anethum graveolens

A fragrant hardy annual with fine, feathery green leaves and small, deep yellow flowers. The flat heads of flowers can be up to 8 in, in breadth.

A herb of Mediterranean origin, dill prefers a sunny position and fine, well drained soil. It will grow to a height of 2-3 ft.

Uses: The leaves are often used in a sauce to accompany fish or chopped and added to salads. Dill is the herb used in the Swedish dish of pickled raw salmon, gravlax. Dill seeds, harvested at the end of summer, can be used in stews, soups, vinegars and pickles.

Legends: In the Middle Ages, dill was used in magicians´ spells and in witchcraft.

Medicinal: Get a good night´s sleep by drinking dill seed tea last thing at night.
Chew dill seeds to sweeten the breath.

"There with her vervain and her dill That hindreth witches of their will."
Michael Drayton