How to Grow Ammi majus Plants in your Garden

Ammi majus plants, commonly called Bullwort, Bishop's Weed, Herb William, White Dill as well as false Queen Anne's Lace, are easily recognized in wildflower meadows for their sprawling growth and domes of densely-packed, lacy white flowers.

They are a member of the Apiaceae family and related to carrots, parsley and celery.

The plant grows in US zones 2 to 11 and is considered hardy throughout the UK and most of Europe.

Ammi majus photograph by Harry Rose.

Plants grow to two to four feet (60 to 120 cm) with slender, branched stems and their foliage has a feathery quality that, together with their blooms, help make them a popular filler plant in flower arrangements. Spread is typically two to 3 feet (60 to 90 cm).

Bullwort blooms from early summer and through into the autumn (fall). The flowers are a creamy white colour.

As they are both nectar and pollen rich, Ammi majus plants readily attract butterflies, bees, and other pollinators.

Bullwort makes an excellent addition to Wildflower gardens, beds and borders, can be grown en masse, or as a specimen and in cottage and prairie gardens.

Popular companion plants include Giant hyssop, Threadleaf Coreopsis, Tufted hair grass, and Cosmos bipinnatus "Fizzy Pink".

Gardener's HQ Guide to Growing Bullwort

Ammi majus grows well in full sun, dappled sun or partial shade; and in chalky, loamy or sandy well-drained soils.

A hardy annual, gardeners planning to propagate the plants should first allow the seed heads to dry, then collect and clean them and store them away for the following season.

They can be sown directly into the garden the following spring, after all danger of frost has gone by.

Alternatively, plants may be started indoors in pots about six to eight weeks before the last spring frost date in one's area.

Provide support for new seedlings when they reach 3 to 4 inches (8 to 10 cm) in height. Provide regular watering, but don't overdo it.

I hope that you enjoyed this guide on how to grow Ammi Majus. You may also enjoy the following Gardener's HQ growing guides: How to grow Fennel and Pimpinella plants.