key growing information

How to Grow Ammi (Daucus) From Seed

How to grow ammi and flowering daucus (Queen Anne's lace types) from seed: sowing dates, chilling seed, transplant timing, spacing, and the right stage to cut.

By Hensley’s Seed Co. September 3, 2026

Ammi & Flowering Daucus - Key Growing Information

Ammi flower, approaching the cutting stage.

DAYS TO GERMINATION:

Allow 12–16 days at 60–65°F (16–18°C).

SOWING:

Direct sowing is preferred. Sow in early spring once frost has passed, or in fall in Southern regions, scattering seed thinly in rows and covering it only lightly. For a steady summer supply, plant 2–3 times at two-week intervals. To grow transplants, sow 4–6 weeks before setting out and move seedlings into bigger containersonce true leaves form. Harden them off and plant outside after the last frost. Helpful tips: a 1–2 week chill at 40–45°F (5–8°C) before greenhouse sowing improves germination, and seedlings establish best at a cool 58–62°F (14–17°C). In windy sites, plants may need staking.

LIGHT PREFERENCE:

Full sun.

PLANT HEIGHT:

36–50"; tall plants in exposed, windy spots may need staking.

PLANT SPACING:

3–12" apart.

HARDINESS ZONES:

Grown as an annual.

STEM LENGTH:

12–50".

HARVEST:

Wait until about 80% of the florets are open; stems cut earlier take up water poorly and tend to wilt. For drying, cut when flowers are fully open but before any pollen is shed.

SOIL:

Ordinary soil with good drainage; once established, plants handle dry conditions.

USES:

A first-rate cut flower; also good at the back of beds and borders.

SCIENTIFIC NAMES:

Ammi spp., Daucus spp.

ALTERNATE NAMES:

Also known as Queen Anne's lace, bishop's weed, false bishop's weed, false Queen Anne's lace, lace flower, ornamental or wild carrot, large bullwort and toothpickweed