White Annual, Gypsophila Seeds

White Annual Baby's Breath Seed

Clouds of tiny white flowers lighten summer bouquets
Rapid growth reaches flowering in roughly six weeks
Drought and lean-soil tolerance simplify garden care
Successive sowings maintain a steady filler supply

See product details

Key Attributes

Botanical Name

Gypsophila elegans

Days to maturity

45 Days

Sun

Full Sun

Packet

50 Seeds

About White Annual, Baby's Breath Seed, Baby's Breath Seed

An old time favorite that offers excellent ground cover. Produces an abundance of tiny white flowers from spring through the end of summer. It tolerates drought and poor soil conditions very well. Excellent filler cut flower for vases and bouquets.

Growing details

Planting

Sow Depth

1/8"

Days to Germination

7–14 days

Germination Type

A - No Pretreatment

In-row plant spacing

12-18"

Plant profile

Life Cycle

Annual

Plant Height

36 inches

Growth Habits

Upright

Seed & variety

Seeds Per Ounce

23,625

Color

White

Seed Type

Open Pollinated

Before Planting

Baby’s breath requires full sun and sharply drained, preferably neutral-to-alkaline soil. Choose a permanent location for perennial types because their taproots dislike moving, and avoid heavy compost or wet winter sites.

Planting

Direct sow annual baby’s breath in early spring, barely covering the seed about 1/8 inch. Germination is best near 65–70°F. For earlier flowers, start in individual cells 4–6 weeks before the last frost and transplant gently because roots dislike disturbance. Thin or space plants 8–12 inches apart.

Watering

Moisten seedlings consistently until their taproots extend. Established plants prefer the soil to dry between deep waterings; prolonged wetness around the crown is more damaging than a short dry spell.

Fertilizer

Lean soil keeps stems sturdy. Use only a small amount of compost or a light spring feeding where growth is poor; nitrogen-rich fertilizer causes weak stems and reduced flowering.

Harvesting

Cut baby’s breath when roughly one-third to one-half of the tiny flowers on a spray are open; unopened buds continue expanding after harvest. Take long stems early in the day and place them into water. For dried arrangements, bundle small groups and hang them in a dark, airy location.

Tips

Provide discreet support before the airy stems sprawl. Cut when roughly one-third of the florets are open, and shear perennial clumps after bloom to tidy plants without disturbing the deep crown.

Pests & Diseases

Botrytis blight, Alternaria leaf spot, powdery mildew, crown or root rot, and aster yellows may affect baby’s breath. Gray mold, dark spots, white coating, crown collapse, or distorted yellow growth require attention. Provide excellent drainage and airflow, water below foliage, remove diseased debris, and discard plants suspected of aster yellows.

Aphids and leafhoppers feed on tender baby’s breath stems, thrips damage flowers, and spider mites build in hot, dry weather. Check branching points and flower clusters before cutting. Remove infested tips, suppress nearby weeds, and use targeted controls before most flowers open.