Dill 'Shaggy Lion': variety description with photos, gardener reviews

Shaggy Lion dill is characterized by lush green foliage, a compact bush, and a rich aroma. It is resistant to flowering, retains its juiciness for a long time, and is suitable for both fresh consumption and preservation. Its neat appearance and high yield make it a popular variety among gardeners and farmers.

Description and distinctive features of the plant

Shaggy Lion is an original variety developed by specialists from the Aelita agrofirm: V. G. Kachainik, M. N. Gulkin, S. V. Matyunina, and O. A. Karmanova. Since 2019, it has been officially included in the State Register and recommended for cultivation throughout the country.

This vegetable is prized for its hardiness and decorative qualities. Its lush green foliage gives it an attractive appearance, making it popular among connoisseurs of fresh herbs. A distinctive feature of this cultivar is its dense rosette, which distinguishes it from other varieties.

This variety is weather-resistant and features slow flower stalk formation, allowing its foliage to last longer. It can also tolerate low light and short-term temperature drops, making it suitable for growing in a variety of climates.

External characteristics of the plant and its growth

Dill is characterized by a distinctive appearance that immediately attracts attention. Key developmental traits—rapid growth and the formation of a stable structure—are already noticeable in the early stages. This combination of ornamental and functional qualities makes it especially valuable for gardeners.

The main features of the Shaggy Lion:

height - medium, which allows the plant to look organic in a plot of any size;
foliage – thick, dense, with a rich green hue that makes it stand out from other crops;
stems – Strong and durable, they support active growth and promote a long growing season.

The compact shape of the bush makes it easy to plant even in limited space. Throughout the season, the plant maintains a stable shape and density, requiring little maintenance. Its uniform growth makes predicting growth easy and reliable.

Suitable conditions for growing

To ensure full ripening, it's important to create an optimal environment for the crop. This promotes vigorous development and increases plant resilience.

Basic requirements:

Lighting. The plant thrives in open, well-lit areas. Insufficient light slows growth and the foliage loses its lusciousness, so shade is undesirable.
Soil. Preference is given to loose, nutritious soil with good drainage. Stagnant water can damage the roots, so adequate drainage is essential.
Temperature. The plant thrives in moderately warm climates. Extreme heat or frost negatively impacts its overall health and growth.

Planting and care rules

For successful growth It's important to ensure favorable conditions in advance. A well-chosen location, prepared soil, and adherence to basic agricultural practices significantly increase the chances of abundant and healthy greenery.

Step-by-step instructions:

Loosen the area to a depth of 15-20 cm, remove weeds and large stones.
Add organic fertilizer or compost to the soil to improve fertility.
Mark out the beds with a distance between rows of about 20-25 cm.
Make shallow grooves or holes 1.5-2 cm deep.
Place dill seeds in furrows at intervals of 2-3 cm.
Sprinkle the grains with loose soil and gently compact the surface.
Water the bed with warm, settled water, avoiding over-watering.
If necessary, cover with film until seedlings emerge to create a greenhouse effect.

When the sprouts emerge, thin the plants, leaving 8-10 cm between them to allow for free growth.

Protecting plants from diseases and pests

An integrated approach that combines prevention, timely intervention and adaptation to specific conditions, helps minimize risks and strengthen the health of crops throughout the season.

Follow these recommendations:

Regularly remove damaged parts and keep the area clean to reduce the risk of spreading infections;
Maintain crop rotation, place beds correctly, use high-quality seed material - these measures are the basis for disease resistance;
Attract predatory insects and use natural biological products to control pests without chemicals;
In case of serious threat, use fungicides and insecticides, strictly observing dosages and waiting periods;
Infusions of garlic, pepper or tobacco effectively repel many pests and are safe for plants.

Each method can be used separately or in combination with others, but the main thing is to monitor changes in a timely manner and prevent unforeseen situations.

Using greens in cooking

Shaggy Lion dill imparts a distinctive aroma and rich flavor to dishes. It not only enhances the flavor but also enhances presentation, adding brightness and freshness.

The greens are used both fresh and dried. Fresh leaves are added to the following dishes:

salads;
sauces;
snacks;
side dishes;
hot dishes.

It perfectly complements vegetables, meat, and fish, bringing out the flavors of the main ingredients. Dried herbs are used in marinades, preserves, and canning, enriching dishes with rich aromas.

Beyond their flavor, greens are known for their health benefits. They contain vitamins and microelements, boost immunity, and improve digestion. Including them in your daily diet is not only delicious but also healthy.

Pros and cons

compact size of bushes;

high foliage;

lots of juicy greenery;

rich aroma;

distinct taste;

resistance to bolting;

long collection;

uniform development;

friendly regrowth;

decorative appearance;

suitable for beds and greenhouses;

suitability for cutting;

ease of cleaning;

does not lose freshness for a long time;

versatility in cooking.

sensitivity to dense crops;

demanding soil moisture;

average germination in cold weather;

susceptibility to powdery mildew when poorly ventilated;

the need for regular thinning;

not always uniform formation due to lack of light.

Reviews

Galina Borisovna, 44 years old.

I've been growing this crop for several years now, but the Shaggy Lion variety has become one of my favorites. The bushes are compact and don't fall apart, and the greenery is so abundant you could mow it down. The aroma is powerful, the leaves are large, and they bloom perfectly in salads and preserves. I especially like that it takes a long time to bolt, giving you time to savor the freshness.

Lera Koshkina, St. Petersburg.

I grow dill for sale, but also to make enough for my family. The Shaggy Lion variety lived up to my expectations. It grew evenly, without bald spots, with lush, juicy tops. It looks beautiful in the garden and lasts a long time when cut. An excellent choice for those who value not only taste but also presentation.

Evgeniy, 46 years old, Yaroslavl.

I sow seeds in my garden beds every year, and the Shaggy Lion dill has proven itself worthy. The seedlings are strong, the greens are fragrant, with a distinctive, pleasant flavor. I use the greens both fresh and dried—the flavor is retained. The plant is a bit fussy about watering, but this isn't a problem if you take good care of it.

Dill "Shaggy Lion" combines ornamental beauty, rich flavor, and ease of care. It thrives equally well in garden beds, greenhouses, and containers. Its resistance to bolting and abundant fragrant foliage make it an excellent choice for both home and commercial cultivation.

Distinctive features of the high-yielding dill Shaggy Lion