When to plant Ammi in Edinburgh

Ammi majus

Ammi
Ammi · Ammi majus

A hardy annual grown in the UK for airy white flowers and good cutting stems. Sow direct. The sap can irritate skin in sun. Wear gloves.

90 cm · Full Sun · Moderate Water

Add to garden

Calibrated to Edinburgh · last frost ≈ 4 May

Sow outdoors August to September, harvest May to November. Frost risk October to May.
ActivityJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Sow outdoorsNoNoNoNoNoNoNoYesYesNoNoNo
HarvestNoNoNoNoYesYesYesYesYesYesYesNo

Growing guide

What to do through the growing season

Growing guide for

Change the guide to see different planting timelines and tips.

Sow once in free-draining soil for sturdier plants and flowers next year. Protect young growth if hard frost is forecast.

  1. 01

    Sow Seeds

    21 Aug to 25 Sept

    Sow thinly during 21st August - 25th September in weed-free, free-draining soil. Cover seed by no more than . Keep the surface lightly moist while seedlings establish. This is one sowing, not a run of batches.

    • The sap can irritate skin in sun. Wear gloves.

  2. 02

    Thin Seedlings

    4 Sept to 23 Oct Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    Thin during 4th September - 23rd October, keeping the strongest plants and leaving between them. Remove surplus seedlings cleanly so the remaining roots are not disturbed.

  3. 03

    Protect Young Plants

    4 Sept to 4 Dec Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    From 4th September to 4th December, keep weeds away from the seedlings. Cover with fleece if hard frost is forecast. Take it off in mild weather.

  4. 04

    Support Plants

    19 Mar to 7 May 2027 Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    Put light stakes or mesh in during 19th March - 7th May 2027, next season, before the stems begin to lean. Support exposed plants early.

  5. 05

    Water and Feed

    19 Mar to 20 Oct 2027 Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    From 19th March 2027 to 20th October 2027, water during dry spells. If the soil is poor, give one light balanced feed as flowering begins. Avoid rich feeding.

  6. 06

    Cut Flowers

    8 May to 9 Nov 2027 Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    Flowers open next year. Cut stems from 8th May 2027 to 9th November 2027 as the flower heads open. Pick early in the day, put stems straight into water, and keep cutting.

Suggested varieties

Popular varieties of Ammi to consider

Graceland

A reliable Ammi majus with large, white, lace-like umbels on tall, sturdy stems. It is vigorous and copes well with UK's cool summers, making it a top choice for cutting and borders.

Casablanca

A compact, early-flowering Ammi majus that stays shorter than most, so it suits smaller gardens and windy spots. The clean white flowers appear for weeks and are excellent for picking.

Green Mist

This Ammi visnaga variety produces soft green umbels that add a frothy, airy texture to beds and bouquets. It is tough, self-seeds readily, and handles damp British summers without flopping.

Snowflake

A fine-textured Ammi majus with delicate foliage and abundant white blooms. It is slightly more compact and bushy than 'Graceland', making it a good middle-of-border filler that stands up well to rain.

Ammi guides by town

See how Ammi timing shifts in other towns with different frost dates.