When to Plant Dill in Lake County, FL
Dill is a feathery annual herb with aromatic leaves and seeds. Its fine foliage and umbrella-shaped flower heads attract beneficial insects to the garden.
Lake County, Florida is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 12 and the first fall frost is December 11, giving you a growing season of approximately 302 days.
At an elevation of 130 feet, Lake County receives approximately 56.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 97°F, so Dill may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Dill will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Dill root diseases.
Lake County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sand
Soil pH
5.1-5.7
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Lake County
How your county's soil matches Dill's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.1–5.7) is more acidic than Dill prefers (5.5–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Lake County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Dill will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Dill.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (1.4%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Dill.
How to Plant Dill
Fall planting: Sow 8 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Dill
Sow every 4.6 weeks. Last sowing by Oct 12 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Oct 16.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Dill
Dill needs approximately 0.5 inches of water per week (2.2" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Dill Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 2.2" | 2.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Mar | 2.2" | 3.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 2.2" | 2.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 3.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 6.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 8.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 8.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 2.2" | 2.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | 2.2" | 2.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in Lake County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Dill Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Dill Planting Timeline — Lake County, FL
Dill Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 15 | Jan 15 – Jan 29 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 5 | Feb 5 – Feb 19 |
| Direct Sow | January 22 | Jan 22 – Feb 12 |
| Harvest | March 19 | Mar 19 – May 21 |
| Fall Sowing | October 16 | Oct 16 – Oct 30 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| February | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| March | Harvest |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | Fall Sowing |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.5"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
40–60 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9b
📆 Growing Season
302 days in Lake County
Growing Tips for Dill in Lake County
Direct sow Dill outdoors after February 12 in Lake County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Lake County dries quickly — mulch Dill with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
With summer highs reaching 97°F in Lake County, provide afternoon shade for Dill and water deeply in the morning.
Your generous 303.0-day season in Lake County allows multiple plantings of Dill. Sow every 20.0 days for continuous harvest.
Common pests for Dill in this region include carrot rust fly and parsleyworm. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
Direct sow in spring as dill has a taproot and dislikes transplanting. Succession sow for continuous leaf harvest. Allow some plants to flower for seeds and to attract beneficial insects.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Dill in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Dill in Lake County, FL?
Lake County is in Zone 9b with an average last frost of February 12. Plan your Dill planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Lake County, FL?
Lake County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 12 and first fall frost is December 11.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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