Cover the cutting and pot with a plastic bag or place it in a propagating case to maintain humidity. Thin seedlings if they are crowded. Use organic mulch between the plants, keep weeds pulled, and water weekly. Fertilize with a diluted fertilizer or compost tea when plants are four weeks old. Additional Care for Baby’s Breath Rabbits: Chew on plant leaves. Damage is similar to deer damage but not usually as extensive. Burpee Recommends: Use a hot pepper wax spray or rabbit repellent. There are over 100 species of Gypsophila, but some of the most popular and commonly cultivated species include: Gypsophila paniculata, a few other Gypsophila species, and their hybrids and cultivars make up “Baby’s Breath”. They are actually called ‘Gyp’ in the trade.

If you prefer to start seeds indoors, begin 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost in your area, and transplant the seedlings outdoors after the danger of frost has passed. Thin seedlings to six to eight inches (15-20 centimeters) apart. G. elegans makes a beautiful ground cover when planted en masse, so this species may not need thinning.

Growing Tips for Baby’s Breath

Baby’s Breath usually lasts for 1-2 weeks in a vase. To extend its life, trim the base of the stem with sterilised scissors and add to water with a few drops of vinegar or bleach to prevent rotting, and retain rigidity in the stems. Find out if unwanted spread is an issue in your area via the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service’s Plants Database before you plant it. All need well-drained and slightly alkaline soil, so add horticultural grit and Levington® Lime to the soil in the autumn, before sowing or planting out the following year.

Plant the cutting into gritty compost, or a mix of 50% compost and 50% perlite. Water it well, and cover (with a plastic bag, or in a cold frame). After about 4 weeks, the cutting should be reasonably well-rooted, and can be moved out into the garden. Propagating Baby’s Breath from Roots Baby's breath, also known as Gypsophila paniculata, is an incredibly popular variety of flowers with over 100 annual and perennial species. They are native to Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia, but are successfully grown all over the United States. While popularized, and perhaps overused at times by some florists, baby's breath is still a wonderful garden addition. And with so many different varieties to choose from, you might be surprised to discover all that this well-known flower has to offer. Some form an attractive ground cover due to their creeping growth habit. Others grow more upright and contained with long, extensive branches growing from their slim stems. Once in bloom, they are covered in tiny, five-petaled flowers that are white or pink on color. Butterflies and other pollinators can be seen frequenting these dainty flowers for a smorgasbord of nectar. easily grow baby's breath Perennial varieties of Gypsophila can be propagated through basal cuttings, and alpine varieties should be divided in early spring. Annual Gypsophila should be sown in their final growing position from April - June, or September. For an ongoing flush of flowers throughout the summer, sow annual varieties every couple of weeks during the spring. How to sow Gypsophila Sow the Baby’s Breath seeds on the surface of the soil, pressing them lightly into the mix. Do not cover the seeds with soil; they need light to germinate.Keep weeds under control during the growing season. Weeds compete with plants for water, space and nutrients, so control them by either cultivating often or use a mulch to prevent their germination. These dainty flowers are not of much importance individually but when massed, they give the effect of wavy, bubbly, billowing floral clouds out in the garden and even in a static floral arrangement.

Drought Tolerance: Gypsophila is relatively drought-tolerant, making it suitable for xeriscaping or low-water landscapes. Rosenschleier’. One of the most widely regarded cultivars of perennial baby’s breath, much shorter than others, reaching just 30cm (1') tall. It has double white flowers which fade to pale-pink as they mature. While direct sowing is easy and works well, if you want to start the seeds indoors, sow six to eight weeks before the last frost in a tray of moist propagation medium, as deep as you would in the ground.Easily recognizable from bridal displays to any occasion flower arrangements, baby’s breath is a hardy perennial. It is suitable for USDA zones 3 to 9. Plants can be easily started from seed. Baby’s breath seed propagation can be done early indoors in flats or planted outside after all danger of frost has passed. By incorporating Baby’s Breath into your garden design, you can add a delicate, airy touch that enhances your outdoor space’s overall beauty and harmony. Versatility in floral design: Baby’s Breath is often used as a filler or accent in floral arrangements, bouquets, and corsages. Its neutral colors and delicate appearance allow it to complement various flowers and colors, adding texture and volume without overpowering other blooms. This perennial, creeping cultivar will bloom with rose pink flowers continuously throughout the season, and also works as a ground cover. Baby’s breath is best known for its white blooms, but the plant also comes in pink and rose. Hardy in plant hardiness zones 3 through 9, it is a long-lived perennial. The plant grows 2 to 3 feet tall and wide, with a gentle rounded form. Getting Started