Anethum graveolens 'Bouquet' (Bouquet Dill)
Anethum graveolens 'Bouquet' (Bouquet Dill)
Contents
Introduction & History
Bouquet Dill is the classic seed-production variety, developed specifically for its large, abundant flower heads that make it the premier choice for pickling. Its vigorous growth and prolific seed set have made it the standard commercial dill variety across North America, where 'dill pickles' are a cultural institution.
History & Origin
Developed as a commercial selection in North America, where dill is primarily grown for the pickling industry. 'Bouquet' became the industry standard by the mid-20th century due to its reliable seed production, uniform flower timing, and high essential oil content in seeds. It remains the most widely planted dill variety for seed harvest globally.
Botanical Description
Tall, vigorous annual reaching 80–120 cm with sturdy, upright stems. Similar leaf structure to common dill but with earlier and more abundant flowering. Produces exceptionally large umbels, often 20–25 cm across, densely packed with yellow florets that mature into plump, highly aromatic seeds. Overall habit is more robust than compact varieties.
Stem: Hollow, often grooved • Leaves: Alternate, compound (pinnate or palmate) • Inflorescence: Compound umbel • Height: 70 cm at maturity • Spread: 25 cm • Foliage: blue-green • Flowers: yellow (summer)
Planting & Cultivation
Direct-sow 6 mm deep after last frost, spacing 25–30 cm apart (wider than compact varieties due to vigorous growth). Time sowing to coincide with cucumber harvest — about 8 weeks before you expect cucumbers to be pickle-ready. A single sowing is usually sufficient since the goal is seed and flower heads rather than continuous leaf harvest.
| Sun exposure | Full Sun |
| Soil pH | 5.5-6.5 |
| Spacing | 25 cm |
| Seed depth | 3–6 mm (surface-sow if light-dependent germinator) |
| Water needs | Moderate |
| Soil type | Well-drained, humus-rich loam; add perlite or grit for drainage |
Cultivation Details
Grow in full sun with rich, well-drained soil. 'Bouquet' reaches full flowering in 65–70 days from sowing. Because the goal is large flower heads and seeds, do not pinch flowers as you would with leaf varieties. Support tall stems with ring stakes or plant in blocks where plants support each other. Water consistently during flowering for the most aromatic seeds.
Climate & Hardiness
Same hardiness as standard dill — warm-season annual killed by frost below −2°C. Performs best at 18–25°C. In hot climates (zones 9–11), sow in early spring or autumn. 'Bouquet' bolts readily, which is actually desirable for this variety since seed production is the primary goal.
USDA zones: 2-11
Minimum temperature: -5°C
Seasonal Care
Spring: direct-sow after last frost; thin to 25–30 cm. Summer: stake if needed; monitor for pests on flower heads; begin harvesting flower heads for fresh use. Late summer: harvest seed heads when they turn brown. Autumn: collect remaining seeds; allow some to self-sow. Winter: plan next year's sowing timing around cucumber schedule.
Propagation
By seed only. 'Bouquet' produces abundant seeds — a single plant can yield thousands. Collect seeds by cutting brown umbels into paper bags. Clean and store in airtight containers. Seeds remain viable 3–4 years. Self-sows vigorously if seed heads are not harvested.
| Method | Success rate | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Direct sowing | 85–95% | 7–21 days | Sow after last frost, 3–6 mm deep |
| Indoor start | 90–98% | 6–8 weeks early | Use seed trays, transplant after hardening off |
| Succession sowing | — | Every 3–4 weeks | Ensures continuous harvest all season |
Diseases & Pests
Same as common dill. Aphids on flower heads are the primary concern — treat with strong water spray or insecticidal soap. Swallowtail caterpillars may defoliate plants but rarely affect seed production. In humid weather, Alternaria leaf blight can brown lower foliage; remove affected leaves and improve air circulation.
Culinary Uses
The variety of choice for dill pickles — the large flower heads pack into jars alongside cucumbers, garlic, and brine. Seeds are more intensely flavoured than other varieties, excellent in rye bread, potato dishes, and spice blends (grillades, seafood boils). Leaves are usable but coarser-textured than leaf varieties. The entire flower head infuses vinegar with dill flavour for salad dressings.
| Category | Pairing suggestions |
|---|---|
| Poultry | Chicken, turkey, duck |
| Fish | White fish, salmon, prawns |
| Vegetables | Tomatoes, courgettes, aubergine |
| Dairy | Soft cheeses, butter, cream sauces |
Medicinal & Aromatherapy
Seeds contain a high concentration of carvone and d-limonene, making them particularly effective as a digestive aid. The essential oil from 'Bouquet' seeds is commercially extracted for pharmaceutical and food industry use. Traditional gripe water is often made from this variety due to its potent seed oil content.
| Compound | Properties |
|---|---|
| myrcene | herbaceous, earthy |
| linalool | floral |
| geraniol | rose-like |
| citral | lemony |
| apigenin | mild sedative flavonoid |
Container & Companion Growing
Container Growing
Possible but not ideal due to the plant's height (80–120 cm) and need for staking. If growing in containers, use a 30+ cm deep pot, rich potting mix, and provide a stake or tomato cage for support. Full sun is essential. Best suited for large patio containers rather than windowsills.
• Minimum pot size: 20–25 cm Ø, 5 L+
• Shallow roots; frequent watering needed
• Use free-draining potting compost with 20–30% perlite or grit
• Ensure drainage holes; stand on pot feet to prevent waterlogging
• Feed with dilute liquid fertiliser (half-strength) every 2–3 weeks in growing season
Companion Planting
Outstanding companion for cucumbers (the traditional pairing for pickling gardens). Also benefits brassicas, lettuce, and corn by attracting beneficial insects. The large flower heads are among the best umbels for beneficial insect habitat. Keep away from fennel and carrots.
| ✓ Good companions | Tomatoes, Peppers, Strawberries, Carrots |
| ✗ Avoid planting with | Fennel, Rue |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Growing 'Bouquet' for leaf harvest — it bolts so quickly that leaf production is minimal. Choose 'Fernleaf' or common dill for leaves instead. Timing sowing wrong relative to pickle cucumber harvest. Not staking tall plants, leading to storm-flattened stems. Harvesting seed heads too late after seeds have shattered onto the ground.
Harvesting & Preservation
For fresh dill flowers (ideal in pickles), harvest when the flower umbel is fully open but before seeds set. For dry seed, wait until umbels turn brown and seeds begin dropping. Cut entire seed heads, hang upside down in paper bags for 1–2 weeks, then thresh. Store seeds in glass jars. Fresh flower heads can be frozen directly for off-season pickling.
• Time of day: Early morning, after dew has evaporated but before intense midday heat volatilises essential oils
• Growth stage: Just before flowering, when essential oil concentration peaks. Once flowers open, the plant redirects energy from leaf production
• Season: Summer
• Part harvested: Leaves, Seeds
• Harvest rule: Never remove more than ⅓ of the plant at once; this ensures continued vigorous regrowth
• Technique: Cut stems cleanly above a leaf node with sharp scissors or secateurs. Tearing damages tissue and invites disease
| Method | Process | Shelf life | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air drying | Tie bundles, hang upside down in warm, dark, airy space | 6–12 months | Most herbs |
| Oven / dehydrator | Spread on trays, 35–45°C until crisp | 6–12 months | Fleshy-leaved herbs |
| Freezing (whole) | Blanch 5s, ice bath, pat dry, freeze flat on tray | 6 months | Basil, chives, parsley |
| Freezing (oil cubes) | Chop fine, pack into ice cube tray, cover with olive oil | 6 months | Any culinary herb |
| Herb salt | Layer herb and coarse salt 1:4, dry and grind | 12+ months | Rosemary, thyme, sage |
| Infused vinegar | Pack jar, cover with warm vinegar, steep 2–4 weeks | 6 months | Tarragon, dill, basil |
| Infused oil | Fill jar with dried herb, cover with oil, steep 4–6 weeks | 3–6 months | Rosemary, thyme, chilli |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bouquet Dill only for pickles?
While it's optimised for pickling (large flower heads and prolific seeds), the seeds are excellent in bread, spice blends, and any recipe calling for dill seed. It's just not the best choice if you primarily want leafy dill weed.
When should I plant Bouquet Dill for pickling?
Count backwards from your expected cucumber harvest date. Bouquet reaches full bloom in about 65–70 days, so sow it about 8–10 weeks before you need the flower heads.
Can I harvest leaves from Bouquet Dill?
You can, but the plant focuses its energy on rapid flowering. You'll get far more leaf production from varieties like 'Fernleaf' or 'Dukat' that are bred for delayed bolting.
Seasonal Care Calendar
🌱 Spring (Mar–May)
Water: Regular
Feeding: Regular feeding
☀️ Summer (Jun–Aug)
Water: Regular
Feeding: Regular feeding
🍂 Autumn (Sep–Nov)
Water: Minimal
Feeding: No feeding
❄️ Winter (Dec–Feb)
Water: Minimal
Feeding: No feeding
The standard pickling dill, bred for large, prolific flower heads and aromatic seeds. Vigorous annual reaching 80–120 cm, blooming in 65–70 days. Not ideal for leaf harvest — choose 'Fernleaf' for that. Time sowing to coincide with cucumber harvest for perfect pickle timing.
Quick Reference: Anethum graveolens 'Bouquet'
Key Principles: Right location, well-drained soil, regular harvesting to promote growth, and appropriate winter protection for tender species.