Queen Anne's lace (Ammi): vase life, season, meaning and care for florists
Ammi majus
Queen Anne's lace (Ammi) (Ammi majus, family Apiaceae) usually lasts 5–7 days in a vase. In season: Spring, Summer. Fragrance: none. Typical role in a design: filler flower.
Cut flower commercial monograph
- Official name
- Queen Anne's lace (Ammi)
- Botanical name
- Ammi majus
- Family
- Apiaceae
- Aliases
- ammi
- Native origin
- Central/Southern Europe and Western Asia
- Growth habit
- Herbaceous perennial or biennial with sturdy, upright flowering stems.
- Stem length
- 50–70 cm
- Natural colours
- White, Green
- Natural bloom
- Natural flowering in spring, summer
- Commercial supply
- Peak in spring, summer
- Harvest stage
- Harvest when buds show true colour and outer petals loosen (Stage 2–3).
- Vase life
- 5–7 days
- Cold storage
- Cold storage suitable (2–5°C constant temperature, high humidity).
- Special care
- Buy when about half the florets are open. The sap can make skin sensitive to sunlight — wear gloves — and older heads shed tiny florets.
- Application
- Serves primarily as Filler flower in modern floristry, ideal for table arrangements and event designs.
- Market notes
- Buy when about half the florets are open. The sap can make skin sensitive to sunlight — wear gloves — and older heads shed tiny florets.
For florists
Try Queen Anne's lace (Ammi) in a client design
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Try it as a design — freeCare and conditioning
- Buy when about half the florets are open. The sap can make skin sensitive to sunlight — wear gloves — and older heads shed tiny florets.
Where it fits
| Use | Why | |
|---|---|---|
| Hospital visits and condolences | ✓ | Not strongly scented and no heavy pollen. Check that the ward accepts fresh flowers. |
| Weddings | ✓ | No pollen staining, and it lasts long enough to make up a day ahead. |
| Dining tables and restaurants | ✓ | Little or no scent, so it will not compete with the meal. |
| Homes with cats or dogs | ✓ | Not flagged as toxic in our knowledge base; still check the ASPCA list for the exact species. |
| Making ahead and next-day delivery | ✓ | About 5–7 days in a vase — fine to make up a day ahead. |
Pairs well with
These are available at the same time as queen anne's lace (ammi) and have a similar vase life (foliage lasts at least as long), so the arrangement ages evenly:
| Flower | Role | Vase life |
|---|---|---|
| Rose | Focal flower | 5–7 days |
| Gerbera daisy | Focal flower | 6–10 days |
| Iris | Focal flower | 4–6 days |
| Sweet flag (acorus) | Foliage | 7–14 days |
| Eucalyptus | Foliage | 10–14 days |
| Monstera leaf | Foliage | 10–14 days |
Substitutes
When queen anne's lace (ammi) is unavailable, out of season or priced up before a holiday, these fill the same role at the same time of year:
| Flower | Vase life | In season | Fragrance | Pets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daisy (marguerite) | 5–7 days | Spring, Summer | None | mildly toxic |
| Cornflower | 5–7 days | Spring, Summer | None | — |
| Chamomile | 5–7 days | Spring, Summer | Light | — |
| Clematis | 4–6 days | Spring, Summer | None | mildly toxic |
FAQ
How long does queen anne's lace (ammi) last in a vase?
Usually 5–7 days, depending on variety, origin and conditioning.
When is queen anne's lace (ammi) in season?
In season in spring, summer; at other times prices can run high or quality can vary.
How do you keep queen anne's lace (ammi) fresh?
Buy when about half the florets are open. The sap can make skin sensitive to sunlight — wear gloves — and older heads shed tiny florets.
What colours does queen anne's lace (ammi) come in?
Naturally in white, green (not counting dyed stems).
What can I use instead of queen anne's lace (ammi)?
Flowers with the same role, an overlapping season and a similar vase life: Daisy (marguerite), Cornflower, Chamomile, Clematis.
Related guides
In season at the same time
SunflowerHydrangeaTulipChamomileTree peonyPeony (herbaceous)Silver wattle (mimosa)Astrantia