Gypsophila elegans — annual baby's breath
Gypsophila elegans is the botanical name for annual baby's breath, the airy cloud of tiny flowers that softens borders and bouquets alike. It is the species behind our gypsophila range within the flower seed collection.
History & origin
Native to the Caucasus and surrounding regions, gypsophila grows wild on chalky, stony ground — a clue to its name and its love of lime in the garden. Quick and easy from seed, it has become a florist's staple the world over.
The names are descriptive: Gypsophila comes from the Greek for “gypsum-loving,” for its preference for chalky soils, while elegans simply means “elegant,” for its dainty, graceful sprays.
Botanical characteristics
A fast, slender hardy annual, Gypsophila elegans forms a haze of branching, thread-fine stems carrying a profusion of small, single white or pink flowers, like a delicate mist above the foliage. That airy quality makes it the perfect filler among cut flowers, and the open sprays are a quiet draw for bees and small pollinators.
Growing Gypsophila elegans from seed
Annual baby's breath is wonderfully quick and easy — sow direct where it is to flower from spring, in full sun and free-draining, ideally limy soil, and thin the seedlings. It dislikes root disturbance, so sow in succession every few weeks for a continuous supply. Our flower growing guide and flower sowing calendar cover the timing.
Ready to grow gypsophila? Browse the varieties or learn the basics first.
Related categories: Gypsophila · Cut Flowers · Annual Flowers · Pollinator Flowers · All Flower Seeds
At SeedsChoice, every order ships from Meppel, NL with fast, tracked EU delivery.
What is Gypsophila elegans?It is annual baby's breath, a quick hardy annual grown for its cloud of tiny white or pink flowers on fine, branching stems.
Is gypsophila good for cutting?Yes — its airy sprays are a classic filler for bouquets and arrangements, fresh or dried.
When should I sow Gypsophila elegans seeds?Sow direct from spring and in succession every few weeks, as it dislikes transplanting. See our
flower sowing calendar for timing.
What soil does gypsophila prefer?Free-draining, ideally limy soil in full sun — its name means gypsum-loving.
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