How to Grow Dill in New Zealand
Updated June 2026
Cool-season herb that bolts fast in summer heat, so sow from autumn into spring in the warm north. Sow direct as it dislikes transplanting. The seed heads are excellent for pickling.
What it looks like as it grows
When to plant dill in New Zealand
Timing is everything in New Zealand, where the warm north and the cooler south are weeks apart. Sow or plant in these months for your region:
| Region | When to sow or plant |
|---|---|
| Northland | February, March, April, August, September, October |
| Auckland | February, March, April, August, September, October |
| Waikato & BoP | February, March, April, August, September, October |
| Wellington | February, March, April, August, September, October |
| Nelson & Marlborough | February, March, April, August, September, October |
| Canterbury | February, March, April, August, September, October |
| Otago & Southland | February, March, April, August, September, October |
| Central Otago | February, March, April, August, September, October |
Best dill varieties for NZ
- Bouquet, Popular early dill with plenty of seed heads, good for pickling and leaf. (Kings Seeds, Egmont Seeds)
- Mammoth / Tall, Vigorous tall type grown for abundant foliage and large seed heads. (Egmont Seeds, Mr Fothergill's NZ)
How to grow dill
- Space plants about 25cm apart.
- Sow seed around 0.5cm deep.
- Position: full sun.
- Ready to harvest in roughly 60 days.
- Seeds germinate in about 14 days.
Companion planting
Grow dill near: Cabbage, Onion, Corn.
Pests and problems
Watch for: Aphids. See our NZ pest and disease guide for organic control.
🌱 Plant Dill in your garden →For a calendar tuned to your exact region, see the New Zealand planting guides or the Dill plant page.
FAQ
When is the best time to plant dill in New Zealand?
In the warm north (Auckland, Northland) sow in February, March, April, August, September, October. Cooler regions plant a little later. Check the table above for your region.
Where can I buy dill seeds or plants in NZ?
Try Kings Seeds, Egmont Seeds, Mr Fothergill's NZ.