Annual Baby's Breath

Annual Baby's Breath is a classic beauty, showcasing dainty, white flowers on graceful open branches.  More demure than the double-petaled perennial, this single-petaled annual creates a feminine, misty effect on borders and rock gardens. This variety is perfect for creating an enchanting backdrop or as a charming accent in floral arrangements. Its compact growth makes it ideal for smaller spaces, yet it still boasts an abundant display of blooms, creating a soft, romantic feel. Elegant Baby's Breath is not only easy to grow but also incredibly low-maintenance, thriving in full sun and well-drained soil. The long-lasting flowers make it a favorite for fresh-cut floral arrangements, ensuring your garden offers beauty for months. Its versatility extends beyond the garden, as it pairs beautifully with other flowers, from bold sunflowers to vibrant roses, making it a popular choice for wedding decorations, parties, and other special events.

Also Known As: Gypsophila, Baby's Breath Flower, Soapwort, Maiden's Breath, White Baby's Breath, Small-Flowered Baby's Breath, Common Baby's Breath, Garden Baby's Breath, Elegant Baby's Breath.

Plant Name:	Annual Baby's Breath
Latin Name:	Gypsophila elegans
Days to Germinate:	7-14
Days to Bloom:	45
Plant Height:	12 - 18 Inches
Spread:	1 - 2 Feet
Bloom Diameter:	1/2 Inch
Growth Habit:	Bush
USDA Zones:	3-9
Lifespan:	Annual
Brand:	TomorrowSeeds
Sunlight:	Full Sun, Partial Shade
Pollination:	Heirloom, Open-Pollinated
GMO:	No
Fungicide-Treated Seeds*:	No
Seeds Packed For**:	2025

*Fungicide-treated seeds protect the seedlings from diseases until they are up and growing. Do not eat treated seeds.
**Seeds are freshly packed for the growing season of the year listed. Seeds are still viable beyond pack date. Store in a cool and dry location such as the refrigerator or basement to best preserve germination rates.

Planting Instructions:

Soil Preparation:

Choose an area with heavy, well-draining soil that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. Remove weeds, large rocks, and litter from the planting area. Leave small weeds and dead grass, they will enrich the soil when turned under. Spade or till the soil 6-8 inches deep. Loosening the soil will help the plant establish strong roots. If the soil is heavy or clay-like, mix in some sand or compost to improve drainage. Optionally, form rows of soil beds 4-6 inches high and at least 6 inches apart. This formation of ridges will help with drainage, ensure good airflow, and make harvesting for cut flowers easier. Lay down 1/2"-3/4" peat moss, sawdust, or potting soil, the soil surface. This layer is beneficial for flower seeds because it can the improve the germination environment and prevent soil crusting.

Planting:

Starting Indoors: For earlier blooms, you may optionally start planting indoors in containers 4-6 weeks before the last expected frost date in Spring, keeping seedlings at least 65F. Harden off then transplant seedlings outdoors in a sunny location when temperatures are consistently above 60F. To transplant seedlings, prepare a transplant hole outdoors in a sunny location. Remove the plants carefully from the pots or flats and set them in the transplant holes, burying some of the stem in the ground. Pack the soil loosely around the plant and leave a slightly sunken area around each plant to hold water. Water the plants after transplanting.

Directly Sowing: If directly sowing outdoors, plant after all danger of frost has passed in spring and soil temperatures reach at least 65F. Fall planting is not recommended unless planting outdoors in environments with mild, frost-free winters for a head start in the following spring, or planting indoors with supplemental grow lights.

To plant, make holes 1/4 inch deep and spaced 12 inches apart down the rows of raised beds. Plant 2-3 seeds per hole, then cover thinly with soil. In small plots, flower seeds may be scattered and gently watered in. Once seedlings emerge, plants can separated and spaced 12-18 inches apart to allow room for mature plants to spread and prevent overcrowding. Water after planting.

Planting Depth:	1/4 inch
Within-Row Spacing:	12-18 inches
Between-Row Spacing:	12-18 inches

Care During the Season:

Annual Baby’s Breath requires minimal care once established. To ensure healthy growth, water the plant regularly but allow the soil to dry out between watering sessions, as baby’s breath is drought-tolerant once its roots are well-established. As the plants grow, you can remove any dead or spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming.