When it comes to planting dill, it is important to consider its companions carefully. Dill should not be planted near other members of the Umbelliferae family. This includes plants like angelica, caraway, carrots, and fennel. These plants belong to the same family as dill, and planting them in close proximity can have negative effects on the growth and flavor of your dill crop.
One of the main reasons to avoid planting dill near other umbellifers is the risk of cross-pollination. Dill is a prolific seed producer, and its flowers are attractive to bees and other pollinators. If dill is planted near other umbellifers, there is a chance that they can cross-pollinate, resulting in a hybrid plant with undesirable characteristics. This can affect the taste and quality of both the dill and the other plants involved.
For example, if dill is planted near carrots, the resulting cross-pollination can lead to carrots with a strong dill flavor. This may not be desirable if you are looking for the classic carrot taste. Similarly, planting dill near fennel can result in fennel with a diluted flavor, as the dill pollen can interfere with the natural development of the fennel’s aromatic compounds.
In addition to the risk of cross-pollination, there is another reason to keep dill away from certain plants: pests. Dill has a strong scent that can attract carrot flies, which are known to prey on carrots. By planting dill near carrots, you may inadvertently attract these pests and put your carrot crop at risk.
To summarize, it is best to avoid planting dill near other members of the Umbelliferae family, such as angelica, caraway, carrots, and fennel. Cross-pollination can result in hybrid plants with undesirable flavors, while dill’s scent can attract pests that can harm other crops. By carefully considering dill’s companions, you can ensure the best growth and flavor for your dill crop, as well as protect other plants from potential risks.
