; dill tolerates moderate drought once established but produces better foliage with consistent moisture. Fertilizing is rarely needed in reasonably fertile soil; over-feeding encourages excessive leaf growth at the expense of flavor. Dill generally requires no staking. Common issues include bolting in heat (unavoidable but manageable with succession planting) and occasional spider mites in dry conditions; increase humidity and water to discourage pests.

Begin harvesting leaves once the plant is 6–8 inches tall by pinching or cutting from the top; regular harvesting delays bolting and extends the productive season. For best flavor, harvest in the morning after dew dries. Cut entire stems or individual leaflets as needed; the plant will branch and produce more foliage. Dry foliage by hanging bundles in a cool, dark place, or freeze chopped leaves in ice cube trays for winter use.