The baby’s breath flower, scientifically known as Gypsophila, is widely recognized as a filler in bouquets, but it is now gaining popularity as a feature flower in perennial gardens.

Its tiny, delicate white flowers bloom from summer to fall, making it a stunning addition to various landscapes. In flower gardens, baby’s breath’s light green stems and airy appearance create a soft, enchanting look.

Dear Lykkers, though white is the most common color, baby’s breath is also available in shades of pink. It blooms from late spring through fall and is often found growing wild in fields, roadsides, and sandy areas. The plant is drought-resistant and even deer-resistant. Baby’s breath is mildly toxic to pets and may irritate humans, so it’s best to avoid consumption or letting pets chew on it. Before planting, check your state's invasive plant list, as Gypsophila paniculata is considered invasive in some areas.

Planting Baby’s Breath

Baby’s breath thrives in full sun in cooler climates and prefers morning sun with a bit of afternoon shade in hotter areas. It is hardy in USDA zones 3 to 9, making it suitable for many parts of the U.S. This plant is adaptable to poor, sandy soils, though too much fertilizer can result in excessive vegetative growth and floppy stems. It also requires well-drained, alkaline to neutral soil to thrive, as it can suffer from root rot in poorly drained soils.

When to Plant Baby’s Breath

Start baby’s breath indoors about 6 to 8 weeks before your last frost date, or up to 10 weeks for perennial varieties. Direct seeding can be done once the soil warms, and seedlings should be transplanted only after the danger of frost has passed.

How to Plant Baby’s Breath

Baby’s breath can be started from seed or purchased from garden centers. Here’s how to start from seed:

Starting Baby’s Breath Seeds Indoors:

Use cell packs, seed flats, or soil blocks, and prepare with a well-moistened seed starting mix.

Sow seeds on the surface and press gently into the soil, as light is needed for germination.

Apply a light dusting of vermiculite to help retain moisture.

Cover with a humidity dome or plastic and place under grow lights. Germination typically occurs within 8 to 14 days. Keep the soil moist and provide plenty of light.

After germination, remove the dome and keep plants in a cool location. Harden off seedlings before planting them outdoors, spacing them 12 inches apart.

Direct Seeding:

Prepare the soil by raking it smooth.

Plant seeds in shallow trenches and gently press them into the soil.

Water gently and keep the soil moist until the seeds sprout. Once the true leaves appear, thin the seedlings to 1-2 plants per 12 inches.

Growing Baby’s Breath

Baby’s breath is easy to grow and can thrive in many conditions. For optimal growth, consider these tips:

Baby’s breath prefers drier soil, so avoid over-watering. It is well-suited for rock gardens and borders where other plants don’t require irrigation.

Excessive fertilizer can cause weak growth. Baby’s breath thrives even in less-than-ideal soils.

Pinch back the plants once they reach 8 to 12 inches to encourage branching and fuller growth.

Deadheading will promote further blooming. After the second bloom, cut back the entire plant to about an inch above the soil level in fall, avoiding cutting into the graft union if using a grafted variety.

Some varieties can grow tall, so early staking can help keep them neat.

Types of Baby’s Breath

There are several varieties of baby’s breath, each with unique features:

‘Pink Creeping’ Baby’s Breath (Gypsophila repens ‘Rosea’):

Hardy to zones 4-7, this variety makes an excellent ground cover and reaches a height of 6-8 inches. It can cascade over rocks and stone walls.

‘Covent Garden Market’ (G. elegans):

This mid-height annual makes a great filler for bouquets.

‘Snowflake’:

A tall, heirloom perennial variety with brilliant white flowers.

Harvesting Baby’s Breath

Baby’s breath makes an excellent cut or dried flower. To harvest:

Wait until ⅔ to ¾ of the blooms on a spray are open, but before any begin to brown.

Use baby’s breath as a filler in bouquets or as a feature in a single bouquet.

Harvesting will encourage additional blooms and prevent seed formation, so don’t hesitate to trim it.

By following these tips for planting, growing, and harvesting, baby’s breath will thrive in your garden, adding lightness and elegance to your floral displays.

Growing Baby’s Breath: How to Plant and Care For Baby's Breath

Video by Agronomag