Dill

Origin: Eurasia

Family: Apiaceae
Scientific Name: Anethum graveolens

Folk Names: Aneton, dill weed, dilly

Magical

Element: Air
Day: Wednesday
Planet: Mercury
Zodiac: Gemini, Virgo
Associated Celebrations: Floralia
Deities: Adonis, Bacchus, Dionysus, Kupala

Parts used: Leaf, seed

Magical Properties: Love, conscious mind, clarity, protection, money, purification

Magical Uses

• Sprinkle dill around the bed to protect the sleeper.
• Place dill in the mouth to promote speaking the truth.
• Hang dried seed heads in the home for protection (ideally near the door).

Aromatherapy

Part Used: Seeds or herb
Extraction Method: Steam distillation
Flash Point: 60°C

Scent Type: Spicy
Perfume Note: Middle
Scent Description: Spicy, warm (seeds), sweet (herb)

Aromatherapeutic Uses

Can help with indigestion, colic, and nervous tension.

Warnings:

• Avoid during pregnancy.

Botanical

Type: Herb
Plant Height: 40-60cm
Stem: Slender, hollow
Leaves: Delicate, finely-divided leaves 10-20cm long
Flowers: Small white/yellow flowers in umbels 2-9cm across
Fruit: Slightly curved seeds 4-5mm long and 1mm across

Etymology: Anethum comes from the Ancient Greek anethum/anisum, which referred to both dill and anise. The name ‘dill’ or variants thereof are used in most Germanic languages.

In the Garden

Type: Annual
Sow: Early spring
Light: Partial shade
Water: Keep moist
Soil: Well-drained

Tips:

• Seedlings do not like being transplanted.
• Don’t plant near fennel, as they will cross-pollinate.
• Liquid feed will only promote soft growth (attracts pests and diseases).
• Dill will go to seed if it dries out too much - be sure to water regularly in summer.
• Plants are likely to require staking.