How to Grow Dill Indoors in Pots

By the Countertop Harvest team · Last updated October 20, 2026 · How we choose products

Dill is a fast, feathery annual that we grow for its leaves, and sometimes for its seeds. Clemson Extension calls it one of the easiest herbs to grow from seed (Clemson HGIC), and the RHS says you can start picking leaves about six weeks after sowing (RHS). It has two quirks indoors: a long taproot that dislikes being moved, and a habit of flowering quickly in heat. Plan for both and dill does well on a bright counter. This guide covers pots, sowing, light, watering, harvesting and keeping a steady supply going.

A deep pot, sown where it will grow

Penn State says herbs with a taproot, such as dill, should be grown in deep pots (Penn State Extension). Illinois Extension adds that the taproot makes dill hard to transplant successfully, which is why it does best when sown directly where it will grow (Illinois Extension). For containers, the RHS recommends compact varieties such as 'Domino' and 'Diana' in a pot at least 12 inches deep and wide (RHS). Illinois also lists 'Ella' and 'Monia' as compact varieties suited to containers, and describes 'Bouquet' as a more compact, dwarf form of the tall 'Mammoth' (Illinois Extension).

We sow straight into the final pot. If you start dill in a small cell instead, the RHS says to transplant seedlings about four weeks after sowing, before they form long taproots (RHS).

Sowing

The RHS sows dill thinly and covers it with about half an inch of compost, keeps it no cooler than 60°F, and expects seeds to come up in one to two weeks (RHS). Outdoors the RHS thins seedlings to about 8 inches apart (RHS). In a pot we thin to a few strong plants rather than a crowded clump. If you'd like seeds, here are Bouquet dill seeds from Botanical Interests.

Light and temperature

Most herbs need around eight hours of direct light a day indoors, according to Iowa State (Iowa State Extension), and Penn State gives six hours as the general need, or fluorescent bulbs 6 to 12 inches away for 14 to 16 hours (Penn State Extension). Dill is a tall plant, so a grow light on an adjustable hanger works better than a fixed one. Penn State's indoor temperature guide is 65 to 70°F by day and 55 to 60°F at night (Penn State Extension). Clemson describes dill as a cool-weather annual that goes to seed when hot weather starts (Clemson HGIC), so we keep it off a sill that bakes in the afternoon.

Watering

Dill is less drought-loving than thyme or sage. The RHS warns that in hot, dry conditions dill tends to flower prematurely, or bolt, which limits further leaf growth, and that plants in containers need particular attention because the compost dries out quickly (RHS). We keep the mix evenly moist but never waterlogged, and we always use a pot with a drainage hole.

Harvesting leaves and seeds

The RHS starts harvesting leaves about six weeks after sowing, snips just a few from young plants and always leaves at least one-third of the plant in place to keep it growing (RHS). Regular picking also helps keep plants bushy and delay flowering (RHS). The leaves wilt fast, even in the fridge, so the RHS suggests using them soon after cutting (RHS).

If you let a plant flower, Illinois Extension says the seeds usually mature 2 to 3 weeks after the blossoms appear; it cuts the seed heads into a brown paper bag to dry (Illinois Extension). Clemson notes that both ripe seeds and unripe seed heads are used in pickling (Clemson HGIC).

Keeping a steady supply

A single sowing of dill doesn't last long. Illinois Extension recommends sowing again every two weeks, because plants decline soon after they start to flower (Illinois Extension). The RHS says sowing small batches every few weeks gives a constant supply of young leaves (RHS). On a counter, two or three pots sown a couple of weeks apart keep us in fresh dill.

Pets

The ASPCA lists dill as non-toxic to dogs, cats and horses. It does note essential oils in the plant, and dermatitis with prolonged contact as a possible sign (ASPCA).

Common problems

Flowering too soon

Heat and dry compost push dill to bolt (RHS). Keep it evenly watered, move it out of hot afternoon sun, and sow again. Illinois lists 'Green Sleeves' as resistant to bolting and 'Fernleaf' as slow to go to seed (Illinois Extension).

Thin, floppy stems

Too little light is the usual cause indoors (Penn State Extension). Lower the grow light or move the pot, and see our guide to leggy indoor herbs.

Aphids

The RHS says dill's delicate foliage is vulnerable to aphids (RHS). Our pest control guide covers how to deal with them.

Dill grows a lot like cilantro, another quick annual with a taproot. You can also find a guide by plant.

Sources

All sources accessed October 20, 2026. This guide is about growing dill as a kitchen herb.

Frequently asked questions

Can I grow dill indoors?

Yes. Clemson Extension calls dill one of the easiest herbs to grow from seed. Indoors, give it a deep pot, a bright window or grow light, and steady watering, and sow again every couple of weeks.

What size pot does dill need?

A deep one. Penn State Extension says taprooted herbs like dill need deep pots, and the RHS recommends at least 12 inches deep and wide for compact varieties such as Domino and Diana.

How long does dill take to grow?

The RHS says seeds germinate in one to two weeks at 60°F or warmer, and you can start harvesting leaves about six weeks after sowing.

Why is my dill flowering already?

Heat and dry compost make dill bolt. The RHS says hot, dry conditions trigger early flowering, and containers dry out quickly. Keep it evenly moist, out of hot afternoon sun, and sow a new pot every two weeks as Illinois Extension suggests.

Is dill safe for cats and dogs?

The ASPCA lists dill as non-toxic to dogs, cats and horses, noting dermatitis with prolonged contact as a possible sign.