Dill (Anethum graveolens) is one of the umbelliferous plants and is one of the most widely grown spices in German-speaking countries. Not only the seeds of the plant are used for seasoning and medicinal purposes, but also the eye-catching inflorescences.
What are the characteristics and uses of dill flowers?
Dill flowers are showy, sunny yellow flowers on 15 to 30-rayed double umbels and play an important role in the production of stock for pickled cucumbers. They are also known as cucumber herbs and grow at a height of about one meter.
Identifying dill by its flowers
Dill originally comes from the Middle East and is rarely found in natural form in Europe. From May or June and into August, the plant can be easily recognized by its striking flower umbels. Depending on the variety and location, the flowers form at a height of around one meter above the ground and consist of around 15 to 25 umbels, which in turn are each made up of around 15 to 25 individual flowers. Typical characteristics of a dill flower profile are:
- the 15 to 30-rayed double umbels
- the sunny yellow color of the flowers
- the bractless inflorescences
The use of dill flowers
While dill tips and dill leaves are often used to refine dressings, the main importance of planting and harvesting dill flowers is in the production of stock for pickled cucumbers.
Tips & Tricks
Due to the use of dill flowers in the processing and flavor refinement of pickles, dill is often also referred to as cucumber herb.
