If ever there was an uber useful cut flower then it is the wonderful Ammi Majus or Bishops flower as it more commonly known. This is no mean feat when one considers it is nothing more than a jumped up Cow Parsley. On its own or with other garden flowers it is a real gem in the vase, adding a lightness and sophistication to any arrangement.
How to propagate Ammi Majus
Many suggest that you start Bishops Flower seeds off under glass in early April but I have found that the little chaps don’t like to be transplanted out and struggle to get going again. Far and away the best time to sow is in the autumn which gives them a chance to establish a root base and consequently they will produce stronger plants with more flowers. When doing a spring planting, plant them where they are to grow about 1/6th inch deep and wait till the end of the frosts.
Space out to about 12 inches in a position that gets full sun.
Soil type
Ammi Majus will grow well in most soil types but prefers a well drained soil with plenty of organic matter dug in. If your soil is heavy clay then you can dig in some sand and compost to aid drainage and generally improve the soil.
In the vase
Florists love Ammi Majus for the ethereal and romantic quality it brings to arrangements. The flowers should last ten days after being cut, to make sure of this read our article about extending vase life. Best cut in the morning.
Wildlife
Ammi Majus is great for attracting butterflies, hover flies and other beneficial insects into your garden. Leaving the flowers at the end of the season provides seeds for the birds. Finches love ’em!
See also; Gypsophilia…and Ammi looks scrummytastic with Godetia.
Are you thinking of growing some this year?
BUY AMMI SEEDS AT THE SUPER LOVELY HIGGLEDY GARDEN SHOP! :)
To receive FREE updates when new articles from Higgledy are written then simply click on the orange logo at the top of the page….easy peasy.
October 19, 2012 @ 10:36 pm
HELP – I am too late for an autumn sowing of ammi and other annuals that generally benefit from an autumn sowing?
October 20, 2012 @ 7:06 am
You are right on the cusp! Some will come good…many wont…I’d say give it a go and see what happens…seeds are so cheep. Unless you are in Scotland…then forget it.
September 22, 2012 @ 3:56 pm
Help please! Do I sow Ammi Majus directly into the soil in the autumn or under glass? Confused!
September 24, 2012 @ 8:13 am
Hi, I sow ammi direct. I no longer ever sow it in pots. I shall be sowing some soon for my autumn sowing but not today…I don’t like working in the rain! :)
July 11, 2012 @ 10:41 am
Please can someone tell me if Ammi Majus will self seed and come back yearly. If not, how do I collect the seed please?
July 11, 2012 @ 8:06 pm
yes indeed it will…but weed carefully around the young seedlings as they are very delicate. :)
July 11, 2012 @ 10:39 am
will ammi majus come back yearly by self seeding?
Hardy Annuals | Higgledy Garden
December 31, 2011 @ 9:38 am
[…] *Ammi Majus […]
Ammi Visnaga | Higgledy Garden
September 1, 2011 @ 8:50 am
[…] our old mucker Ammi Majus, Ammi Visnaga is a member of the carrot family. Yes I know that makes her sound somewhat […]
Calendula | Higgledy Garden
August 26, 2011 @ 10:26 pm
[…] cold, true opposites, texturally and colourererly-lolly. When the mood sways me I whack in some ammi majus, one because it too is knocking around in early spring and two, because it softens the drama and […]
Flowers To Sow in September | Higgledy Garden
August 23, 2011 @ 8:16 pm
[…] *Ammi Majus Bishops Flower […]
Cornflowers | Higgledy Garden
August 7, 2011 @ 8:03 pm
[…] They look great just on their own in a jug or with Ammi Majus. […]
More Thrilling Seedling Action…Hang On To Your Seats Folks. | Higgledy Garden
April 27, 2011 @ 7:26 pm
[…] Seedling Action…Hang On To Your Seats Folks. Posted on April 27, 2011 by Ben At last the Ammi Majus has turned up. I can weed around the seedlings and all will be well with the world. The weeds in […]
Garden Flower: Salvia Patens | Higgledy Garden
February 14, 2011 @ 1:53 pm
[…] sowing seeds and I got somewhat carried away planting a further tray of Snapdragons, Calendular and Ammi Majus. Yup…that’s the kind of guy I […]
top 50 annual flowers for cutting | Higgledy Garden
January 6, 2011 @ 7:03 pm
[…] Ammi Majus […]
Garden Flower: Snapdragon | Higgledy Garden
January 1, 2011 @ 6:32 pm
[…] you’re looking for a foliage filler to go with your snapdragons then why not check out Ammi Majus…a perfect little […]
December 30, 2010 @ 10:13 pm
Hello Ben
I have discovered your blog via JW Blooms. 2010 has been my first year of growing flowers ( including Ammi) for cutting. I am looking forward to reading more of your articles.
December 30, 2010 @ 10:39 pm
Lovely to hear from you Gill…are you growing commercially or just for yourself?
I hope you enjoy the site and make yourself at home here! ;)
Regards
Ben
January 2, 2011 @ 11:45 pm
Hi Ben
I am growing cut flowers for me. My first year has been far better than I anticipated, I can’t wait for spring.
Kind regards
Gill
January 3, 2011 @ 9:53 am
Brilliant!!! If you have any tips or fav varieties please please share them with us…we’ve got lots to learn. ;)