Dill Microgreen Seeds

Dill is a slower-growing specialty microgreen best allowed to develop its characteristic fine true leaves. The seed is sown dry, kept evenly moist during germination and given a short covered establishment period before the crop is moved into good light.

What You Need

• Dill Microgreen Seeds
• A shallow tray with drainage holes
• A solid lower tray for bottom watering
• Fine seed-raising mix, coco coir or another suitable microgreen medium
• Clean drinking-quality water
• Fine mist sprayer
• A second tray or suitable germination cover
• Bright natural light or suitable grow lights
• Clean scissors or a sharp harvesting knife

Seed Rate

For a standard 25 × 50cm microgreen tray, start with approximately:

8–12g dry dill seed per tray

Dill seed is light and elongated, so spread it as evenly as possible.

A moderate density gives the fine stems and feathery foliage room to develop while maintaining airflow through the crop.

Pre-Soak

No pre-soaking required.

Sow dill seed dry directly onto the prepared growing medium.

Pre-soaking makes the narrow seed more difficult to distribute evenly and is not necessary for successful microgreen production.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Clean your equipment. Wash and thoroughly rinse the trays, germination cover and tools.
2. Prepare the growing medium. Add approximately 2–3cm of fine seed-raising mix, coco coir or another suitable fine-textured medium.
3. Moisten before sowing. Water evenly and allow excess water to drain. The medium should be consistently damp without being saturated.
4. Measure the seed. Use approximately 8–12g for a standard 25 × 50cm tray.
5. Sow evenly. Spread the dry seed across the growing surface and break up any concentrated patches.
6. Press gently. Ensure good contact between the seed and moist growing medium.
7. Cover lightly if preferred. A very thin layer of fine growing medium or vermiculite can help retain moisture, but deep burial is unnecessary.
8. Mist gently. Moisten without washing the seed into clusters.
9. Cover during early germination. Use another tray or suitable opaque cover.
10. Check daily. Maintain even moisture without keeping the growing surface saturated.
11. Uncover as germination establishes. Once seedlings are emerging strongly, remove the cover rather than following a rigid number of blackout days.
12. Provide light and airflow. Move the crop into bright indirect natural light or beneath suitable grow lights.
13. Bottom water once established. As roots develop, switch primarily to watering from below.

Blackout

Allow approximately:

3–5 days of covered germination

Heavy weighting is unnecessary.

Use the crop rather than the calendar as your guide. If seedlings are established and pushing upward before day five, uncover them and move them into light.

Germination

Initial germination will often become visible in approximately:

5–10 days

Dill can germinate less quickly and less uniformly than broccoli, radish or mustard.

Do not assume the tray has failed if emergence is gradual. Seed lot, temperature and moisture can substantially affect germination speed.

Temperature

During establishment, aim for approximately:

18–24°C

Dill germination benefits from moderate warmth, with around 24°C useful during the initial germination stage.

Once established, normal indoor microgreen temperatures around 18–24°C are suitable.

Avoid excessive heat combined with high humidity and stagnant airflow.

Light & Airflow

After uncovering:

• provide bright indirect natural light or suitable grow lights;
• maintain good airflow around the crop;
• rotate trays if necessary for even growth;
• avoid excessively hot direct sunlight; and
• avoid keeping the delicate foliage continually wet.

Good light encourages compact green growth and development of the characteristic feathery true leaves.

Watering

During early germination, mist gently where required to maintain surface moisture.

Once the roots are established, bottom watering is preferable.

For more detail, see How to Water Microgreens: Misting vs Bottom Watering.

When watering:

• keep the growing medium consistently moist;
• avoid permanent saturation;
• do not leave standing water beneath the tray;
• minimise repeated wetting of established foliage; and
• maintain good airflow.

Dill foliage is fine and can be flattened by heavy overhead watering.

Tips for Best Results

• Use approximately 8–12g per 25 × 50cm tray.
• Do not pre-soak.
• Sow evenly at moderate density.
• Maintain good seed-to-medium contact.
• Use approximately 3–5 days of covered germination.
• Uncover according to crop development.
• Maintain approximately 18–24°C.
• Provide bright light after establishment.
• Maintain good airflow.
• Bottom water once roots establish.
• Handle the delicate foliage carefully.
• Allow true leaves to develop for characteristic dill appearance and flavour.

Allow the True Leaves to Develop

Dill becomes substantially more recognisable once its first true leaves develop.

The initial seed leaves are relatively simple, while later foliage becomes finely divided and feathery.

For a premium culinary micro herb, allow enough growing time for this characteristic foliage and stronger dill aroma to develop.

Root Hairs vs Mould

Fine white root hairs may occasionally be mistaken for mould.

Healthy root hairs generally:

• grow directly from individual roots;
• appear relatively evenly;
• become more noticeable as roots dry slightly; and
• become less obvious immediately after watering.

Mould is more likely to:

• spread irregularly between seedlings;
• form web-like growth;
• persist after watering; or
• occur with slime, decay or an unpleasant smell.

If you are uncertain, see Mould vs Root Hairs on Sprouts & Microgreens.

Discard crops showing obvious spoilage.

Harvest & Storage

Harvest approximately:

16–25 days from sowing

Dill can be harvested according to the appearance and stage you prefer, but allowing the first finely divided true leaves to develop produces a more recognisable micro dill crop.

Look for:

• healthy upright stems;
• fresh green foliage;
• developing feathery true leaves;
• a pronounced fresh dill aroma; and
• the size and texture you prefer.

Cut cleanly just above the growing medium using clean scissors or a sharp harvesting knife.

Where practical, harvest when the foliage is relatively dry.

Refrigerate promptly in a clean container. Avoid crushing or tightly packing the delicate foliage.

Culinary Use

Fresh dill microgreens pair particularly well with:

• fish and seafood;
• eggs;
• potatoes;
• cucumber;
• salads;
• yoghurt-based sauces and dressings;
• dips;
• soups; and
• savoury garnishes.

Add them near the end of preparation or immediately before serving to preserve their fresh aroma and delicate texture.

Growing Beyond the Microgreen Stage

Dill can also be grown through to maturity.

For mature plants:

1. Sow much less densely.
2. Grow in pots, containers or garden beds.
3. Provide a sunny position.
4. Maintain moisture while plants establish.
5. Harvest fresh foliage as required.
6. Allow selected plants to flower if you want dill flowers or mature culinary seed.

Clean Growing / Food Safety

Use clean trays, fresh growing medium, drinking-quality water and clean harvesting equipment.

Maintain:

• appropriate moisture levels;
• good drainage;
• adequate airflow;
• clean harvesting tools; and
• prompt refrigeration after harvest.

Discard crops showing visible mould, slime, decay, abnormal discolouration or an unpleasant smell.

Seed Storage

Store unused seed sealed in a cool, dry and dark place away from heat, moisture and direct sunlight.

For longer-term storage, refrigeration can help maintain viability. Keep refrigerated seed sealed while it returns to room temperature before opening to reduce condensation.