# Blossoms on Dill Plants
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Flower Structure
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Dill produces clusters, or umbels, of small yellow flowers once the plants reach maturity. Although flowering time varies depending on weather and soil conditions, it usually takes about 45 days from germination to flowering. The flowers produce a distinct aroma as they begin to open. The small dill flowers grow in an umbrella-shaped cluster attached to a longer stem. Multiple stems of clusters form to create a larger cluster. After opening, the flowers pollinate each other with the help of wind and insects, then they wilt and seed formation begins. Dill may flower multiple times if you cut back the flowers before they set seed.
Basic Care
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Like many herbs, dill grows well in most soil types and only requires minimal care. Providing a full six or more hours of daily sunlight results in best growth and flowering. The plants are usually grown from seed sown ¼-inch deep directly in the garden bed after frost danger passes in spring. Spacing the plants 9 inches apart gives them the necessary room to grow. Dill tolerates dry soil and grows well with weekly watering that moistens only the top 6 inches of soil. It doesn't require ongoing fertilization and is rarely affected by pests.
Harvest
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The harvest method is similar whether you want flowers for edible or ornamental use. For fresh flowers, leave as much stem on the flower as possible, cutting low on the stem with sharp shears. You can cut directly above the topmost leaves on the stem if you only want the flowers for edible use, or you can include some leaves on the stem since they are also edible. It's best to use dill immediately after harvesting, although you can freeze the stems in a sealed plastic bag if you must store them.
Use
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The flowers provide multiple uses. Some varieties of dill like “Bouquet” are primarily grown for the flowers, which are used in floral arrangements. The flowers are also edible and used to flavor pickles and sauces. Harvest the flowers when they first begin to open if using them as cut flowers. Allow the flowers to open completely for use in pickling. If you prefer seeds for edible use, wait until the dill finishes its flower cycle and the seeds form. Harvest only after the seeds begin to dry and turn brown on the plant.
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