Ammi majus

The florist’s most useful plant — and one of the most beautiful things you can grow from seed. Ammi majus produces floating, airy clouds of pure white lace-cap blossom held on tall, slender stems above finely-divided ferny foliage — a natural, graceful filler that makes every other flower in a vase look better.

Growing to 90–120cm and flowering from midsummer through to the first frosts if cut regularly, it self-seeds freely once established and is listed on the RHS Plants for Pollinators. Autumn-sown plants are taller, stronger, and flower 2–4 weeks earlier than spring-sown ones.

• Ammi majus — Hardy Annual
• Height: 90–120cm | Flowers: July–first frosts
• Direct sow autumn or March–May — do not transplant
• Full sun; well-drained soil — avoid over-feeding
• Self-seeds freely once established
• RHS Plants for Pollinators listed
• Note: sap can cause skin irritation in sunlight — wear gloves when handling

Grow it with almost everything — it is the white lace that makes dark poppies dramatic, sweet peas romantic, and cornflowers jewel-like.