Growing Dill Indoors — Complete Guide
Yes, Dill can be grown indoors. Here's everything you need to know: container size, light requirements, watering schedule, and how to avoid the most common mistakes.
Dill Indoors — At a Glance
Container Size for Indoor Dill
Recommended: 10–12 inch pot
Dill grows tall (18–36 inches) with a long taproot. Use a pot at least 12 inches deep. A heavy, stable container prevents tipping as the plant grows taller.
Light Requirements
Hours of Light Needed
14–16 hours
per day, consistently
Grow Light Recommendation
Dill needs abundant light — 14–16 hours under a full-spectrum LED grow light, or the sunniest available window. Insufficient light causes tall, floppy growth.
Watering and Humidity
Ideal Humidity: 40–60%
Dill tolerates average home humidity well. It prefers good air circulation — crowded conditions can lead to aphid infestations indoors.
Ideal Temperature: 60–80°F (16–27°C)
Keep away from cold drafts (air conditioning, windows in winter) and excessive heat sources (heaters, ovens). Consistent temperature produces the most vigorous growth.
How to Grow Dill Indoors: Step by Step
Direct sow into final pot
Dill dislikes transplanting due to its taproot. Sow directly into a 12-inch deep pot. Scatter seeds on the surface and cover lightly — they need some light to germinate.
Sow densely for support
Sow more densely than you think you need. Thin to 3-inch spacing after germination. Dense plantings support each other against the tallness dill develops.
Provide maximum light
Set up a grow light for 14–16 hours or position in your sunniest window. Insufficient light is the primary reason dill fails indoors.
Water consistently
Keep soil evenly moist — not wet, not dry. Dill wilts dramatically when too dry. Water at the base to keep foliage dry.
Harvest feathery leaves
Harvest young, feathery leaves (dill weed) regularly. Once the flower head forms, flavor declines. Let some flowers go to seed for dill seeds — both are useful in cooking.
Common Indoor Dill Problems & Fixes
Falling over (lodging)
Cause
Insufficient light causing weak stems; or pot too small
Fix
Add more light; stake with a bamboo cane; sow closer together so plants support each other
Bolting quickly
Cause
Heat or long days
Fix
Keep below 75°F; harvest regularly; sow fresh batches every 3 weeks for a continuous supply
Aphids on stems
Cause
Warm, dry indoor conditions
Fix
Spray with insecticidal soap or a strong stream of water; improve air circulation
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I grow Dill indoors?
Yes, Dill can be grown indoors with the right conditions. You'll need 14–16 hours of Full sun, a 10–12 inch pot, and temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C). The difficulty level for growing Dill indoors is Moderate.
How much light does indoor Dill need?
Indoor Dill needs 14–16 hours of light per day. Dill needs abundant light — 14–16 hours under a full-spectrum LED grow light, or the sunniest available window. Insufficient light causes tall, floppy growth.
What size container does indoor Dill need?
Dill grows tall (18–36 inches) with a long taproot. Use a pot at least 12 inches deep. A heavy, stable container prevents tipping as the plant grows taller.
Best Cities for Growing Dill Outdoors
If you're growing Dill indoors year-round, check the outdoor calendar for your city — you may be able to grow it outside during warmer months too.
Growing Dill Outdoors Too?
Find the best planting times for Dill in your city with our climate-based calendar.