Gypsophila elegans: How to grow? 

Grow gypsophila in moist but incredibly well-drained, neutral or slightly alkaline soil for optimal results. To promote repeat blooming, routinely deadhead spent blooms. Once established, perennial plants should not be disturbed because this disturbs their roots. 

Where to grow Gypsophila elegans? 

Gypsophila grows best in a sunny location with free-draining soil; if neither of these conditions exists, add lots of grit when planting. Gypsophila may thrive in most neutral soils, but they prefer a slightly alkaline soil (lime or chalk). 

As the plant matures, provide support for taller plants in windy areas by using pea sticks or brushwood for a more organic appearance. Feed with a general liquid fertiliser every several weeks. After flowering, prune the flower stalks to encourage a second flush of blooms in the late autumn

How to propagate Gypsophila elegans? 

Gypsophila annualis seeds should be sown directly in April or September when they will bloom because they don’t appreciate having their roots disturbed. From April till June, seed them in succession every few weeks if you’re raising them for cutting.

With only a thin layer of dirt covering them, plants will sprout from seeds quickly and can withstand a brief freeze. It is a relatively short-lived annual, barely lasting 5 to 6 weeks. 

How to propagate Gypsophila elegans from cuttings?

The plant can also be grown from the cuttings of established bushes.

• Choose stem cuttings and start the process indoors. You can then transplant in your garden. Select a container with sufficient drainage holes.

• Prepare the soil. Choose well-draining soil and slightly sandy in nature. Add adequate organic matter. The soil pH must be 7 to 7.5.
• Cut the stems of length three to five inches. Remove the leaves from the lower third of every stem. For quicker results, dip the bottom of the stem in rooting hormone to promote root growth.
• Plant the cuttings by burying the lower inch in the potting soil.
• Make sure to keep the soil moist.
• After around four weeks, after the cuttings have grown, prepare an area in the garden where sunlight falls for at least six hours a day. Transplant the cutting in the garden soil, allowing a foot of space on either side for proper growth.

Gypsophila elegans: Maintenance tips

Light

Baby’s breath plants thrive in full sunlight, which means at least 6 hours of direct sunlight on most days. They will, however, tolerate some shade, particularly from the warm afterno

oil

Baby’s breath plants can thrive in a variety of soil types as long as there is adequate drainage. Consider planting baby’s breath in raised garden beds or containers if your soil is heavy. These plants prefer a slightly alkaline soil pH, so if your soil is acidic, lighten it with garden lime.

Water

Baby’s breath requires little water and thrives in dry soil. For young plants, keep the soil moist but not wet. Watering established plants is usually unnecessary unless there is a prolonged period of drought. Overwatering can lead to root rot and plant death.

Fertiliser

These plants aren’t heavy feeders, and using too much fertiliser can result in sluggish growth. Simply work some compost into the planting site every spring to promote healthy growth and abundant blooms.

Pruning

For a healthy plant growth, pruning is required. Dead flowers stems must be trimmed once the flowers have faded.

Pests and problems

Gypsophila must be protected against insects and pests such as grubs and caterpillars, grasshoppers, aphids, thrips and mites.

Gypsophila elegans: Uses

• In floristry, G. elegans is a popular floral filler. The light white blooms add dimension, texture, and a splash of colour.
• To use your own baby’s breath plant as a cut flower, cut stems when half of the flowers are open and add to bouquets of flowers or greenery, or simply display them on their own! To dry them for later use in arrangements, cut them early in the day and hang them upside down for at least two weeks in a dry, dark place.
• It looks lovely in small groups, in rock gardens, as a border, or between wildflower plantings.

FAQs