When to Plant Dill in Zone 3

Anethum graveolens

Last updated: May 15, 2026 · Sources: USDA, NOAA, Cooperative Extension
Action Plan

Plant Dill in Zone 3

  • Direct sow: May 29 — after last frost (May 15)
  • First harvest: Jul 18 (40–60 days)
⚠️ Don't plant before last frost (May 15) — cold snaps kill young transplants.
Last frost
May 15
First frost
Sep 15
Growing season
123 days
Quick Facts
Sunlight ☀️ Full Sun
Water Needs 💧💧 Moderate
Spacing 12 inches apart
Planting Depth 0.25 inch
Min Soil Temp 60°F
Germination 7–14 days
Days to Maturity 40–60 days
Frost Tolerance Light frost tolerance
Soil pH 5.5–6.5
Difficulty Easy
What you'll need — Zone 3
🛒 Dill — Seeds & Supplies
  • 🌱 Dill Seeds Fernleaf
  • 🌱 Herb Garden Container Set
  • 🌱 Garden Journal

Search for these at your local garden center or nursery.

Growing Tips

  • Direct sow only.
  • Succession sow every 3 weeks.
  • Let some plants go to seed — self-sows readily.
  • Harvest feathery leaves anytime; harvest seeds when heads turn brown.
  • Plant away from carrots and tomatoes.

Common Mistakes

  • Transplanting — always direct sow dill.
  • Planting near fennel — they cross-pollinate.
  • Planting near carrots — inhibits germination.
  • Expecting continuous harvest from one sowing.

Companion Planting

Companion planting improves growth, deters pests, and makes better use of garden space.

✓ Good Companions

Cabbage Lettuce Onion

✗ Avoid Nearby

Carrot

Dill Schedule — All Zones

ZoneStart IndoorsTransplant Direct SowHarvest StartHarvest End
Zone 3 — — May 29 Jul 18 Sep 6
Zone 4 — — May 24 Jul 13 Sep 1
Zone 5 — — May 14 Jul 3 Aug 22
Zone 6 — — Apr 29 Jun 18 Aug 7
Zone 7 — — Apr 19 Jun 8 Jul 28
Zone 8 — — Apr 3 May 23 Jul 12
Zone 9 — — Mar 14 May 3 Jun 22
Zone 10 — — Feb 24 Apr 15 Jun 4
Zone 11 — — Jan 29 Mar 20 May 9
📚 Data Sources
Frost dates: NOAA Climate Normals 1991–2020, National Centers for Environmental Information.
Hardiness zones: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, Agricultural Research Service.
Growing requirements: Cooperative Extension Services — NC State, Penn State, University of Florida IFAS.
Companion planting: Cornell University Cooperative Extension.
Data compiled from public agricultural sources. Always verify with your local extension office for micro-climate adjustments.