Baby's Breath (Gypsophila)

You probably know them best as the precious little white flowers that accompany a bouquet of roses or other flower arrangements. What you may not know is that baby's breath, when grown on it's own in the garden, can create a stunning stand-alone display.

Features:

Annual varieties of gypsophila produce pretty bushes of flowers all summer long if you continue to sow a few seeds from April though June. While the white variety of baby's breath is the most common, they also come a few pretty shades of pink and rose. If you want to grow baby's breath to use as cut flowers in your own arrangements, keep in mind that once you begin to cut stems off, the plant will become rather sparse and not as beautiful as when left full.

Planting Time:

Sow gypsophila seeds beginning in April and add a few seeds each month until early June. This will help ensure fuller growth.

Flowering Time:

Flowers begin blooming in late May and should continue through early September, provided they are not over cut.

Growing Conditions:

Gypsophila needs full sunlight to grow. Soil should be mixed with compost or manure before adding seeds, but should be well-drained to prevent rotting. Keep soil moist in dry spells, especially if growing in containers.

After Flowering:

Baby's Breath is an annual and will not return the following year. Pull up plants when flowers have died off and use as compost.

Climate Zone:

Zone 7