When to plant Ammi in the UK

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
Sow outdoors August to October, harvest May to November.
ActivityJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Sow outdoorsNoNoNoNoNoNoNoYesYesYesNoNo
HarvestNoNoNoNoYesYesYesYesYesYesYesNo

UK averages · set your town for dates worked out from your local frost records · how dates are worked out

Growing guide

What to do through the growing season

Dates for your town

Set your town to see planting windows worked out from local frost history, not a generic UK calendar.

Growing guide for the UK

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

    late August to early October UK average · set your town for your exact dates

    Sow thinly during late August to early October 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

    mid-September to late October UK average · set your town for your exact dates Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    Thin during mid-September to late 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

    mid-September to mid-December UK average · set your town for your exact dates Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    From mid-September to mid-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

    late March to mid-May UK average · set your town for your exact dates Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

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

  5. 05

    Water and Feed

    late March to mid-November UK average · set your town for your exact dates Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    From late March to mid-November, water during dry spells. If the soil is poor, give one light balanced feed as flowering begins. Avoid rich feeding.

  6. 06

    Cut Flowers

    mid-May to mid-November UK average · set your town for your exact dates Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    Flowers open next year. Cut stems from mid-May to mid-November 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.