The Herb Association of Texas

Whether you are a herb enthusiast, gardener, retailer, commercial grower, herb product manufacturer or chef, you'll find information and networking to further your knowledge and enjoyment of the world of herbs. AND, the information you receive will be related directly to the conditions and markets of Texas, not some far-away place that has limited value to you.

Herb of the Year 2010

In 1995 the International Herb Association decided to pick an Herb of the Year for each of the next 15 years. The purpose of designating an herb of the year was to highlight that herb for study, use and appreciate throughout the year.

This year the Herb of the Year is Dill, Anethum graveolens.

For those of you just getting started growing, using and appreciating herbs, here's some basic information on Dill.

Botanical Name: Anethum graveolens

Family: Apiaceae- related to carrots and parsley

Growth: Annual, sometimes Biennial

Light: Full Sun

Soil: Well draining, average garden soil

Water: Water regularly, but do not overwater, somewhat drought tolerant

Pests: Aphids

Diseases: Root Rot

Height: up to 3', Fernleaf cultivar to 18"

Propagation: Seed

Parts Used: Leaf, Flower and Seed

Dill weed is best harvested before the plant is fully mature and before the flower buds have opened. Snip the leaves any time for culinary use as the plant grows. Some plants should be constantly snipped for their leaves and some left to flower and produce seeds, or succession plantings may be made every 2 weeks. The cultivar 'Fernleaf,' growing only to 18 inches, produces more foliage and is slower to bolt. 'Bouquet' bears compact, prolific seed heads and is considered best for pickling. Dill will self-sow readily. Some gardeners allow a rather crowded patch of dill to grow so that the plants hold one another erect.

Dill is thought to be native to Western Asia and the Mediterranean. The earliest known record of Dill use is in Ancient Egypt some 5000 years ago when Dill is referred to as "soothing medicine". Dill has been used for centuries throughout the world for both culinary and medicinal purposes.

Here's more information on Dill.

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