Ammis in Beaumont Leys

Sow seeds thinly around 22nd February - 25th March, just under 0.5–1 cm deep in prepared soil. Keep the surface evenly moist while the seedlings establish, and protect early sowings from birds and slugs.

When seedlings are large enough to handle, thin them to 30 cm apart so each plant has room to branch. Keep the strongest plants and remove the weaker ones cleanly around 23rd March - 6th April.

Set young plants into their final position once they are sturdy, spacing them 30 cm apart. Water in thoroughly straight after planting, then use fleece if a cold snap is forecast around 22nd April - 6th May.

From 29th April, add light stakes or mesh if the plants start to lean. Ammi can flop in exposed spots after rain, so put support in early rather than waiting for stems to bend.

From 13th May to 5th November, water during dry spells and give a light balanced liquid feed once at the start of flowering if the soil is poor. Avoid overfeeding, as soft growth makes stems weak and floppy.

Cut stems from 28th June as soon as the flower heads open and keep picking through 5th November. Regular cutting encourages more stems, and the flowers last best if you cut early in the day and put them straight into water.