Baby’s Breath belongs to Gypsophila, a flowering plant genus belonging to the Caryophyllaceae family. Most people are familiar with the popular Baby’s Breath flowers, or Gypsophila paniculata. They use the delicate white blossoms of the Baby’s Breath plant, both fresh or dried, to fill in around bigger blooms in everything from wedding bouquets to cut flower arrangements. Not only does this plant adds a unique touch to every bouquet of flowers, but it also adds beauty to every flower garden. Gypsophila may grow in sparse regions and be mixed with practically any other type of flower on a large scale. Many little white and occasionally pink blooms appear in a cloud at the top of the thin stems of the plant. Being popular and beautiful, some questions about Baby’s Breath, like how to grow them or how long can they last may pop up.
Growing Baby’s Breath
It is actually fairly easy to grow Baby’s Breath, plus it will make a good garden ornament. Learning how to cultivate Baby’s Breath may be a great pastime, you can even get some profits if you sell it to florists and other professionals who create floral arrangements.
If the soil pH is correct, growing a Baby’s Breath in full sun is quite simple. The Baby’s Breath plant thrives in sandy, warm, alkaline soil that contains chalk. Gypsophila typically grows in cracks or in rocky, arid areas since warmth is a major aspect of growing. To cultivate this plant, find a location that is moderately shaded. It’s also vital to choose a wind-protected location so that the plant is not harmed by severe winds. Gypsophila will not be able to grow on thick and wet soil. As a result, you will need to prepare a very sandy, well-draining soil that may also contain small pebble stones. These stones will ensure that all rainwater drains and plants are not exposed to excessively damp soil.
Gypsophila is an annual and perennial flowering plant. In March or April, the seeds are planted outdoors. Because each plant will enlarge throughout its growth period, it is not recommended to spread the very few seeds too closely. Gypsophila may be quickly grown in a greenhouse between April and May before being planted outdoors.
Baby’s Breath Meaning
Because of their unique name, some people wonder about baby breath meaning and symbolism. Since the 1800s, Gypsophila has been commonly called “Baby’s Breath” because of its small, delicate white blooms and mild smell. Baby’s Breath flowers are linked with purity, innocence, everlasting love, platonic and romantic bonds which explains their appeal as bridal flowers. The purity of affection that two individuals should have for each other during a wedding ceremony is symbolized by the small white flowers. Aside from marital implications, a Baby’s Breath is also closely linked to babies. Floral arrangements with at least one or two sprigs of this plant are traditionally given to new moms.
Do Baby’s Breath Flowers Die?
Baby’s Breath is a plant, and plants, like all things that live, will eventually die. Although some of the small flowers may fade faster, Baby’s Breath is a highly durable and long-lasting cut flower that may last anywhere from 5 to 14 days. It is critical to get Baby’s Breath flowers that are not fully bloomed if you want a long-lasting floral arrangement. Moreover, make sure the stems are strong, green, and full of half-open flowers. Make sure the blooms are pest-free, that the stems are not going brown, and that the blossoms are not dried up or shrivelled. Baby’s Breath flowers can quickly wilt due to ethylene from rotting flowers, leaves, fruits, vegetables, and cigarette smoke. Because Baby’s Breath flowers are susceptible to ethylene, it is also critical that they are treated with an ethylene inhibitor before they’re sold at florists. This is generally done during shipment or at the flower farm where the flowers were acquired.
If you want Baby’s Breath blooms to last longer, you can also dry and preserve them. Gypsophila may be air-dried by standing it upright in an empty vase or hanging it upside down in a cold, dry, dark, and well-ventilated area. When choosing Baby’s Breath flowers to cut and dry, do not use stems with browning flowers. Also, choose stems with just half of the flowers in bloom while the rest are merely buds. Under warm running water, re-cut the stems of Baby’s Breath. Use twine or a rubber band to tie five to seven stems together. Hang these in a dark, warm, and well-ventilated room upside down, then have a look at the dried flowers after five days. Flowers are ready to use in a dry arrangement when they feel papery to the touch. Give them additional time to dry, while checking on them periodically, if they do not have the papery feel after five days.
Designer and blogger Nicole is a fashionista with a passion for personal style. She has been blogging since 2010, when she was still in college. Her blog offers readers the chance to see her latest outfits, shop her favorite styles, and read about fashion trends from around the world.