Ammi majus is tall, branching flower, with finely divided, feathery foliage. In summer, it bears an abundance of large round blooms made up of clusters of tiny white florets on tall, branched, slender stems. The delicate clusters add beauty and depth to bouquets and meadows alike.
A highly fashionable flower for cut flowers arrangements, Ammi majus is one of the best white filler-foliage plants you can grow. The lacy, white flowers are spectacular when used in mixed bouquets or simply arranged in a great cloud of their own. They last up to 10 days in the vase and can also be used dyed or dried.

In the garden, Ammi majus lends a delicate airiness to any sunny or partially shaded border. It combines well with stout, robust plants such as Cannas and Foxgloves.
Extremely easy to grow on a variety of soils, this annual, non-invasive species is native to Europe and is ideal for attracting beneficial insects into the garden. It is good plant for landscaping and can be used in meadows and wildlife gardens, where it is adored by hoverflies and provides a wonderful host plant for butterflies.

Sowing:
March/May and/or late August/September
Ammi majus forms larger, more prolific plants from an autumn sowing. For cut flowers throughout the summer, sow at intervals from March (4 to 6 weeks before last frost date) to early June. The plants take approximately 100 to 110 days to mature and bloom

Plants can be sown indoors, but direct sowing is preferable.
As with most of the Umbelliferae/Apiaceae (Carrot) family, they have a long taproot which can be damaged when transplanting.
Sow 6-8 weeks before planting out. When first true leaves appear, transplant into larger containers. Harden off and transplant out after last frost.

Sowing Direct:
Sow where they are to flower once temperatures are around 15-20°C Surface sow to no more than 1mm (1/8in) deep. Sow thinly in drills 30cm (12in) apart in well-cultivated soil which has been raked to a fine tilth. Lightly cover seed
Water ground regularly, especially in dry periods. Germination will normally occur within 7-21 days at temperatures around 68-72°F (20-22°C).
When large enough to handle, thin out seedlings to 20-30cm (8-12in) apart.

Cultivation:
Provide support if exposed to windy areas. Stake plants when they are about 10cm tall with twiggy hazel stems. Plants will reseed themselves if a few heads are left in the garden to mature.

Cut flowers:
Cut the flowers in the morning when approximately 80% of the flowers are open. Flowers should be crisp white with only slight green tint and no hint of pollen shed.
For dried flowers, air dry flowers for two to three weeks in a dark, dry place. Darkness is necessary so the white flowers do not turn brown.

Garden uses:
Beds and borders, City, Cottage/Informal, Flower Arranging, Low Maintenance, Mediterranean, Wildflower, Wildlife

Other Uses:
A. majus is commonly used as an aromatic spice in India, it has a flavour of thyme. It is commonly used as a cardiac tonic for treatment of angina, palpitations or weakness.
The ancient Egyptians used it as a treatment for skin diseases.

Warning:
Care must be taken when cutting stems, as the sap can cause skin irritation that can be very serious and painful. The photoactive compounds from Ammi can cause blistering to normal skin when exposed to the sun. Wash the skin area that is exposed to the sap, using soap and water.

Family:
Apiaceae.
Pronounced: AH-mee MAY-jus
Ammi majus is sometimes confused with roadside Queen Anne's lace, Daucus carota