Covent Garden baby’s breath is a classic annual with delicate white blooms ideal for cutting gardens and cottage-style borders. This fast-growing variety thrives in sunny, well-drained soil and adds soft texture to mixed plantings or floral arrangements.
Description (Gypsophila elegans). A lovely, single-flowered type that produces clouds of small, pure white flowers on each stem. A cottage garden favorite, perfect for fresh or dried floral arrangements.
- Annual
- Sprouts in 7-14 days
- Days to maturity: 45–60 days
- 6–8 hours of full sun
- Planting depth: 1/8 inch
- Plant spacing: 8 to 12 inches
- Height at maturity: 18 to 24 inches
- Ideal temperature: 60°F to 75°F
- Frost hardy? No
When to Grow
Sow seeds indoors 4–6 weeks before your last frost or direct sow outside once the soil has warmed. Covent Garden blooms quickly and prefers cool early-season conditions over extreme heat.
How to Sow and Plant
Sow seeds 1/8 inch deep in light, well-draining soil. Keep soil evenly moist until germination. Once seedlings appear, thin them to 8–12 inches apart to promote airflow and healthy, upright growth.
How to Grow
Provide full sun and moderate watering. Once established, Covent Garden baby’s breath is drought-tolerant. Deadhead to encourage extended blooming. Use stakes in windy areas if plants become top-heavy with blooms.
How to Save
- Let flowers dry and go to seed on the plant
- Clip seed heads once they turn brown and papery
- Place in a paper bag to finish drying
- Crush gently and sift to collect seeds
- Store in a cool, dry, labeled container until planting