Mammoth Dill
The tallest dill variety, reaching 4 to 5 feet with enormous seed heads perfect for making dill pickles at scale.
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Meet Mammoth Dill
The tallest dill variety, reaching 4 to 5 feet with enormous seed heads perfect for making dill pickles at scale. Mammoth dill is the classic pickling variety, producing umbrella-sized flower heads that fit perfectly in wide-mouth canning jars. Stake plants or grow alongside tall crops for support in windy locations.
When to plant Mammoth Dill
Direct sow Mammoth dill seeds outdoors as soon as the soil can be worked in spring. Scatter seeds on the surface and press in lightly or cover with a quarter inch of fine soil. Dill prefers cool soil for germination. Seeds germinate in 10 to 14 days. Thin to 6 to 12 inches apart. For pickle-making, sow a large block timed to mature when cucumbers are ready. For continuous dill weed, succession sow every 3 weeks from early spring through mid-summer.
Your Mammoth Dill Year
Composed for Zone 7 · typical seasons · frost passes Apr 2, returns Nov 1
Sow Mammoth Dill Apr – May, pick Jun – Aug. Set your climate below and every date on this plate re-times itself.
How to grow Mammoth Dill
Mammoth dill is the classic tall dill variety grown specifically for its enormous seed heads, which are the backbone of traditional dill pickle making. Plants grow 4 to 5 feet tall with large umbrella-shaped flower heads that fit perfectly in wide-mouth canning jars. Plant in full sun with well-drained soil with a pH of 5.5 to 7.5. Direct sow seeds as soon as the soil can be worked in spring.
Dill has a taproot and transplants poorly, so always direct sow. Space seeds 6 to 12 inches apart in rows 18 inches apart. For a continuous supply of fresh dill weed (leaves), succession sow every 3 weeks. For pickle-sized seed heads, sow a single large planting in spring timed so heads mature during cucumber harvest season, typically 65 to 70 days later.
Mammoth dill's tall stature means it may need support in windy locations. Plant in blocks rather than single rows for mutual support, or stake individual plants. The hollow stems are strong but can snap in heavy rain or wind. Water moderately; dill is fairly drought-tolerant but produces more lush foliage with consistent moisture. Allow some plants to self-sow for a perpetual dill patch.
32 plants fit a 4 × 8 ft bed
Each Mammoth Dill wants 30 cm of elbow room. The planner keeps that spacing for you — every plant, every bed.
Mammoth Dill's best neighbours
Dill attracts many beneficial insects including parasitic wasps, ladybugs, and hover flies. Plant near brassicas like cabbage and broccoli, where the attracted predators help control cabbage worms. Dill is a classic companion for cucumbers, which benefit from improved pollination. Keep away from carrots and tomatoes, as dill may inhibit their growth. Never plant near fennel to prevent cross-pollination.
Cucumber belongs beside it. Carrot doesn't.
Old growers' knowledge, checked against Mammoth Dill's real companion table below — test any plant you're growing.
Related growing guides
Feed it well
Mammoth dill grows well in average to rich, well-drained soil with a pH of 5.5 to 7.5. It tolerates a range of soil types from sandy to clay. Amend with compost before sowing for best results. A light application of balanced fertilizer at planting provides adequate nutrition for the season. Avoid excessive nitrogen that promotes tall, weak stems prone to lodging. Keep soil moderately moist for lush foliage production.
Ideal Temperature
Hardiness Zone Compatibility
From seed to harvest, stage by stage
Seed Germination
Dill seeds are slow to germinate compared to many herbs, typically taking 10-14 days in soil temperatures of 15-21°C (60-70°F). The tiny seeds require light to germinate and should be pressed gently into the surface rather than buried deeply. A single thread-like cotyledon emerges first, giving the seedling a grass-like appearance that is easy to mistake for a weed.
Seedling Establishment
The first true leaves appear as tiny feathery fronds, distinctly different from the initial grass-like cotyledon. The seedling develops a slender taproot that anchors it firmly and begins forming the characteristic hollow stem. At this stage plants are fragile and easily damaged by rough handling or heavy rain.
Vegetative Growth
The plant grows rapidly, producing abundant feathery blue-green foliage on an increasingly sturdy hollow stem. Mammoth dill can reach 90-150 cm tall during this stage, significantly taller than standard dill varieties. The foliage is at its most aromatic and flavorful during this phase, making it the prime window for harvesting dill weed.
Flowering (Bolting)
The central stem elongates rapidly and produces a large, flat-topped compound umbel composed of dozens of tiny yellow flowers. Mammoth dill flower heads can span 20-25 cm across — larger than most other dill varieties. The flowers are extremely attractive to beneficial insects including parasitic wasps, lacewings, ladybugs, and hoverflies. Once flowering begins, foliage production slows and the flavor of remaining leaves becomes slightly more bitter.
Seed Development
After pollination, flat oval seed pairs develop across the flower head, transitioning from green to tan-brown as they mature. Each large Mammoth dill umbel can produce 300-500 seeds. The seeds have a warm, slightly bitter flavor distinct from the fresh herb and are prized as a spice. The plant begins to yellow and dry down as energy shifts entirely to seed maturation.
Sow seeds no deeper than 6 mm and press lightly into moist soil. Keep the surface consistently moist with gentle misting — dill seeds dry out quickly and will fail to germinate if the soil crust hardens. Soaking seeds overnight in warm water can speed germination by 3-4 days.
Caring for Mammoth Dill month by month
What to do each month for your Mammoth Dill
July
You are hereEarly spring sowings bolt and flower in the summer heat. Allow some plants to flower for beneficial insect habitat and seed production. Continue harvesting foliage from later succession sowings. Stake tall Mammoth dill plants if they begin to lean. Sow again for a fall crop.
Know exactly what to do in your garden — every month
One email at the start of each month: what to sow, plant, and tackle right now — for your Mammoth Dill and everything growing around it. Plus a short starter course that helps you dodge the classic mistakes.
- What to do, right now
- Matched to your season
- Starter course included
Harvesting Mammoth Dill
Harvest dill leaves (dill weed) any time after plants have several sets of feathery foliage. Snip leaves from the top of the plant. For seed heads used in pickling, harvest when seeds have turned from green to tan-brown but before they shatter. Cut the entire flower head with 6 to 8 inches of stem and place in canning jars with cucumbers, or hang upside down to dry. Fresh green seed heads are preferred for pickles, as they contribute both seeds and aromatic dill flavor.
assuming you sow when the window opens — set your real date
Pick Mammoth Dill promptly and the plant keeps producing.
Storage & Preservation
Fresh dill weed stores in the refrigerator for about a week in a damp paper towel. For longer storage, freeze chopped dill in ice cube trays with water or oil. Dill seed heads for pickling should be used fresh when possible; freeze any extra in sealed bags. Dried dill weed retains mild flavor for 6 months in airtight jars. Dill seeds, once fully dried, store for 3 to 4 years in airtight containers. Toast seeds briefly before using to intensify flavor.
What goes wrong — and the fix
Parsleyworm (Black Swallowtail Caterpillar)
PestLarge green, black, and yellow striped caterpillars feeding on leaves and flowers. Can defoliate small plantings quickly. Actually the larva of the beautiful black swallowtail butterfly.
Aphids
PestClusters of small green or yellow aphids on tender growth and developing seed heads. Sticky honeydew and possible sooty mold.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Lodging (falling over) is the primary issue with Mammoth dill due to its exceptional height. Provide support in windy locations or grow in protected areas. Early bolting in hot weather reduces leaf harvest; sow in cool seasons for best foliage production. Self-sowing can become aggressive if seed heads are left to shatter. Dill and fennel should not be planted near each other, as they can cross-pollinate and produce off-flavored hybrid offspring.
Growing Tips
- Direct-sow dill rather than transplanting whenever possible. Dill develops a long, sensitive taproot that does not recover well from disturbance. If you must start indoors, use deep biodegradable pots (at least 10 cm) that can be planted directly into the soil without removing the seedling.
- Sow seeds in succession every 3-4 weeks from early spring through mid-summer for a continuous supply of tender dill weed. Each planting provides prime foliage for about 4-6 weeks before bolting, so staggered sowings ensure you always have fresh, leafy plants available.
- Do not plant Mammoth dill near fennel. The two species are closely related and will cross-pollinate readily, producing hybrid seeds with muddled, unpleasant flavors in both crops. Keep them at least 100 meters apart if saving seeds for replanting.
- Harvest dill weed in the morning after the dew has dried but before the midday heat. Essential oil concentration — and therefore flavor — peaks in cool morning conditions. Cut entire stems rather than picking individual leaves for the most efficient harvest.
- Stake or cage Mammoth dill plants in exposed or windy locations. At 120-150 cm tall with heavy flower heads, the hollow stems are prone to snapping in strong wind or after heavy rain. A simple ring of twine around a few bamboo stakes provides adequate support.
- Allow at least two or three flower heads to mature and drop seed each season for a self-sowing colony. Mammoth dill volunteers readily in loose, well-drained soil, and the self-sown seedlings often perform better than carefully tended transplants because their taproots develop undisturbed.
- Grow dill near cucumbers, lettuce, onions, and brassicas as a companion plant. The large flower umbels attract parasitic wasps, lacewings, and hoverflies that prey on aphids, cabbage worms, and other common garden pests — providing natural biological pest control.
- Freeze fresh dill for the best preserved flavor. Spread chopped fronds on a baking sheet, freeze for one hour, then transfer to freezer bags. Frozen dill retains its bright color and flavor for 6-8 months, far superior to dried dill which loses most of its delicate essential oils.
- Water consistently but moderately — dill prefers evenly moist soil but is surprisingly drought-tolerant once established and will bolt prematurely in waterlogged conditions. A deep watering once or twice per week is better than frequent shallow watering.
- If swallowtail butterfly caterpillars appear on your dill, consider planting a few extra sacrificial plants rather than removing them. These striking green-and-black striped larvae transform into beautiful black swallowtail butterflies and rarely cause enough damage to affect your harvest significantly.
Pick your Mammoth Dill
Mammoth
The classic tall pickling dill at 4 to 5 feet with enormous seed heads. Fast-growing and vigorous. The standard variety for dill pickle production.
Bouquet
A smaller variety at 2 to 3 feet with proportionally large seed heads. Better for small gardens and containers. Good dual-purpose variety for both leaves and seeds.
Fernleaf
A compact dwarf variety at 18 inches, bred for leaf production rather than seeds. Very slow to bolt. Best for continuous dill weed harvest rather than pickling.
Fresh dill weed is one of the most expensive herbs at the grocery store, typically costing $2-4 for a small bunch (about 30g) that wilts within a few days. A single $2-3 seed packet of Mammoth dill produces 15-25 plants, each yielding multiple harvests of fronds over several weeks — easily 500g or more of fresh dill per plant over the season, worth $30-60 at retail prices. The large seed heads also provide dill seeds for pickling and spice use, replacing $4-6 jars of dried dill seed. Once established, Mammoth dill self-sows prolifically, giving you a permanent free supply of this premium herb year after year without any additional seed cost.
Quick recipes
Classic Refrigerator Dill Pickles
20 min + 48 hrs chillingCrisp, tangy dill pickles made without canning equipment — simply pack fresh cucumbers with Mammoth dill, garlic, and a simple brine, then refrigerate. Ready to eat in 48 hours and perfect for showcasing your homegrown dill fronds and seed heads together.
9 ingredientsScandinavian Dill and Lemon Salmon
25 minPan-seared salmon fillets finished with a bright, creamy dill and lemon sauce — a celebration of the timeless Nordic pairing of fresh dill and salmon. The sauce comes together in minutes and transforms a simple weeknight dinner into something elegant.
8 ingredientsHerbed Yogurt Dill Dip (Tzatziki-Style)
10 minA cool, refreshing dip packed with fresh dill, cucumber, and garlic — perfect for summer gatherings alongside pita bread, raw vegetables, or grilled meats. Uses a generous amount of fresh dill weed for maximum herbal flavor.
7 ingredientsCulinary Uses
Mammoth dill serves dual culinary purposes: the feathery leaves (dill weed) and the seed heads are both valuable. Fresh dill weed is essential in Scandinavian cured salmon (gravlax), potato salads, cucumber salads, and creamy dill sauces. The seed heads are indispensable for traditional kosher dill pickles, used fresh or dried in the brine. Dill seeds flavor breads, soups, and fish dishes. Pair dill with salmon, potatoes, cucumbers, eggs, and cream-based sauces.
What's inside
Health Benefits
- Rich in monoterpene compounds including d-carvone, d-limonene, and alpha-phellandrene, which research suggests have antimicrobial and antifungal properties — traditionally used to preserve food and support digestive health for thousands of years.
- Contains potent antioxidant flavonoids including vicenin and kaempferol that help neutralize free radicals, potentially reducing oxidative stress and lowering the risk of chronic inflammatory conditions.
- Traditionally used worldwide as a digestive aid — dill seed extract relaxes smooth muscle in the gastrointestinal tract, helping to relieve bloating, gas, and stomach cramps. Gripe water for infant colic has included dill since the 19th century.
- Exceptionally high in vitamin A (154% DV per 100g) as beta-carotene, supporting healthy vision, immune system function, and skin cell regeneration — particularly beneficial when dill is consumed regularly as a dietary herb.
- Provides a notable amount of calcium (208mg per 100g) for an herb, contributing to bone density maintenance and proper nerve signaling when used generously in cooking rather than as a sparse garnish.
- Contains volatile oils that have demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties in laboratory studies, with traditional herbal medicine systems across Eastern Europe and the Middle East using dill preparations to soothe respiratory irritation and joint discomfort.
Where Mammoth Dill comes from
Dill (Anethum graveolens) is native to the eastern Mediterranean region and western Asia, with its center of origin likely in the area spanning modern-day Turkey, Iran, and the Caucasus. It is one of the oldest cultivated herbs, with archaeological evidence of dill seeds found in late Neolithic Swiss lake dwellings dating to approximately 4000 BCE. The ancient Egyptians were among the first to document its medicinal properties — the Ebers Papyrus of 1550 BCE prescribes dill as a remedy for headaches and digestive complaints.
Dill was highly valued in the ancient Greek and Roman worlds. Greek athletes rubbed dill oil on their bodies before competitions, and Roman gladiators were fed dill-infused meals for strength. The herb spread across Europe along Roman trade routes and became a staple of medieval gardens, where it was grown for both culinary and supposed magical purposes — including protection against witchcraft and the evil eye. Charlemagne reportedly ordered dill to be grown in all royal gardens throughout the Holy Roman Empire.
The Mammoth variety (also known as Long Island Mammoth or Mammoth Long Island) was developed by American seed growers in the 19th century, selected specifically for its exceptional height, large seed heads, and vigorous foliage production. It became the preferred variety for the burgeoning American pickling industry centered in the eastern United States, where its large umbels provided the ideal combination of aromatic seeds and flavorful fronds for packing into pickle jars.
Today, dill is cultivated worldwide from Scandinavia to India, and Mammoth remains one of the most popular open-pollinated varieties for home gardeners. It is especially prized in Eastern European, Scandinavian, and Middle Eastern cuisines, where it appears in everything from pickled herring and borscht to tzatziki and rice dishes. India is the world's largest producer of dill, where it is known as 'sowa' and used both as a culinary herb and in traditional Ayurvedic medicine for digestive and respiratory ailments.
Mammoth Dill: did you know?
Fascinating facts about Mammoth Dill
Mammoth dill is the tallest commonly grown dill variety, regularly reaching 120-150 cm (4-5 feet) in height — earning its name from its imposing stature in the garden. Its large flower umbels can span up to 25 cm across, dwarfing those of standard dill by nearly double.
Mammoth Dill questions, answered
When should I plant Mammoth Dill?
What are good companion plants for Mammoth Dill?
What hardiness zones can Mammoth Dill grow in?
How much sun does Mammoth Dill need?
How far apart should I space Mammoth Dill?
What pests and diseases affect Mammoth Dill?
How do I store Mammoth Dill after harvest?
What are the best Mammoth Dill varieties to grow?
What soil does Mammoth Dill need?
What is the difference between Mammoth dill and regular dill?
How do I prevent dill from bolting too quickly?
Can I grow Mammoth dill in a container?
Is dill weed the same as dill seed in recipes?
Why is my dill turning yellow?
Can I save seeds from Mammoth dill to plant next year?
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A plan that knows your weather
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From the “When to plant” sectionDrag-and-drop bed planner
Design beds on a grid. Every plant snaps to its proper spacing, and you can see your whole season laid out before you spend a cent on seed.
From the “Growing guide” sectionCompanion conflicts, caught early
200+ good-and-bad pairings checked live as you plant — so a season-wrecking mistake never makes it into the ground.
From the “Companions” sectionReminders you'll actually act on
“Water the beans.” “Pick today before it turns.” Timely, specific, and tied to the plants you're really growing.
From the “Harvest” sectionSuccession, scheduled
Want a harvest for six weeks, not six days? It spaces your sowings automatically and reminds you when each new block is due.
From the “When to plant” sectionA record that gets smarter
Every harvest you log teaches it your garden. Next year's plan starts from what actually worked in your soil, not a textbook's.
From the “Overview” sectionPlant these alongside Mammoth Dill
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