Dill Hercules: description and characteristics of the variety, yield with photo

Dill Hercules is characterized by an abundance of green mass, which distinguishes it from other varieties. Ideal for growing for sale, therefore, it has earned high popularity among summer residents.

Variety description

Hercules is a mid-season variety. Full maturation occurs in 40-45 days, the flowering of the culture begins 70 days after planting. The rosette of leaves is spreading, erect. Greens are characterized by a strong aroma, due to the high content of essential oils. The leaves are green with a slightly waxy coating. Sowing is done several times a season Dill is used fresh and dried. It can be grown in film shelters and open ground.

Growing

Because the root system of the variety can reach 50 cm, in order to obtain a good yield, it is important to choose a sufficient thickness of the fertile layer. Also, the variety loves moisture, so the soil should absorb it well. Before planting, the soil is fertilized with humus or urea.

The ideal time for sowing in open ground is the end of April - the beginning of May. It is better to make multiple landings at intervals of 10-20 days. Seeds are planted in grooves at a distance of 3-4 cm. It is important that the rows are 20 centimeters apart from each other. A denser planting will cause side shoots. Before the seeds peck, it is better to cover the planting site with a film.

The first shoots appear on average after a week and a half. Immediately after emergence, seedlings should be thinned out until the distance between plants is 15-20 cm.

To grow seedlings, seeds are planted in special boxes. A month later, they are transplanted into open ground.

After cutting, the greens do not form again. Therefore, multiple planting is recommended.

Features of care

Hercules care consists of weeding and watering. If possible, you can buy a phytolamp. It makes dill grow twice as fast.

Pay attention! Dill is a moisture-loving plant, so watering should be done regularly.

Watering the plant is necessary at least once a week, per 1 square. m of soil requires 5 liters of water.

It is important to monitor the appearance of weeds and remove them immediately, until 3-4 leaves appear on the plants. After that, the growth of dill is more intense, and the weeds can no longer fully prevent this.

During the growing season, the crop does not need to be fed with anything, the use of pesticides on greenery is not allowed. In all other respects, the approach is classic - mandatory watering, weeding, loosening.

Pros and cons

Seeds of the variety are quite resistant to frost, even if the weather is unfavorable, gardeners can count on a good harvest. The abundance of green mass makes the Hercules variety the best option for growing for sale, this is confirmed by numerous reviews of summer residents. In addition, cultural benefits include:

Culture Endurance. Even with improper care, dill grows spontaneously.
Minimal risks. Hercules is profitable to grow for sale because it is resistant to diseases and pests.
Yield. The culture is characterized by abundant greenery.

Among the shortcomings - a short shelf life when fresh.

It is also necessary to remember that the use of dill is contraindicated in some cases. In particular, people with intolerance to essential oils and those with low blood pressure.

Pests and diseases

Hercules is slightly susceptible to pests. But in some cases it can be affected by diseases, most often harmful fungi. These diseases include:

powdery mildew - a whitish, web-like coating;
peronosporosis - in external manifestations, the disease is similar to powdery mildew;
phomoz - dark, elongated spots on leaves, stems and even roots;
black leg - the root collar of seedlings is affected (softens, darkens and dies).

Collection and storage

Harvesting takes place 45 days after sowing. A few hours before harvesting, it is recommended to spray the crop with water. Then the dill stalks are cut with scissors so that the height from the ground remains within two centimeters.

For fresh storage, finely chopped greens are placed in cellophane and stored at a temperature of 0 to -4 degrees for no more than 10 days. If the temperature is higher than specified, the greens will begin to deteriorate.

For freezing, chopped greens are packed in bags and put in the freezer. In this way, dill is stored for up to 5 months.

Drying dill is the most time-consuming process. Initially, a cut of large umbrellas is made, then smaller ones, as they mature. The harvested crop is well moved, the roots are cut off, after which the greens are washed in cold running water.After the stems have dried, they must be cut into pieces of 5-10 cm, then laid out on paper in the open air. At the same time, they must be periodically turned over and avoid direct sunlight.

Further, the stems and leaves are collected in bunches, tied and hung to dry. This process takes 3-4 days. Then they are crushed and packaged in a glass container. Relative humidity in the room where dried dill is stored should be between 40-50%.