How to Grow Gypsophila
Gypsophila elegans
Gypsophilas (baby’s breath) prefer full sun and very well-drained, alkaline to neutral soils. Perennial forms hate winter wet—plant on raised, gritty sites and avoid root disturbance. Annual types can be direct sown. Provide discreet support for billowy stems. Water sparingly once established; over-rich soils cause floppy growth. Cut back after flowering to encourage a lighter second flush. Excellent for cutting and drying—harvest when most florets are open but not shedding.
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.
Growing Conditions
- Min. soil temperature
- 6°C+
- Germination temperature
- 18–22°C
Pet Safety
- Sow indoors
- —
- Transplant out
- —
- First harvest
- —
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Spacing & Planting
| Plant spacing | 20 cm |
| Row spacing | 30 cm |
| Sow depth | 0 cm |
| Mature height | 50 cm |
| Mature spread | 30 cm |
Annual baby's breath (G. elegans). Compact plants suitable for borders and cutting.
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 20cm apart with 30cm between rows.
- When does Gypsophila flower?
- Gypsophila typically flowers approximately 60 days after transplanting.
- Is Gypsophila frost hardy?
- Gypsophila is classified as Hardy.
