When to Plant Dill in Zone 9
Anethum graveolens
Last updated: Apr 29, 2026 · Sources: USDA, NOAA, Cooperative ExtensionAction Plan
Plant Dill in Zone 9
- Direct sow: Mar 14 — after last frost (Feb 28)
- First harvest: May 3 (40–60 days after planting)
⚠️ Don't plant before last frost (Feb 28) — cold snaps kill young transplants.
Last frost
Feb 28
First frost
Nov 25
Growing season
270 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 9
🛒 Dill — Seeds & Supplies
- 🌱 Dill Seeds (Fernleaf Compact)
- 🌱 Herb Garden Container Set
- 🌱 Garden Journal for Succession Planting
Search for these at your local garden center or nursery.
Growing Tips
- Dill is allelopathic — plant away from carrots and tomatoes as it can inhibit them.
- Direct sow only — dill bolts quickly after transplanting.
- Succession sow every 3 weeks for continuous harvest.
- Let some plants go to seed — dill self-sows readily and will come back next year.
- Harvest feathery leaves anytime; harvest seeds when the seed heads turn brown.
Common Mistakes
- Transplanting — always direct sow dill.
- Planting near fennel — they cross-pollinate and the offspring have poor flavor.
- Planting near carrots — dill inhibits carrot germination and growth.
- Expecting continuous harvest from one sowing — succession plant.
Companion Planting
Companion planting improves growth, deters pests, and makes better use of garden space.
✓ Good Companions
✗ Avoid Nearby
Carrot
Dill Schedule — All Zones
| Zone | Start Indoors | Transplant | Direct Sow | Harvest Start | Harvest 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.