Dill, Anethum graveolens: “Ancient Aromatic”
Dill, Anethum graveolens: “Ancient Aromatic”
Like chamomile, mint, and rosemary, dill has been an important aromatic herb since ancient times.
Like chamomile, mint, and rosemary, dill has been an important aromatic herb since ancient times.
Centuries ago, ancient Greeks and Romans used dill medicinally as a topical treatment for burns and wounds. Used ceremoniously, dill decorated crowns worn by returning heroes at celebrations.
Centuries ago, ancient Greeks and Romans used dill medicinally as a topical treatment for burns and wounds. Used ceremoniously, dill decorated crowns worn by returning heroes at celebrations.
Photograph by Michelle Slatalla.
Photograph by Michelle Slatalla.
Dill pickles in progress. In medieval times, dill was commonly used as a pickling spice.
Dill pickles in progress. In medieval times, dill was commonly used as a pickling spice.
Photograph by Katrin Scharl.
Photograph by Katrin Scharl.
Today we grow dill not to repel witches but to keep bad insects away. Dill also repels spider mites and aphids, making the herb a go-to for natural pest control and great as a companion plant in the vegetable garden.
Today we grow dill not to repel witches but to keep bad insects away. Dill also repels spider mites and aphids, making the herb a go-to for natural pest control and great as a companion plant in the vegetable garden.
Photograph by Free Use Photos via Flickr.
Photograph by Free Use Photos via Flickr.
Dill grown at Petersham Nurseries near London.
Dill grown at Petersham Nurseries near London.
Photograph by Keiko Oikawa.
Photograph by Keiko Oikawa.
Photograph by Jim Powell for Gardenista.
Photograph by Jim Powell for Gardenista.
Dill ‘Mammoth’ mingles with annual flowers in an ornamental garden bed. For more, see Celia’s Garden: At Home with an English Artist and Her Chickens.
Dill ‘Mammoth’ mingles with annual flowers in an ornamental garden bed. For more, see Celia’s Garden: At Home with an English Artist and Her Chickens.
Cheat Sheet
Cheat Sheet
Keep It Alive
Keep It Alive
Planning an herb garden, indoors or out? See our curated guide to Edibles 101 and Everything You Need to Know About Herb Gardens.
Planning an herb garden, indoors or out? See our curated guide to Edibles 101 and Everything You Need to Know About Herb Gardens.