Baby’s Breath: How to Grow and Care with Success

Main Types of Baby’s Breath Flowers

There are over 100 species of Gypsophila, but some of the most popular and commonly cultivated species include:

Gypsophila paniculata: Also known as Common Baby’s Breath, this is the most popular species of Gypsophila. It is widely grown for its delicate, cloud-like small white or pale pink flower clusters. This species is often used in floral arrangements, bouquets, and wedding decorations.

Gypsophila elegans: Commonly known as Annual Baby’s Breath or Showy Baby’s Breath, this species is an annual plant that produces clouds of tiny white, pink, or lilac flowers. It is often used as a filler in flower beds and borders or grown as a cut flower.

Gypsophila repens: This species is known as Creeping Baby’s Breath or Alpine Gypsophila. It is a low-growing, spreading perennial that forms dense mats of small, white flowers. It is well-suited for use as a ground cover or in rock gardens.

Gypsophila cerastioides: Also known as Chalk Baby’s Breath, this species is a small, tufted perennial with white or pale pink flowers. It is often grown in rock gardens or alpine troughs.

Gypsophila fastigiata: This species, sometimes called Upright Baby’s Breath, features tall, upright stems with small, white or pink flowers. It is a perennial plant that is often grown in borders, cottage gardens, or as a cut flower.

Is Baby’s Breath Invasive?

Gypsophila can be invasive in certain regions, particularly in North America. It has been introduced to various parts of the United States and Canada, where it has become invasive in some areas, outcompeting native plants and disrupting local ecosystems.

Gypsophila paniculata spreads rapidly through its prolific seed production, and its deep taproot system allows it to thrive in a range of soil conditions, including sandy and rocky soils. Its ability to grow in disturbed areas, such as roadsides and pastures, also contributes to its invasive potential.

Before planting Gypsophila, it’s essential to check with your local gardening center or extension office to determine if the species is considered invasive in your area. If it is, consider using non-invasive alternatives or other delicate filler plants that provide a similar appearance without the risk of becoming invasive.

Find where Gypsophila paniculata is invasive in the United States.

Find where Gypsophila elegans is invasive in the United States.

Discover beautiful U.S. native plant alternatives.

Gypsophyla elegans (Annual Baby’s Breath)

When to Plant Baby’s Breath?

• Baby’s Breath can be planted either by sowing seeds directly outdoors or by starting seeds indoors and transplanting them later. The best time to sow seeds outdoors is after the last frost date in spring.
• 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.

Where to Plant Baby’s Breath?

• Sunlight: Baby’s Breath thrives in full sunlight and prefers to receive at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. However, it can also tolerate light shade, especially in regions with hot and intense summer sun.
• Soil: Select a location with well-draining soil as Baby’s Breath may develop issues in poorly drained or consistently wet soils. This plant can tolerate a range of soil types, including poor soils. Alkaline soils are preferred (add lime to acidic soils).

How to Plant Baby’s Breath?

• Prepare the planting site by removing any weeds, grass, or debris.
• Sow the seeds directly on the soil surface or lightly cover them with a thin layer of soil, as they require light to germinate. Space the seeds about 12 inches (30 cm) apart.
• Water the seeds gently to moisten the soil, being careful not to dislodge or bury them too deeply.
• Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy until the seeds germinate, which usually takes 10-20 days.
• When the seedlings have developed two sets of true leaves, thin them out to maintain a spacing of 12-15 inches (30-38 cm) between plants.
• Keep the area around the plants weed-free and maintain consistent moisture throughout the growing season.

For transplanting seedlings started indoors

• Harden off the seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over a period of 7-10 days.
• Dig planting holes slightly larger than the root balls of the seedlings, maintaining a spacing of 12-15 inches (30-38 cm) between plants.
• Carefully remove the seedlings from their containers, trying not to disturb their roots, and place them into the planting holes.
• Fill the holes with soil, gently firming it around the root balls.
• Water the transplanted seedlings thoroughly to settle the soil and establish good root contact.

Caring for Baby’s Breath

Caring for Baby’s Breath is relatively simple, as these plants are low-maintenance and can tolerate a range of conditions. Here are some tips:

• Watering: Baby’s Breath prefers well-draining soil, so be careful not to overwater. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Water deeply but infrequently to encourage the development of a strong root system.
• Fertilizing: Baby’s Breath doesn’t require much fertilizer, as it can grow in poor soils. However, in spring, you can apply a slow-release, balanced fertilizer (such as 10-10-10) to promote healthy growth. Be cautious not to over-fertilize, as too much nitrogen can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flower production.
• Pruning: Regularly deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms and maintain the plant’s neat appearance. After flowering, you can cut back the plant by about one-third to promote bushy growth.
• Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch, like straw or bark chips, around the base of the plant to help retain soil moisture and suppress weed growth. Keep the mulch a few inches away from the stem to prevent rot.
• Overwintering: Baby’s Breath is a hardy perennial and can withstand cold temperatures. In colder climates (USDA zones 3-4), apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plant in late fall to provide extra insulation and protect the roots from freezing temperatures.

By following these care tips, you can ensure that your plants thrive and produce abundant, delicate blooms.

Gardening Design with Baby’s Breath

Baby’s Breath is a popular choice for garden design due to its delicate, cloud-like clusters of small white or pale pink flowers. Here are some ideas for incorporating Baby’s Breath into your garden design:

• Cottage gardens: Baby’s Breath pairs well with other traditional cottage garden plants like roses, peonies, and delphiniums. Plant it among these flowers to add a soft, romantic touch and fill gaps in the border.
• Perennial borders: Use Baby’s Breath as a filler plant or a backdrop for more vibrant and colorful perennials. Its fine texture contrasts beautifully with bolder foliage and flowers.
• Rock gardens: Baby’s Breath’s ability to thrive in poor, well-draining soils makes it an excellent choice for rock gardens. Plant it among rocks or gravel to create an airy, naturalistic look.
• Cutting gardens: Baby’s Breath is a popular choice for cut flower arrangements due to its long-lasting blooms and graceful appearance. Plant it in a dedicated cutting garden or mix it with other cut flowers like zinnias, dahlias, and snapdragons.
• Wildlife gardens: Baby’s Breath attracts butterflies and other pollinators, making it a valuable addition to a pollinator-friendly garden. Combine it with other nectar-rich flowers like coneflowers, lavender, and salvia to create a haven for beneficial insects.
• Containers: Plant Baby’s Breath in containers or window boxes, either as a standalone plant or combined with other trailing or upright plants like petunias, verbena, or geraniums.
• Edging: Use Baby’s Breath as a delicate edging plant along pathways, borders, or garden beds. Its fine texture creates a subtle visual transition between different garden areas.
• Mass plantings: Plant Baby’s Breath en masse to create a stunning, cloud-like effect in the garden. Large drifts of Baby’s Breath create an ethereal and dreamy atmosphere, especially when backlit by the sun.
• Moon gardens: Baby’s Breath’s white flowers make it an ideal choice for moon gardens, where plants with light-colored blooms or variegated foliage are planted to create a luminous, nighttime display.

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.

Gypsophila ‘Rosenschleier’ (Baby’s Breath)

How to Propagate

There are two primary methods for propagating Baby’s Breath (Gypsophila paniculata): by seeds and by cuttings. Here’s how to propagate Baby’s Breath using both methods:

Propagation by seeds

• Start by choosing a well-draining seed-starting mix, or make your own by mixing equal parts peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite.
• Fill seed trays or small pots with the seed-starting mix.
• 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.
• Moisten the soil lightly with water using a spray bottle.
• Place the seed trays or pots in a bright location, ideally under grow lights or on a sunny windowsill. Baby’s Breath seeds need light and a temperature between 65-75°F (18-24°C) to germinate.
• Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Germination should occur within 10-14 days.
• Once the seedlings have developed their first set of true leaves, you can transplant them into individual pots.
• Gradually acclimate the young plants to outdoor conditions before transplanting them into the garden after the last frost date.

Propagation by cuttings

• Choose healthy, non-flowering stems from the parent plant. The best time for taking cuttings is in late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
• Use a sharp, clean pair of pruning shears or a knife to cut 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) long stem sections just below a node (the point where a leaf attaches to the stem).
• Remove the lower leaves from the stem, leaving only the top few leaves.
• Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone to promote root development. This step is optional but can increase the chances of successful propagation.
• Plant the cutting in a well-draining potting mix, such as a mix of perlite and peat moss, burying the lower third of the stem.
• Water the potting mix lightly to ensure it’s moist but not soggy.
• Place the cutting in a bright location but not in direct sunlight.
• Cover the cutting and pot with a plastic bag or place it in a propagating case to maintain humidity.
• Keep the potting mix moist and maintain high humidity around the cutting. Roots should begin to develop within 3-4 weeks.
• Once the cutting has developed a healthy root system, transplant it into a larger pot or into the garden.

By using one of these methods, you can successfully propagate Baby’s Breath and expand your collection of these delicate, cloud-like plants.

Pest and Diseases

Baby’s Breath is relatively hardy and pest-resistant, but it can still be affected by some pests and diseases. Here are the most common issues to look out for:

Aphids: These small, soft-bodied insects can be found on the undersides of leaves and along the stems. They suck the sap from the plant, causing curled or distorted leaves and potentially spreading diseases. Control aphids by releasing beneficial insects like ladybugs, using insecticidal soap, or spraying them off with a strong stream of water.

Slugs and Snails: These pests feed on the leaves and flowers, leaving irregular holes. Hand-pick slugs and snails during the early morning or evening and dispose of them, or use traps, diatomaceous earth, or a copper barrier to deter them.

Root rot: Overwatering or poor drainage can lead to root rot, a fungal disease that causes yellowing, wilting, and death of the plant. Prevent root rot by planting Gypsophila in well-draining soil and avoid overwatering.

Leaf spots: Various fungal and bacterial pathogens can cause leaf spots on Gypsophila. To manage leaf spot diseases, maintain good air circulation, avoid overhead watering, and remove and dispose of infected plant parts. Fungicides or bactericides may be used if the problem persists.

Stem and crown rot: This disease, caused by the fungus Sclerotinia, can lead to wilting and death of the plant. The fungus produces small, black, seed-like structures on the affected parts. Prevent stem and crown rot by maintaining good air circulation, avoiding overwatering, and removing infected plants.

By monitoring your Gypsophila plants for these common pests and diseases and taking appropriate action when necessary, you can maintain healthy, thriving plants in your garden.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is baby’s breath toxic to cats?

Yes, Baby’s Breath (Gypsophila paniculata) is considered toxic to cats. If ingested, it can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal issues. If you have cats at home, it’s better to keep Baby’s Breath out of their reach or choose a non-toxic alternative for your garden.

Why do they call it baby’s breath?

The name “Baby’s Breath” comes from the delicate, small, and airy appearance of the flowers, which resemble a gentle, light breath. The tiny white flowers are often used in floral arrangements and bouquets to create a soft, ethereal effect.

Is baby breath a cheap flower?

Baby’s Breath is often considered a cost-effective flower for bouquets and floral arrangements due to its abundance and ease of cultivation. While it may be more affordable than some other flowers, it can still have a significant impact when used in large quantities or combined with other blooms.

How long does baby’s breath last?

Baby’s Breath is a long-lasting flower. The fresh blooms can last between 5 to 14 days when used in floral arrangements, depending on the conditions and care. If properly dried, Baby’s Breath can maintain its appearance for several months or even years, making it a popular choice for dried floral arrangements.

Is baby’s breath easy to grow?

Baby’s Breath is relatively easy to grow, making it a popular choice for many gardeners. It prefers well-draining soil and full sun to light shade. It is drought-tolerant and requires minimal maintenance once established. The plants can be grown from seeds or transplants and are generally easy to care for, making them suitable for both beginners and experienced gardeners.