When to Plant Dill in Franklin County, MO
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.
Franklin County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 10 and the first fall frost is October 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 200 days.
At an elevation of 1,180 feet, Franklin County receives approximately 38.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Dill during the growing season.
Franklin County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.7-6.8
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.
Plant Water Budget
Dill Planting Timeline — Franklin County, MO
Dill Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 6 | Mar 6 – Mar 20 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 3 | Apr 3 – Apr 17 |
| Direct Sow | March 27 | Mar 27 – Apr 17 |
| Fall Sowing | August 18 | Aug 18 – Sep 1 |
| Harvest | May 15 | May 15 – Jul 17 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
40–60 days
Soil pH
5.5 – 7
USDA Zone
Zone 6a
Growing Season
200 days
Growing Tips for Franklin County
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
Level Up Your Garden
Dill in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Dill in Franklin County, MO?
Franklin County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 10. Plan your Dill planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Franklin County, MO?
Franklin County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 10 and first fall frost is October 27.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Franklin County gardeners in Zone 6a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
Get Your Free Garden Planner →Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.