Baby’s Breath: Flowers That Steal The Show

If you’re looking for a delicate and beautiful flower to add to your garden, Baby’s breath may be a perfect choice! This tiny white flower is not only pretty, but it’s also straightforward to grow. This article will give you all the necessary information to increase your Baby’s breath.

Baby’s Breath Plant (Gypsophila)

The plant (Gypsophila) is a small, delicate flower often used as a filler in bouquets and floral arrangements. The plant gets its name from the Greek word “gypsies,” which means “chalk,” and “Philos,” which means “loving.” This refers to the fact that a baby’s breath grows well in chalky soils.

They are native to Europe and Asia but can now be found worldwide. The plant is a member of the Caryophyllaceae family, which includes other flowers such as carnations, pinks, and sweet williams.

The Flowers

The flowers are tiny and white and grow in clusters. They have a very delicate appearance and are often used in bouquets and floral arrangements. They are most commonly seen in wedding flower bouquets but can also be used for other occasions.

How To Grow And Care

To grow and care for Baby’s breath:

• Start by planting the seeds in a sunny spot with well-drained soil. You can either sow them directly in the ground or start them indoors in pots.
• Once the seedlings have germinated, thin them out, so they’re about 6 inches apart. The Baby’s breath requires very little maintenance and can tolerate drought conditions.
• However, if you want your plants to produce abundant flowers, water them regularly.
• Baby’s breath typically blooms in the summer and fall. To encourage continuous blooming, deadhead the spent flowers.
• When the weather cools down in autumn, cut back the plants, which are about 6 inches tall. This will help them survive the winter and return strong the following season.

From Cuttings

To grow Baby’s breath from cuttings:

• Snip a 6-inch piece from the end of a stem that has just flowered.
• Fill a small pot with moistened potting mix, and make a hole in the centre with your finger.
• Dip the cut end of the stem into the rooting hormone, then insert it 2 inches deep into the hole in the potting mix.
• Water well, and place the pot in a warm, sunny spot. In four to six weeks, you should see new growth.
• When the baby’s breath plant is large enough to handle, transplant it into a larger pot or garden.

From Seeds

To grow a Baby’s breath from seeds:

• Start Baby’s breath seeds about 6-8 weeks before your area’s last average frost date.
• Sow Baby’s breath seed on the surface of a good quality seed starting mix and lightly cover with fine vermiculite.
• Baby’s Breath germination will usually occur within 21-30 days if kept at 70-75 degrees F.
• Once Baby’s breath seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant them into individual pots and grow on until large enough to plant outdoors.

How To Water

Baby’s breath is a delicate plant, and too much water can cause the roots to rot. When watering, make sure the soil is moist but not soggy. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings.

Pruning

• Start by deadheading any spent blooms.
• Then, cut the plant back to about 6 inches tall. This will encourage new growth and more flowers.
• You can do this a few times throughout the growing season.
• Finally, cut Baby’s breath back to the ground in late fall to prepare it for winter.

Varieties Of Baby’s Breath

Baby’s breath comes in many different varieties, each with its unique look. Some common types include:

Gypsophila Elegans

This is a pretty standard baby’s breath that you will find in most nurseries. It has long, thin stems with small, round leaves. The flowers are very delicate and dainty, usually white or pale pink. Gypsophila Elegans can grow to about 3 feet tall, making a great addition to any bouquet or arrangement.

Gypsophila Repens

This variety of Baby’s breath is a creeping perennial native to Europe. It has small, white flowers that bloom in the summertime. The leaves are fleshy and green, and the plant spreads by runners. Gypsophila repens are often used as a ground cover or an edging plant.

Gypsophila Paniculata

Gypsophila paniculata is a species of flowering plant in the carnation family, native to central and southern Europe. It is a herbaceous perennial growing to 30–60 cm (1–2 ft) tall and wide, with opposite, lanceolate leaves 3–5 cm (1–2 in) long. The flowers are borne in loose corymbs 5–15 cm (2–6 in) across, each flower tiny, only 1–2 mm in diameter, with five white petals.

This variety of baby breath is a popular choice for dried flower arrangements. The flowers are small and delicate with a star-like shape. They grow in clusters on tall, slender stems. The plant has a mounded growth habit and can reach up to 2 feet in height. The leaves are linear and dark green.

Gypsophila Paniculata ‘Bristol Fairy’

Gypsophila paniculata ‘Bristol Fairy’ is a popular baby’s breath variety known for its dense clusters of tiny white flowers. The flowers of this plant are small, but they pack a big visual punch. This plant is perfect for adding a touch of elegance to any garden and makes an excellent cut flower. If you are looking for a plant that will steal the show, then ‘Bristol Fairy’ is Baby’s breath variety for you.

Gypsophila Paniculata ‘Festival Star’

Gypsophila paniculata ‘Festival Star’ is a newer, shorter variety of Baby’s breath that is perfect for adding a touch of elegance to any bouquet or arrangement. The tiny white flowers are produced in great profusion on slender stems, and they have a delicate, airy appearance that makes them ideal for filling in gaps and adding texture. This variety is also relatively easy to care for and will flower for many weeks from mid-summer onwards.

Gypsophila Paniculata ‘Viette’s Dwarf.’

Gypsophila paniculata ‘Viette’s Dwarf’ is a baby’s breath plant perfect for adding a touch of elegance to any bouquet or arrangement. This plant is sure to steal the show with its tiny white flowers and long stems!

Special Occasions For Baby Breath’s Flower

• Weddings
• Funerals
• Get Well Soon
• Baby Shower

How To Arrange

To arrange Baby breath flowers, you need a vase and some wire.

• Cut the wire to the length you need, and then make a small loop at one end.
• Thread the wire through Baby’s breath stems and then twist the wire around the base of Baby’s breath to secure it in place.
• Next, take your vase and fill it with water. You can add a small amount of flower food to the water.
• Carefully lower Baby’s breath arrangement into the vase.
• You can then trim any stems that are too long and also remove any leaves that will be below the water line.

Safety Precautions For Pets

If you have a pet, it’s essential to take some precautions to ensure their safety. Baby’s breath is poisonous to dogs and cats if ingested, so it’s best to keep them away from your bouquets and arrangements. Contact your veterinarian immediately if you suspect your pet has eaten any of the plants. Symptoms of poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, and renal failure.

In addition to being poisonous, a baby’s breath can also be a choking hazard for pets. The small flowers and seeds can become lodged in their throat or digestive tract, causing severe health problems. If you notice your pet chewing on the plant, take it away and contact your veterinarian.

Frequently Asked Questions about this Flower