How to Grow Gypsophila
Gypsophila paniculata
When to Start
Direct sow outdoors as soon as soil reaches 6°C — typically early to mid spring. Can also be started indoors 4 weeks earlier for a head start.
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Growth Stages
Approximate days from start
Care Essentials
- Rarely needed. Prefers poor, well-drained, alkaline soil.
- Needs excellent drainage and full sun. Add lime to acidic soils. Taprooted — dislikes being moved.
Companion Planting
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Growing Conditions
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- Sow indoors
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- Transplant out
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- First harvest
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Spacing & Planting
| Plant spacing | 40 cm |
| Row spacing | 50 cm |
| Sow depth | 0 cm |
| Mature height | 90 cm |
| Mature spread | 60 cm |
Refers to perennial Baby's Breath (G. paniculata). Annual varieties are smaller and can be planted closer.
Care Guide
- Feeding
- Rarely needed. Prefers poor, well-drained, alkaline soil.
- Watch for
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- Crown rot in wet soil
- Generally pest-free
Pests & Diseases
Pest Aphids
Identification: Clusters of small green insects on shoot tips and flower stems, causing distorted growth
- Blast off with a strong jet of water
- Spray with fatty acid-based insecticide
- Encourage ladybirds, lacewings and hoverflies
- Spray with a contact insecticide containing deltamethrin
Pest Slugs and Snails
Identification: Irregular holes in young leaves and slime trails around plants, worst in wet weather
- Use beer traps or copper tape barriers
- Apply organic slug pellets (ferric phosphate)
- Encourage hedgehogs, frogs and ground beetles
- Ferric phosphate-based pellets
Disease Crown Rot
Symptoms: Wilting and collapse of stems from the base; brown, water-soaked rot at the crown, often with white fungal growth
Treatment: Remove and destroy affected plants. Improve drainage at the planting site
Prevention: Plant in very well-drained soil, avoid overwatering, and do not mulch close to the crown. Raise beds in heavy soils
Disease Grey Mould (Botrytis) Botrytis cinerea
Symptoms: Fuzzy grey mould on stems and flowers, often starting on damaged or dying tissue in damp conditions
Treatment: Remove affected parts promptly. Improve air circulation around plants
Prevention: Avoid overcrowding, remove dead material promptly, and ensure good drainage
Growing Conditions
| Min. soil temperature | 6°C |
| Germination temperature | 18–22°C |
| Base growth temperature | 5°C |
| Min. daylength to start | 9h |
| Photoperiod sensitivity | long day |
Frequently Asked Questions
- How far apart should I plant Gypsophila?
- Plant Gypsophila 40cm apart with 50cm between rows.
- When does Gypsophila flower?
- Gypsophila typically flowers approximately 60 days after transplanting.
- Is Gypsophila frost hardy?
- Gypsophila is classified as Hardy.
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