Crop Rotation Group
Miscellaneous
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Soil
Any fertile soil with good drainage and an alkaline or near-neutral pH.
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Position
Full sun.
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Frost tolerant
Moderate. Young seedlings often escape damage from light frost, but may be injured by sudden freezes. Perennial forms are winter hardy.
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Feeding
Mix a light application of a balanced organic fertilizer into the soil prior to planting. In early summer, drench plants with a liquid feed to support strong growth.
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Companions
The light, airy blossoms of baby’s breath go with everything, but are best located along the edges of flowerbeds for easy cutting.
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Spacing
Single Plants: 7" (20cm) each way (minimum)
Rows: 7" (20cm) with 7" (20cm) row gap (minimum)
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Sow and Plant
Start seeds indoors in late winter and set out the seedlings while the soil is still cool. Or, sow seeds where you want the plants to grow in early spring, as soon as the soil can be worked.
Our Garden Planning Tool can produce a personalized calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.
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Notes
Perennial forms of baby’s breath are invasive in many climates, but this is not an issue with annual baby’s breath (Gypsophila elegans).
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Harvesting
Cut stems for flower arrangements when half of the flowers are open.
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Troubleshooting
Excessive rain can cause baby’s breath to develop root rot problems.
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