How to Grow White Lace
Wikimedia Commons
White Lace
Ammi majus
flowerWhite Lace is an elegant annual flower with delicate, lacy white flower clusters that resemble Queen Anne's Lace. It produces airy, feathery foliage and is prized by florists for its graceful filler flowers in cut arrangements. The plant grows 24-36 inches tall and creates a cottage garden aesthetic.
When should you plant White Lace in your zone?
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Example White Lace timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant White Lace
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First White Lace blooms
Around Jun 26≈ 70 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact White Lace dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Grows as an annual in most zones; thrives in cool to moderate climates (zones 3-9)
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Get my White Lace timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny seedlings emerge with fine cotyledons. Early leaves are feathery and delicate.
Keep soil moist but not soggy. Provide bright light to prevent leggy growth. Thin seedlings to proper spacing early.
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksPlant develops lacy, finely divided foliage and establishes a bushy form. Stems elongate and branches develop.
Ensure adequate spacing for air circulation. Pinch tips early to encourage bushier growth if desired. Water consistently.
Bud Formation
2-3 weeksFlower buds begin to form at branch tips. Plant reaches near mature height with dense, airy foliage.
Apply balanced fertilizer or dilute liquid fertilizer. Maintain consistent moisture. Support tall varieties with stakes if needed.
Flowering
6-8 weeksDelicate white lacy flower umbels open in succession. Flowers create an ethereal, cloud-like appearance.
Deadhead spent flower clusters to encourage more blooms. Cut stems for arrangements to prolong flowering. Fertilize every 2-3 weeks.
Seed Production
4+ weeksIf flowers are not harvested, they develop fine seeds in characteristic umbel patterns. Plant begins to decline as energy shifts to seed production.
Allow some flowers to mature for self-seeding if desired. Reduce watering slightly as plant naturally declines.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with water to dislodge, use insecticidal soap, or introduce ladybugs
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Use yellow sticky traps, spray neem oil, or apply insecticidal soap
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Increase humidity, spray with water, apply neem oil or miticide if severe
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Remove affected leaves, apply spinosad or neem oil
Uses
Cut flower arrangements
CraftWhite Lace is a premier filler flower for floral arrangements and bouquets, adding airy texture and elegance to mixed arrangements. Professional florists value it for its delicate, lasting qualities and ability to complement focal flowers. [source]
Dried flower arrangements
HouseholdThe delicate flower heads dry beautifully and retain their structure, making them ideal for dried arrangements, wreaths, and long-lasting dried bouquets. Air dry by hanging stems upside down in a cool, dry location. [source]
Wedding and event flowers
HouseholdWhite Lace is a popular choice for wedding arrangements, bridesmaid bouquets, and special events due to its romantic, delicate appearance and exceptional vase life. [source]
Pollinator support
WildlifeThe small delicate flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects throughout the growing season. It provides nectar and pollen to support pollinator populations. [source]
Edible flower garnish
CulinaryWhite Lace flowers are edible and make beautiful, delicate garnishes for desserts, cocktails, and salads. Use pesticide-free flowers and verify all parts are safe before consumption. [source]
Harvest Tips
Cut flower stems in early morning when blooms are fully open and stems are hydrated. Cut at least one-third of the plant to encourage new flower production. Harvest when some buds are still closed for longest vase life (7-10 days). Remove lower foliage from stems before arranging.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 White Lace is also known as Bishop's Flower, White Queen Anne's Lace, or False Queen Anne's Lace, though it is a different species from the common wild plant
- 🌱 The plant is a favorite of professional florists and commands premium prices at flower markets because of its delicate beauty and superior longevity in arrangements
- 🌱 White Lace readily self-seeds, so allowing some flowers to go to seed can produce volunteer plants the following year
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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