Dill vs Sweet Pea

Side-by-side plant comparison — which is right for your garden?

Dill

Anethum graveolens

Apiaceae · herbs

EdibleDeer ResistantLow Maintenance

Sweet Pea

Lathyrus odoratus

Fabaceae · flowers

Deer ResistantMedium Maintenance

Hardiness Zone Range

Dill (Zones 2-11)

Sweet Pea (Zones 2-11)

Overlap: Both grow in zones 2–11

Detailed Comparison

Feature	Dill	Sweet Pea
Scientific Name	Anethum graveolens	Lathyrus odoratus
Family	Apiaceae	Fabaceae
Category	herbs	flowers
Sun	☀️ Full Sun	☀️ Full Sun
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Well-drained	Rich, Well-drained
Height	3'	6'
Spread	1'	1'
Bloom Season	Summer	Spring-Summer
Bloom Color	Yellow	Mixed
Growth Rate	Fast	Fast
Native Region	Mediterranean	Italy, Sicily
Maintenance	Low	Medium

Special Traits

Dill

Yes — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Sweet Pea

No — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Care Tips

Dill

✓Direct sow — dill doesn't transplant well due to taproot.
✓Succession plant every 3 weeks.
✓Let some plants go to seed for self-sowing and for harvest.
✓Attracts swallowtail butterflies.

Sweet Pea

✓Soak seeds overnight before planting.
✓Provide trellis or netting.
✓Pick flowers frequently to prolong bloom.
✓Needs cool weather — plant early spring or fall in warm areas.

Which Plant Is Right for Your Garden?

Choose Dill if you want a low-maintenance plant, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun with medium water in zones 2–11.

Choose Sweet Pea if you don't mind medium maintenance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun with medium water in zones 2–11.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 2–11. They share similar sun requirements (full sun), making them potential garden companions.

View DillProfile →View Sweet PeaProfile →

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Dill and Sweet Pea grow in the same hardiness zone?

Dill grows in USDA zones 2-11, while Sweet Pea grows in zones 2-11. Both plants can grow together in zones 2 through 11.

Do Dill and Sweet Pea have the same sun and water needs?

Dill needs full sun and medium water, while Sweet Pea needs full sun and medium water. They share similar growing requirements and can be planted in the same bed.

Which grows taller, Dill or Sweet Pea?

Sweet Pea grows taller at 6' compared to Dill at 3'. Sweet Pea spreads 1' while Dill spreads 1'.

Are Dill and Sweet Pea deer resistant?

Yes, both Dill and Sweet Pea are considered deer resistant, making them excellent choices for gardens in areas with deer pressure.

Which is easier to maintain, Dill or Sweet Pea?

Dill has low maintenance while Sweet Pea has medium maintenance. Dill may be easier for beginning gardeners to manage.

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Detailed Comparison

Feature	Dill	Sweet Pea
Scientific Name	Anethum graveolens	Lathyrus odoratus
Family	Apiaceae	Fabaceae
Category	herbs	flowers
Sun	☀️ Full Sun	☀️ Full Sun
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Well-drained	Rich, Well-drained
Height	3'	6'
Spread	1'	1'
Bloom Season	Summer	Spring-Summer
Bloom Color	Yellow	Mixed
Growth Rate	Fast	Fast
Native Region	Mediterranean	Italy, Sicily
Maintenance	Low	Medium

Care Tips

Dill

✓Direct sow — dill doesn't transplant well due to taproot.
✓Succession plant every 3 weeks.
✓Let some plants go to seed for self-sowing and for harvest.
✓Attracts swallowtail butterflies.

Sweet Pea

✓Soak seeds overnight before planting.
✓Provide trellis or netting.
✓Pick flowers frequently to prolong bloom.
✓Needs cool weather — plant early spring or fall in warm areas.

Which Plant Is Right for Your Garden?

Choose Dill if you want a low-maintenance plant, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun with medium water in zones 2–11.

Choose Sweet Pea if you don't mind medium maintenance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun with medium water in zones 2–11.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 2–11. They share similar sun requirements (full sun), making them potential garden companions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Dill and Sweet Pea grow in the same hardiness zone?

Dill grows in USDA zones 2-11, while Sweet Pea grows in zones 2-11. Both plants can grow together in zones 2 through 11.

Do Dill and Sweet Pea have the same sun and water needs?

Dill needs full sun and medium water, while Sweet Pea needs full sun and medium water. They share similar growing requirements and can be planted in the same bed.

Which grows taller, Dill or Sweet Pea?

Sweet Pea grows taller at 6' compared to Dill at 3'. Sweet Pea spreads 1' while Dill spreads 1'.

Are Dill and Sweet Pea deer resistant?

Yes, both Dill and Sweet Pea are considered deer resistant, making them excellent choices for gardens in areas with deer pressure.

Which is easier to maintain, Dill or Sweet Pea?

Dill has low maintenance while Sweet Pea has medium maintenance. Dill may be easier for beginning gardeners to manage.