How to Grow Dill Using a Hydroponic System for Beginners
Basic Data
- ☀ Ideal Temperature: Dill prefers temperatures between 60°F to 75°F.
- 🌱 Germination Time: Typically takes 7 to 10 days to germinate.
- 📅 Time to Maturity: Reaches maturity in about 70 to 90 days.
Germination Steps
- Step 1: Soak the planting sponge and gently squeeze out excess moisture.
- Step 2: Place dill seeds into the damp sponge.
- Step 3: Keep in a well-lit area until seeds germinate.
- Step 4: Transfer the sponge with the sprouted seeds to the hydroponic system.
Growing Process
Light Requirements Table
| Stage | Light Duration | Light Spectrum | Light Intensity |
| Germination | 10-12 hours/day | Full spectrum | 100-150 µmol/m²/s |
| Seedling | 12-14 hours/day | Full spectrum | 150-200 µmol/m²/s |
| Vegetative | 14-16 hours/day | Full spectrum | 200-300 µmol/m²/s |
| Mature | 14-16 hours/day | Full spectrum | 200-300 µmol/m²/s |
- 💧 Water Pump Volume and Duration: Set to cycle every 20 minutes.
- 🔧 pH Value: 6.0 to 7.5.
- 🍼 Nutrient Ratio:
- Nitrogen: 100 parts per million
- Phosphorus: 50 parts per million
- Potassium: 150 parts per million
- Calcium: 100 parts per million
- Magnesium: 50 parts per million
- Trace Elements: Include Iron, Manganese, Zinc at 1 part per million each as needed.
Plant Benefits
- Culinary Herb: Dill is highly valued in the kitchen for its leaves and seeds, enhancing dishes with its unique flavor.
- Easy to Harvest: Dill can be harvested at various growth stages depending on whether you prefer the leaves or seeds.
- Attracts Beneficial Insects: Can help to attract beneficial insects when grown alongside other hydroponic crops.
Conclusion
Dill is a wonderful herb to grow hydroponically for beginners due to its relatively simple care requirements and versatile culinary uses. Whether you are adding it to salads, soups, or pickling recipes, dill provides a fresh boost of flavor. Its delicate foliage and attractive flowers also add beauty to your hydroponic setup, making it a dual-purpose plant.
