Gypsophila elegans – White Baby's Breath

Sow very shallowly — just 0.2 cm deep, barely covered — in March or April directly into warm, prepared soil. Thin or transplant seedlings to roughly 10 × 20 cm spacing in a sunny spot with light, well-drained soil; gypsophila prefers neutral to slightly alkaline ground and actively dislikes heavy clay or waterlogged conditions. The plant has a short flowering window of 4–6 weeks per sowing, so for a continuous supply of flowers, sow a fresh batch every 3–4 weeks through spring and early summer. Naturally disease-resistant and readily visited by bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.

The classic filler flower — no bouquet has ever suffered from a little gypsophila. Cut when around half the tiny flowers on the stem have opened; expect 5–7 days of vase life. Equally lovely dried: hang bunches upside-down in a dark, airy place and the flowers keep their delicate form for months. Pairs beautifully with sweet peas, roses, and any cut flower that benefits from a soft, airy backdrop — a wedding-bouquet staple for good reason.