Dill Falling Over: Tall Stems, Wind and Staking
Dill falling over is common because it grows tall on hollow stems. The University of Wisconsin Extension says dill grows 18 inches to 4 feet tall and that tall types benefit from staking, since hollow stems are easily damaged by wind, rain and hail. Crowding, shade and too much water make it lean more.
The short answer
Dill flops when tall, hollow stems meet wind, rain, shade or crowding. Grow it in full sun, thin seedlings to 3 to 6 inches apart and water evenly without soaking it. Stake tall types and shelter them from high wind. Short varieties such as Fernleaf suit containers and windy spots.
Why does dill fall over?
NC State Extension describes dill stems as erect, branched and hollow. It says taller plants may need wind shelter to stay upright. Wisconsin adds that hollow stems are easily damaged by wind, rain and hail. For how weather stress affects garden plants, see the effects of environmental stresses on weed plants.
How do crowding and shade make it worse?
NC State says plants that get too much water or extra shade can be lanky and flop over and need support. Minnesota Extension says crowding causes weak growth and poor air flow, and that too little light results in thin, spindly growth. Minnesota also warns against very rich sites for herbs. Wisconsin says dill does well in full sun in average to fertile, well drained soil.
How do you stake dill?
| Step | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Thin | 3 to 6 inches apart at 3 to 4 weeks | Wisconsin Extension |
| Light | Full sun, 6 or more hours | NC State |
| Stake | Tall types in beds and pots | Wisconsin Extension |
| Shelter | From high winds | NC State |
| Pots | Deep pot for long roots | Wisconsin Extension |
One stake and a soft tie hold a single plant. Rows can lean on stakes strung with twine. See support ideas in the art of cannabis trellising and wind blocks in windbreaks for outdoor cannabis.
How to: step by step
- Sow dill in full sun.
- Thin seedlings to 3 to 6 inches apart at 3 to 4 weeks.
- Water evenly and avoid soggy soil.
- Set stakes before plants reach full height.
- Tie stems loosely as they grow.
Troubleshooting
Lanky plants: move dill to more sun and water less.
Stems snapped in a storm: stake earlier next time.
Dry soil swings: a mulch layer helps. Read mulch for cannabis.
Grow dill that stands up
Sun, spacing and a stake do most of the work. Kind Seed Co shares more garden notes for growers who raise herbs next to cannabis.
Sources
- Dill, Anethum graveolens, University of Wisconsin Extension Horticulture
- Anethum graveolens (dill), NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
- Growing herbs in home gardens, University of Minnesota Extension
FAQ
How tall does dill grow?
Wisconsin Extension says dill grows 18 inches to 4 feet tall.
Can dill be grown in pots?
Yes. Wisconsin suggests a deep pot for the long roots and says plants may need staking. NC State lists Fernleaf as a dwarf dill for containers.
Should I cut back dill?
You can harvest leaves through the season. Wisconsin suggests new sowings every 10 to 14 days in cool weather for steady leaves.
Does dill reseed?
Yes. Wisconsin says dill will readily self seed if seed heads are not harvested.
Why is my dill lanky?
NC State says too much water or extra shade can make dill lanky and floppy.
