Dill Seeds - Dukat

Dukat Dill is a popular and versatile variety known for its robust, aromatic flavor and abundant, feathery foliage. A prized herb in many cuisines, it is perfect for seasoning fish, pickles, soups, and salads. This variety of dill produces a higher yield of flavorful leaves compared to others, making it a great choice for gardeners looking to harvest a large quantity of this fragrant herb. Dukat Dill is easy to grow and thrives in various climates, making it an ideal herb for both beginners and experienced gardeners.

Key Benefits

• Fragrant, Aromatic Flavor: Dukat Dill is known for its strong, aromatic flavor, ideal for culinary use in dishes like pickles, fish, soups, and sauces.
• High Yield: This variety produces an abundant crop of tender, flavorful leaves, allowing for frequent harvesting.
• Easy to Grow: Dukat Dill is a low-maintenance herb that thrives in a variety of climates and soil conditions, making it perfect for both novice and experienced gardeners.
• Versatile in the Kitchen: Use the leaves fresh or dried in a variety of dishes, including salads, dressings, pickles, and as a seasoning for meats and vegetables.
• Attractive Foliage: Dukat Dill has feathery, bright green leaves that add beauty to herb gardens and vegetable patches.

Variety Features

• Plant Characteristics: Dukat Dill is an upright, fast-growing herb that reaches about 18–24 inches tall. It produces delicate, feathery, green foliage and small yellow flowers in umbels.
• Flavor Profile: The leaves have a mild, sweet flavor with a slight aniseed undertone, and the seeds offer a slightly more intense dill taste, perfect for pickling.
• Growth Habit: This variety grows in a bushy form, providing abundant, dense foliage that is ideal for harvesting.
• Size: Typically grows to about 18–24 inches in height and spreads about 12–18 inches wide.

Planting Instructions

Planting Season

• Outdoors: Plant Dukat Dill seeds in early spring after the last frost, or in late summer for a fall harvest. It grows best in cooler weather.
• Indoors: Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost for an earlier start to the growing season.

Planting Details

• Seed Depth: Plant seeds about 1/4 inch deep in well-prepared soil.
• Spacing: Space plants 6–8 inches apart to allow for full growth and air circulation.
• Soil Requirements: Prefers well-drained, loamy soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0–7.0). A soil rich in organic matter will help promote strong growth.
• Sunlight: Full sun is ideal for Dukat Dill, although it can tolerate light shade in warmer climates.

Care Instructions

• Watering: Dill prefers moderate moisture. Water regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Avoid over-watering, as dill can be susceptible to root rot.
• Fertilization: Dill does not require heavy fertilization but can benefit from a light application of compost or balanced fertilizer in early spring.
• Weeding and Mulching: Mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture and suppress weed growth. Be careful not to disturb the shallow roots when weeding.
• Pruning: Trim back any flower heads to prolong the life of the plant and encourage fresh leaf growth.

Harvesting

• Leaves: Start harvesting the leaves when the plant is about 8–10 inches tall. Pick individual leaves or snip off entire stems to encourage further growth.
• Seeds: Allow the plant to flower and set seed. Harvest seeds once they turn brown and dry on the plant. Cut the seed heads and allow them to fully dry before removing the seeds.
• Flowers: Dill flowers can be used in pickling or as an ornamental addition to dishes.

Storage

• Short-Term: Fresh dill leaves can be stored in the refrigerator in a plastic bag or container with a damp paper towel for up to 1 week.
• Long-Term: Dill leaves can be dried by hanging them upside down in a cool, dry area. Dried leaves can be stored in an airtight container for up to 6 months. Dill seeds can also be stored in a dry, cool place for long-term use.

Culinary Uses

• Pickling: Dill is most famously used for pickling cucumbers and other vegetables, giving them a distinct flavor.
• Soups and Stews: Add fresh or dried dill to soups and stews for a fragrant flavor boost.
• Fish and Seafood: Dill pairs beautifully with fish dishes, particularly salmon, and seafood.
• Salads and Dressings: Use fresh dill leaves in salads, or add them to creamy dressings for a fresh, herbal kick.
• Herbal Teas: Dill seeds can also be used to make a soothing herbal tea, often used for digestive comfort.

Conclusion

Dukat Dill is a must-have for any herb garden, offering a fragrant, high-yielding herb that is perfect for a variety of culinary uses. Known for its mild, sweet flavor and fast-growing nature, Dukat Dill is a favorite for pickling, fish dishes, and fresh salads. Its vibrant foliage adds beauty to your garden, while its easy care and resilience make it ideal for gardeners of all levels. Whether you're using it fresh or dried, Dukat Dill is sure to enhance your dishes with its unique, aromatic flavor.