Dill Seeds: Mammoth Long Island Dill Herb
Dill Seeds: Mammoth Long Island Dill Herb
Our Mammoth Long Island Dill seeds produce robust foliage commonly used in pickling, flavoring dishes, and garnishing. The leaves can also be dried for future use. This variety grows slightly taller than Bouquet Dill, featuring sparser yet greener foliage. It boasts higher yields and earlier maturity compared to other types, making it the preferred choice for pickling.
Historical records indicate dill's medicinal use for over 5,000 years, primarily for aiding digestion and treating stomach issues, hence its name derived from an old Saxon word meaning "to lull." Ancient Greek tradition even suggested using dill leaves to induce sleep. Additionally, many herbal remedies from ancient times recommend dill for soothing colicky infants. Traditionally, dill symbolized good fortune, protection, and wealth. Although the exact origin of dill's association with pickles remains unclear, a recipe from 1640, attributed to the cook of England's King Charles I, includes dill in pickled cucumbers. Nowadays, German, Greek, and Scandinavian cuisines frequently incorporate dill.
Mammoth Long Island Dill is highly prized by commercial growers for its reliability and exceptional flavor. It belongs to the herbaceous annual plants in the celery family, Apiaceae, and is the sole species in the Anethum genus, among the numerous herb types. While indigenous to the eastern Mediterranean and beyond, dill was disseminated worldwide by Europeans during the colonial era.
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How To Grow
How To Grow
Sowing: Opt for direct sowing when planting Mammoth Long Island Dill seeds, as they don't transplant well. Plant them after the last spring frost in well-drained, fertile soil under full sun. Sow the seeds 0.6 cm deep and 20 cm apart in rows spaced 45 cm apart. Thin the seedlings to 30-38 cm apart once they start developing.
Growing: Ensure the seedlings receive adequate water and apply mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Consistently moist soil is crucial to prevent mature plants from bolting due to dry conditions.
Harvesting
Harvesting
Harvest the feathery dill leaves as needed once they reach the desired size, preferably in the morning after the dew evaporates. The leaves are at their peak quality when the small flowers on the heads start to open. While fresh leaves offer the best flavor, they can be refrigerated for up to 2 days, dried, or frozen for later use. Gather the seed heads when most of the tiny flowers have bloomed. To collect the seeds, let the heads dry on the stems until they turn light brown. Cut the seed heads and spread them out to complete drying, then gently rub them to release the seeds. Store the seeds in an airtight container.
Seed Saving
Seed Saving
Seed Saving: Dill readily self-seeds after flowering, but you can collect the seeds easily. Harvest the umbrella-shaped seed heads once the seeds turn light brown. Dry them in a shaded area away from direct sunlight, then gently rub them to release the seeds from the stems. Store the seeds in a cool, dry place for up to 5 years.
Extra Facts
Extra Facts
Common Names: Dill Weed
Latin Name: Anethum graveolens
Species Origin: Tennessee
Type of Seed: Open Pollinated, Heirloom, Cool Season|Warm Season
Life Cycle: Annual
USDA Zones: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Planting Method: Direct Sow
Sunlight: full sun
Height: 91 cm
Color: Green
Bloom Season: Blooms Late Summer, Blooms Early Fall