Rainline Garden

When to plant dill in Pendleton, OR

Plant dill from seed, directly in the garden in Pendleton, Apr 1 – Jun 3.

Easy Plant seeds in the ground

Why these dates

Pendleton's typical last spring frost is April 26. As a cool-season crop that handles light frost, this crop doesn't need to wait for that date. In the Columbia Basin and low eastern valleys, though, the soil usually isn't ready to work until about April 1.

Columbia Basin and low eastern valleys. Hot, dry summers and quick spring warm-up. Warm crops go in earlier than west of the Cascades, and irrigation matters more than rain.

Difficulty
Easy
Sun
Full sun
Spacing
12 inches apart
Planting depth
¼ inch deep
Frost
Handles light frost
First harvest
About 60 days after planting

Step by step

  1. Prepare the bed: loosen the soil and mix in an inch or two of compost.
  2. Plant seeds Apr 1 – Jun 3, ¼ inch deep, 12 inches apart.
  3. Keep the soil evenly moist until sprouts appear, which can take one to three weeks in cool soil.
  4. Harvest: Snip leaves any time. For pickling, cut the flower heads just as they open.

Varieties that do well here

  • Fernleaf (compact)
  • Bouquet
  • Mammoth

Watch out for

Tall plants flop in wind and rain. Grow 'Fernleaf', a compact variety, or give it a stake.

Doesn't like being transplanted; sow it where it will grow. Let a few plants flower to feed beneficial insects.

Common questions

When is the last frost in Pendleton, OR?

Typically April 26. In 9 years out of 10, frost is over by May 10. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for Pendleton Airport.

Is it too late to plant dill in Pendleton?

The spring planting window runs through June 3. Later plantings tend to struggle in summer heat.

How long until I can harvest dill?

About 60 days after planting. Snip leaves any time. For pickling, cut the flower heads just as they open.

Also plant in Pendleton around the same time

Planting dates for dill in nearby areas

Full planting calendar for Pendleton · Dill in every city