Short answer: sprinkle 10 to 15 g of dill seed on a 10 × 20 inch tray of moist soil. Press it in, mist, cover, and keep it dark and damp for 4 to 5 days. Uncover, give bright light, and water from below. Cut at 14 to 21 days.
What are dill microgreens?
Dill (Anethum graveolens) is a feathery herb used in pickles, fish dishes and salads. As microgreens, it grows long, thin seed leaves and then fine, thread-like true leaves. Sprouting.com gives dill 14 to 21 days.1
How to grow dill microgreens
- Day0
Sow
Sprinkle the seed evenly over 1 inch of moist potting mix. Press it in and mist.
- Day0–5
Blackout
Cover and keep damp. Mist once or twice a day; dill is slow to start.
- Day5
Light
Uncover once most seeds have sprouted. Give bright light.
- Day5–18
Water
Water through the bottom tray. Keep the soil evenly moist.
- Day14–21
Harvest
Cut above the soil once the first feathery leaves appear.
Problems and fixes
| Problem | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Slow or patchy start | Seed dried out, cold room | Mist often, keep at 65–75°F |
| Damping off | Cold, wet soil | Water less, add airflow |
| Seed husks on leaves | Normal | Mist and brush off at harvest |
Tips for growing dill microgreens
- Press the seed in. Dill seed is light and needs good contact with damp soil.
- Keep it damp for the first 4 to 5 days. Dry seed stalls.
- Keep it warm, around 65 to 75°F (18 to 24°C).
- Water from below once uncovered. The feathery leaves flatten under a spray.
- Grow a small tray. A 10 × 10 inch tray gives plenty of dill.
Dill microgreens vs fresh dill
Dill microgreens are milder and more tender than dill fronds from a grown plant. The long seed leaves taste mild, and the first feathery true leaves taste like classic dill. For the strongest dill flavour, wait for those first true leaves.
Classic dill pairings
- Salmon and trout: fresh, smoked or baked.
- Potatoes: new potatoes with butter, or potato salad.
- Cucumber: cucumber salad, tzatziki and quick pickles.
- Eggs: egg salad and deviled eggs.
- Soups: borscht and creamy vegetable soups.
Dill pairs well with fennel and chervil in a mixed herb garnish.
Storing and eating
Dill microgreens keep 3 to 5 days in a lined container in the fridge. Use them on salmon, potato salad, eggs, tzatziki and cucumber salads. See radish sprout and cucumber salad for a dill-friendly recipe.
Dill FAQ
How long do dill microgreens take?
About 14 to 21 days. Dill is slow to germinate, so keep the tray covered and damp for the first 4 to 5 days.
Should I soak dill seeds?
It's not needed. Sow them dry on moist soil and mist well. A short soak doesn't hurt if you prefer it.
What can I use dill microgreens for?
Fish, potatoes, eggs, cucumber salads, yogurt sauces and soups. Add them at the end so they stay fresh.
Do dill microgreens taste like dill?
Yes, but milder. The first feathery true leaves have the most classic dill flavour.
Written by Michael
A passionate sprouting professional sharing practical tips for growing sprouts and microgreens at home. More about Michael
Sources
- Sprouting.com (Mumm's Sprouting Seeds). Product pages: days to sprout, soak time and yield for each seed. Link
