Introduction to Growing Dill Hydroponically
Hydroponic gardening has emerged as a popular and efficient method for growing a wide range of herbs and vegetables, including the very flavorful and aromatic dill.
With its delicate leaves and distinctive taste, dill can be a delightful addition to your hydroponic garden.
In this guide, we will take you through the step-by-step process of growing dill hydroponically which will allow you to enjoy a continuous supply of this culinary herb all year round.
Selecting a Hydroponic System
The first step in your journey is to choose the right hydroponic system.
There are various options available, such as Deep Water Culture (DWC), Nutrient Film Technique (NFT), or Ebb and Flow.
Dill also grows well using the Kratky Method.
And, of course, there are countertop gardens for purchase, such as AeroGarden or iDOO.
Consider factors like available space, budget, and your level of expertise when making your selection.
Each system has its unique advantages, so pick one that suits your needs and resources.
Read our article on the pros and cons of each type of hydroponic system if you need help choosing one.
I have two personal favorites for growing herbs, including dill.
First, my most reliable, highest-performing setup is my Deep Water Culture (DWC) system. Herbs do great in that environment.
Second, AeroGardens are amazing for growing herbs. They are simple to set up and user friendly.
Preparing the Hydroponic Setup
Once you’ve decided on the hydroponic system, it’s time to prepare your setup.
Gather all the essential equipment and materials required, including a reservoir, growing containers, a suitable growing medium (like rockwool or clay pellets), nutrient solution, a pH meter, an EC meter, and a LED lighting for indoor setups.
I always recommend cleaning your setup before starting a new garden.
Ensuring you have everything ready beforehand will streamline the process and set the stage for successful dill cultivation.
Choosing the variety of Dill to Grow
One important consideration is which variety of dill will you grow. Here are the options I’d recommend for their compact nature and resistance to bolting.
1. Fernleaf Dill (Anethum graveolens ‘Fernleaf’): This variety is a compact and bushy dill making it an excellent choice for hydroponics where space may be limited.
It reaches a height of about 18 inches (45 cm) and produces an abundance of flavorful leaves.
Fernleaf dill is slow to bolt meaning it is less likely to prematurely produce flowers and seeds. This allows you to enjoy the fresh leaves for a more extended time period.
2. Bouquet Dill (Anethum graveolens ‘Bouquet’): Bouquet dill is a popular variety known for its strong flavor and fragrance.
It is relatively compact and suitable for hydroponic systems especially for indoor gardening.
Like Fernleaf, Bouquet dill has a slower bolting tendency which ensures you have a prolonged harvest window.
3. Dukat Dill (Anethum graveolens ‘Dukat’): Dukat dill is prized for its sweet and mild flavor. This makes Dukat a favorite in culinary applications.
It has feathery and aromatic foliage perfect for garnishing and seasoning dishes.
This variety is well-suited for hydroponic growth due to its compact nature and resistance to bolting.
4. Mammoth Dill (Anethum graveolens ‘Mammoth’): Despite its name, Mammoth dill is still suitable for hydroponics particularly if you have a bit more space in your system.
This variety produces large and flavorful leaves making it a favorite among gardeners who value its abundance for cooking and pickling.
Dill Hera (Anethum graveolens ‘Hera’): Hera dill is a modern variety known for its uniform growth and high yield.
It is ideal for hydroponics as it produces abundant foliage and maintains a neat and compact structure. Once again, Hera dill also has a robust resistance to bolting.
Growing Dill From Seeds, Cuttings, or Starts
The next step involves obtaining the dill plants for your hydroponic garden.
You have several options: growing from seeds, using cuttings from an existing dill plant, or purchasing ready-to-plant starts from a nursery.
If starting from seeds, germinate them in a suitable medium following the instructions on the seed packet.
I personally love starting seeds with a damp paper towel. But, if you are using an AeroGarden, another option is to germinate seeds in the sponge.
For cuttings or starts, ensure they have developed healthy roots before transplanting them into the hydroponic system.
There is another way – did you know you can often times have luck growing dill from fresh dill purchased at the grocery store? It’s true!
You can put the store-bought dill right into the hydroponic system. Or, you can put it in a jar of water for a couple of weeks, and wait for roots to emerge before transplanting it into your system.
Planting in the Hydroponic System
With your dill plants ready, carefully transplant them into the hydroponic system.
Place the seedlings or starts in the growing containers. Make sure the roots are securely covered with the growing medium.
Space the plants appropriately to avoid overcrowding as this can hinder their growth and development.
Providing Adequate Lighting
Dill thrives under ample sunlight.
If you are growing indoors, invest in high-quality LED grow lights that emit the full spectrum of light to mimic natural sunlight.
Place the LED lights a few inches above the tops of the plants, and adjust the height as the plants grow.
Aim for a daily light duration of 12 to 16 hours to encourage robust growth and vibrant foliage.
Nutrient Requirements for Growing Dill Hydroponically
Like all herbs, hydroponically grown dill requires a nutrient-rich solution to flourish.
Monitor the pH levels regularly and ensure that the nutrient mix is well-balanced to provide the essential elements for healthy growth.
Dill will do best in nutrient solution with a pH of 5.5 – 6.4. The EC of the solution should be 1.0 – 1.6.
Remember to keep an eye on EC over time as water volume changes and the plant matures.
Temperature and Humidity Requirements
Maintaining the right environmental conditions is crucial for growing healthy dill.
Dill prefers temperatures ranging from 60-75°F (15-24°C) and moderate humidity levels
Avoid extreme fluctuations in temperature and humidity to prevent stress to the plants.
You’ll also want to ensure there is good airflow in the area around you dill to promote transpiration. A small fan can do the trick here.
Performing Regular Maintenance
To ensure your hydroponic dill plants remain healthy and productive, perform regular maintenance tasks.
Keep a watchful eye for any signs of pests, diseases, or nutrient imbalances.
If you are using an air or water pump in your setup, make sure the components are functioning properly.
Ensure the nutrient solution doesn’t run too low.
I also suggest using an EC meter to periodically measure the nutrient solution to keep it within the recommended range of 1.0 – 1.6.
Keep a watchful eye for algae growth as this can become a real pain if not addressed quickly.
Your dill will “speak” to you if it is unhappy. Pay attention to what it is saying, and jump on problems quickly.
Harvesting Dill
The reward for your efforts comes with a bountiful harvest of dill leaves!
Once the leaves are mature and flavorful, carefully harvest the outer ones allowing the inner ones to continue growing.
This should only take about a few weeks.
Regular harvesting encourages continuous growth and ensures a steady supply of fresh dill for your culinary creations! Don’t be afraid to trim to keep the plant tight and neat!
Summary
Growing dill hydroponically is a rewarding experience that allows you to enjoy this versatile herb throughout the year.
Follow these tips, and I think you’ll find growing dill in hydroponics is quite easy. In fact, I doubt you’ll go back to soil!
Remember to monitor the nutrient solution and provide adequate lighting. And, don’t forget to listen to what your dill is telling you!
Happy growing!
Once you’ve mastered dill, you should consider giving watercress a try. We put together another handy guide on growing watercress hydroponically with everything you need to know.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does dill grow well in hydroponics?
Yes, like most herbs, dill grows extremely well in hydroponics!
What is the right pH for hydroponic dill?
Dill will do best in nutrient solution with a pH of 5.5 – 6.4. The EC of the solution should be 1.0 – 1.6.
Once the leaves are mature and flavorful, carefully harvest the outer ones allowing the inner ones to continue growing.
