Dukat Dill is a popular, sweet-tasting variety of dill (Anethum graveolens), known for its aromatic leaves and distinctive flavor. As an heirloom European variety, Dukat Dill is prized for its smooth, feathery foliage and mild, sweet flavor that complements a wide range of dishes. Whether used in pickling, salads, soups, or as a garnish, Dukat Dill offers both culinary and medicinal benefits. With 1500 high-quality seeds in each packet, this herb is a must-have for your garden, particularly for those who enjoy growing their own herbs and vegetables.

Key Features:

• 1500 High-Quality Seeds: Each packet contains 1500 premium Dukat Dill seeds, ensuring a bountiful harvest and plenty to share or replant.
• Sweet, Mild Flavor: Dukat Dill is known for its sweet, delicate flavor, making it ideal for pickling, garnishing, and adding to a variety of dishes, including fish, potatoes, and salads.
• Heirloom Variety: As a traditional European heirloom, Dukat Dill maintains its time-tested qualities, offering excellent flavor and robust growth.
• Versatile Use: This dill can be used in cooking, for making dill pickles, and even in herbal teas, as it’s known for its soothing properties.
• Great for Companion Planting: Dill attracts beneficial insects, including pollinators and predators of harmful garden pests, making it a great companion plant in vegetable gardens.

Growing Information:

• Light Requirements: Dill thrives in full sun, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day for optimal growth. Sunlight enhances the plant’s aromatic oils, which are key to its flavor and fragrance.
• Soil Preferences: Dill prefers well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH of 6.0-7.0. It grows best in fertile, loose soil, so amend heavy or compacted soil with organic matter or compost to improve drainage.
• Planting Tips:
  • Direct Sowing: Dill is best grown from seed directly in the garden. Sow seeds ¼ inch deep, spaced 12 inches apart, in rows 18 inches apart.
  • Indoor Starting: If starting indoors, sow seeds in individual pots 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost. Transplant outdoors once the risk of frost has passed.
  • Thinning: Thin seedlings to 12 inches apart to give plants enough space to grow.
  • Succession Planting: To ensure a continuous supply of fresh dill throughout the growing season, sow seeds every 2-3 weeks.
• Watering Needs: Dill prefers consistently moist soil but is drought-tolerant once established. Water regularly to keep the soil evenly moist, particularly during dry spells. Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
• Temperature: Dill grows best in temperatures ranging from 55-75°F (13-24°C). It’s a cool-season herb that can tolerate light frost and is ideal for early spring or fall planting.
• Spacing: Plant seeds 12 inches apart to allow the plants to spread out and grow. If planting in containers, make sure the pot is at least 8-12 inches deep.

Benefits:

• Culinary Uses: The sweet, mild flavor of Dukat Dill enhances a variety of dishes, including pickles, salads, potatoes, and fish. It also pairs well with yogurt-based sauces and can be used in soups, dips, and egg dishes.
• Medicinal Uses: Dill has traditionally been used for its medicinal properties, including as a digestive aid, to soothe stomach discomfort, and even as a mild sedative in herbal teas.
• Rich in Nutrients: Dill is a good source of vitamins A, C, and folate, and its seeds contain compounds that are rich in antioxidants and essential oils, which may support overall health.
• Attracts Beneficial Insects: Dill is known for attracting beneficial pollinators like bees and predatory insects that help control pests in the garden.
• Low Maintenance: Dill is easy to grow, requiring minimal attention and care. It is ideal for beginner gardeners and can thrive with little fuss.

Growing Zones:
Dukat Dill grows well in USDA Hardiness Zones 3-9. It is tolerant of cooler temperatures and can be grown in both spring and fall, making it suitable for a wide range of climates. In warmer zones, it may need some shade during the hottest summer months to prevent bolting (flowering).

How to Use in the Garden:

• Herb Garden: Dill is a staple in any herb garden. It pairs well with other herbs like parsley, basil, and chives. It also thrives in a raised bed or container garden, making it accessible even for small-space gardeners.
• Companion Planting: Dill is an excellent companion plant in vegetable gardens. It attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs, hoverflies, and bees, all of which help to pollinate plants and control pests. However, avoid planting dill near fennel or other plants in the carrot family, as they may inhibit each other’s growth.
• In Containers: Dill is well-suited for container gardens. It does well in pots with good drainage and should be placed in a sunny spot. Containers allow easy access to fresh dill, even for gardeners with limited space.
• Cut-and-Come-Again: Dill can be harvested continuously by snipping off leaves as needed. Cutting the leaves regularly encourages new growth, providing a steady supply throughout the season.

Conclusion:
Dukat Dill (Anethum graveolens) is an heirloom European variety that offers both culinary and gardening benefits. With its sweet, mild flavor, it enhances a wide variety of dishes, from pickles to salads, while its attractive feathery leaves add beauty to your garden. Growing Dukat Dill is simple, and it thrives in full sun with well-drained soil. It’s perfect for gardeners of all skill levels, offering a fresh, constant supply of herbs for cooking. With 1500 seeds in each packet, you’ll have more than enough to enjoy throughout the growing season and beyond. Whether you're a home gardener or a seasoned herb enthusiast, Dukat Dill is a must-have addition to your garden.