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Baby’s breath likes full sun in northern regions and morning sun with a bit of afternoon shade in hotter climates. Hardy to USDA zones 3 to 9, it will grow in most areas of the US.  Poor, sandy, or otherwise less fertile soil is fine for Gypsohila. Fertile soil or too much fertilizer can cause excessive vegetative growth and floppy stems, easily knocked down by wind or rain.

It needs well-drained alkaline to neutral soil, not strongly acidic. Excellent drainage is vital, and Gypsophila spp. are likely to suffer from root rot in heavier soils with poor drainage.

When to Plant Baby’s Breath

Start baby’s breath from seed indoors about 6-8 weeks before your last frost date. Perennial varieties can be started as much as ten weeks early. 

Direct seeding can be done once the soil warms. Wait to transplant seedlings started indoors until after your last frost. 

How To Plant Baby’s Breath

Baby’s breath is commonly started from seed, although you may be able to find it in garden centers in the spring. 

Starting baby’s breath seeds indoors

• Use cell packs, seed flats, or soil blocks. Prepare with a well-moistened seed starting mix.
• Sow seeds on the surface and press them gently into the soil–light is required to germinate. 
• Apply a dusting of vermiculite if desired to help hold water.
• Cover with a humidity dome or plastic and place under lights. 
• They should germinate in 8-14 days. Remove the dome and keep them under lights in a cool location if possible. Keep the soil moist.
• Harden off and plant out after frost danger has passed, utilizing a 12-inch spacing between plants.

Direct seeding

• Prepare the soil bed and rake smooth.
• Plant in shallow trenches and press into the soil but do not cover.
• Water gently to keep the soil moist until the seeds sprout. 
• Once true leaves appear, thin to 1-2 plants every 12 inches.