Washington’s varied microclimates mean your dill planting schedule depends more on your elevation than your address. Knowing the best time to plant dill in Washington can mean the difference between a lush herb patch and a disappointing, bolted crop.
Dill is a cool-season annual that hates both extreme heat and hard frost. In Washington, you have to work with your local frost dates and soil temperatures. This guide breaks down exactly when to sow dill seeds in every corner of the state, from the rainy west side to the dry, hot east.
Best Time To Plant Dill In Washington
The absolute best window for planting dill in Washington is from mid-March through late May for spring crops, and again from mid-August through mid-September for a fall harvest. But this is a broad stroke. Your specific timing depends on your region.
Dill seeds germinate best when soil temperatures are between 60°F and 70°F. If the soil is too cold, seeds rot. If the air gets too hot (above 85°F), dill bolts to seed quickly and the leaves turn bitter.
Western Washington (Puget Sound, Coast, Lowlands)
Western Washington has mild, wet springs and cool summers. This is actually ideal for dill, as long as you avoid the rainiest months.
- Spring planting: Start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before your last frost date (typically mid-March). Direct sow outdoors from early April to mid-May.
- Fall planting: Direct sow from late August to mid-September. The cooler autumn weather extends the harvest.
- Key tip: Dill does not transplant well because of its taproot. If you start indoors, use biodegradable pots and plant the whole pot.
Eastern Washington (Inland Empire, Columbia Basin, Palouse)
Eastern Washington has hotter summers and colder winters. Dill here needs to be planted early to beat the heat, or late for a fall crop.
- Spring planting: Direct sow as soon as the soil can be worked, usually late March to early April. You want the plants to mature before July heat.
- Fall planting: Direct sow from early August to early September. This crop will thrive as temperatures drop.
- Key tip: Provide afternoon shade or use row cover to protect spring dill from sudden heat waves.
Mountain And High Elevation Areas (Cascades, Okanogan, Methow)
Higher elevations have a very short growing season. Frost can occur even in June and August.
- Spring planting: Wait until the soil is consistently above 55°F, typically late May to early June. Use black plastic to warm the soil.
- Fall planting: Not recommended unless you have a greenhouse. The first frost often comes in September.
- Key tip: Choose a fast-maturing dill variety like ‘Bouquet’ or ‘Fernleaf’ to ensure you get a harvest.
Understanding Washington’s Growing Zones
Washington spans USDA hardiness zones 4a through 9a. This affects the best time to plant dill in washington significantly.
Zone 4-5 (Mountain, Northeast Washington)
Short season. Plant dill only after all frost danger has passed. That means late May or early June. You might only get one planting per year.
Zone 6-7 (Most Of Western WA, Parts Of Eastern WA)
This is the sweet spot. You can plant in early spring and again in late summer. The spring crop will give you leaves, and the fall crop will give you seeds.
Zone 8-9 (Coastal, San Juan Islands, Lower Columbia)
Very mild winters and cool summers. You can plant dill almost year-round, though the best times are still spring and fall. Summer heat is rarely a problem here.
Step-By-Step Guide To Planting Dill In Washington
Follow these steps to get the best results from your dill, no matter where you live in Washington.
- Check your soil temperature. Use a soil thermometer. Dill seeds need at least 55°F to germinate, but 60-70°F is ideal.
- Prepare the soil. Dill likes well-drained, loamy soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. Add compost if your soil is heavy clay.
- Sow seeds shallow. Plant seeds 1/4 inch deep. Dill needs light to germinate, so don’t bury them deep.
- Space properly. Thin seedlings to 12-18 inches apart. Dill grows tall and can get floppy if crowded.
- Water consistently. Keep the soil moist but not soggy until seedlings emerge. After that, water deeply once a week.
- Mulch. A light layer of straw or grass clippings keeps soil cool and suppresses weeds.
- Succession plant. Sow a new batch of seeds every 2-3 weeks for a continuous harvest of fresh dill leaves.
Common Mistakes When Planting Dill In Washington
Even experienced gardeners make errors. Here are the most common problems and how to avoid them.
Planting Too Early In Wet Soil
Western Washington’s spring rains can make soil soggy. Dill seeds rot quickly in cold, wet ground. Wait until the soil has dried out a bit and warmed up.
Planting Too Late In Eastern Washington
If you wait until May to plant dill in Spokane or the Tri-Cities, the summer heat will hit before the plant is established. The dill will bolt and flower within weeks.
Not Providing Support
Dill can grow 3-4 feet tall. In windy Washington conditions, it will flop over. Use stakes or plant it near a fence for support.
Forgetting About Self-Seeding
Dill self-seeds aggressively. If you let the flowers go to seed, you’ll have dill popping up everywhere next year. This can be a good thing if you want a perennial patch, but be careful.
Best Dill Varieties For Washington
Not all dill varieties perform the same in Washington’s climate. Here are the top choices.
- Bouquet: A standard variety that produces lots of leaves and seeds. Good for all regions.
- Fernleaf: A dwarf variety that stays under 18 inches. Perfect for containers and small spaces. Bolts slower than others.
- Dukat: Also called ‘Tetra’. Has a strong, sweet flavor. Good for both leaves and seeds.
- Long Island Mammoth: A tall, productive variety. Best for Eastern Washington where you want a big harvest before summer heat.
- Vierling: A French heirloom with excellent flavor. Does well in cooler coastal areas.
When To Harvest Dill In Washington
Harvest timing depends on what you want: leaves, seeds, or both.
For Fresh Leaves
Start harvesting when the plant has at least 4-5 leaves. Pick the outer leaves first, leaving the inner ones to grow. The best flavor is just before the flowers open.
For Seeds
Let the flowers bloom and form seed heads. Harvest when the seeds turn brown but before they start falling off. Cut the entire seed head and hang it upside down in a paper bag.
For Dill Weed (Dried Leaves)
Harvest leaves early in the morning after the dew has dried. Dry them in a dark, well-ventilated area. Do not use heat, as it destroys the flavor.
Dealing With Washington Pests And Diseases
Dill is relatively pest-free, but a few issues can arise in Washington.
- Aphids: These tiny insects cluster on new growth. Wash them off with a strong spray of water or use insecticidal soap.
- Swallowtail caterpillars: These are actually beneficial! They eat dill leaves but turn into beautiful butterflies. Plant extra dill for them.
- Powdery mildew: Common in humid western Washington. Space plants well and water at the base to keep leaves dry.
- Root rot: Caused by overwatering or heavy clay soil. Improve drainage by adding organic matter.
Using Dill In Your Washington Kitchen
Fresh dill is a staple in Pacific Northwest cooking. It pairs perfectly with salmon, potatoes, and pickles.
- Salmon: Mix chopped dill with lemon juice and olive oil. Brush on salmon before grilling or baking.
- Potato salad: Add fresh dill to your favorite potato salad recipe for a bright, fresh flavor.
- Pickles: Dill pickles are a classic. Use fresh dill heads for the best flavor.
- Dips: Mix dill into sour cream or yogurt for a quick dip for vegetables.
- Eggs: Sprinkle dill over scrambled eggs or omelets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I plant dill in the fall in Washington?
Yes, fall planting is excellent in most of Washington. The cooler temperatures prevent bolting and the flavor is often sweeter. Plant 6-8 weeks before the first expected frost.
Does dill come back every year in Washington?
Dill is an annual, so it does not come back from the roots. However, it self-seeds prolifically. If you let some plants go to seed, new dill will appear the following spring without any work from you.
Can I grow dill indoors in Washington?
Yes, but it’s tricky. Dill needs at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight or strong grow lights. It also needs a deep pot (at least 12 inches) for its taproot. It’s easier to grow outdoors.
How long does dill take to grow from seed?
Dill takes about 60-70 days from seed to harvest for leaves. Seeds take an additional 2-3 weeks to form and ripen. Fast-maturing varieties like ‘Fernleaf’ can be ready in 50 days.
What should I plant next to dill in Washington?
Dill is a great companion plant for cabbage, onions, and lettuce. Avoid planting it near carrots or fennel, as they can cross-pollinate and ruin the flavor of all three.
Final Tips For Success
Dill is one of the easiest herbs to grow in Washington if you get the timing right. Here are the most important takeaways.
- Always check your local frost dates, not just your zone.
- Plant dill in full sun in western Washington, but provide afternoon shade in eastern Washington.
- Water consistently but do not overwater. Dill hates wet feet.
- Harvest leaves frequently to encourage bushier growth.
- Let at least one plant go to seed so you have free dill next year.
With a little planning, you can enjoy fresh dill from your Washington garden from late spring all the way through fall. The key is to plant at the right time for your specific location. Whether you’re in Seattle, Spokane, or the San Juans, dill will reward you with its delicate flavor and feathery beauty.
Remember that dill is a short-lived plant. It grows fast, flowers quickly, and dies. That’s why succession planting is so important. Keep sowing every few weeks, and you’ll never run out of fresh dill for your salmon, salads, and pickles.
Washington’s diverse climate might seem challenging, but it actually gives you more flexibility with dill than most states. You can plant in spring, summer, and fall, as long as you pay attention to temperature and moisture. The best time to plant dill in washington is whenever the soil is warm and the air is cool. That’s the sweet spot.
So grab your seeds, check your soil temp, and get planting. Your taste buds will thank you.