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Why is my dill stem so "knuckle-y" and long? #856799

Asked December 30, 2023, 9:42 PM EST

Hello. I have a hydroponic garden (Aerogarden) and I have been growing this dill plant for about 3-4 weeks. I tried a dill once before but it didn't go well, I think either water pH or root rot got the best of it and it just stopped growing before dying completely. I want to avoid that with this one. These two stalks both came up at the same time, but I am wondering, why does one of them have a well defined cluster of leaves branching out from one height, while the other one has "knuckles" between all of the leaves and continuing to grow new leaves from higher points on the stem? They have been under the same light and receiving the same nutrient blend together, so I don't know why they are growing so differently. They both have been pruned twice (i cut off the oldest 2 leaves when the plant has 6 or 7 total), and I keep the tallest leaves trimmed down to no more than 12" tall. I'm not sure if this is what is described as "leggy"... and if so, how can I get them to branch out more without pruning more than I already am? They only grow about 2 leaves per week, and the one on the left will soon be taller than the light. I haven't seen any new branches grow between existing leaves yet, only from the center. Can I cut off the tallest center joint where the top red arrow is, to try to force growth hormone to stay down in the base? I'm not sure how far I can "cut back" this plant without killing it. In general, how tall is the "center" of the plant where new leaves grow out of? At what point will I do irreparable harm to this plant?

Dakota County Minnesota

Expert Response

We are referring you to an expert in hydroponics who can hopefully answer your questions.  He is Nathan Eylands, a new professor at the U of MN.  His email address is: https://horticulture.umn.edu/people/nathan-eylands

Good luck with your project.
Diane M Replied December 31, 2023, 1:04 PM EST
Jared - this is the corrected email for Nathan - <personal data hidden>.
Diane M Replied December 31, 2023, 1:11 PM EST
Here is the third attempt at providing a valid email address for the U of Mn expert on hydroponics: <personal data hidden>


Good luck
Diane M Replied January 08, 2024, 3:25 PM EST

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