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Fun Seeds

  Bookworms could easily spend an hour or two in a bookstore, just to see what might spark their interest.  I will spend nearly as much time wandering through the seed racks, looking for what’s new, or just looking for something that might spark my interest. 

The first package of seeds that landed in my shopping basket was Baby’s Breath, more properly known as Gypsophila. 

Baby’s Breath is not a knock-out, bold, colourful flower that takes centre stage in the garden.  Rather, its’ multitude of tiny flowers are only appreciated when viewed from close-up. 

Flower shops are big fans of Baby’s Breath, making good company with any bouquet of cut flowers.  If you’ve ever received a dozen red roses, it likely was accompanied by a sprig or two of delicate looking Baby’s Breath. 

Even on its own, Baby’s Breath makes a delightful cut flower.  Blooms will easily last more than a few weeks, after which they begin to drop.  Look for a vacuum cleaner to clean them up.

As the name suggests, Baby’s Breath’s blooms are pure white.  ‘Pink Creeping’ Baby’s Breath is less vigorous, growing only 6 to 8 inches high, suited for rock gardens. 

The traditional Baby’s Breath is a pure white perennial, growing about 2 feet high.  It begins flowering early in summer and repeats blooming all summer.  For more powerful blooms, cut back the first flush of blooms when they begin to fade, and it will quickly respond with more blooms that are more abundant and larger than the first. 

Leaves of Baby’s Breath are insignificant, dull green and smallish.  Thankfully the leaves remain at the base of the plant, allowing flowers to rise to the challenge.  When picking stems for a vase, remove the leaves if you like, but I recommend leaving leaves intact, so the wiry stems won’t fall over. 

In the perennial garden, plant Baby’s Breath in the background or among showier plants so they won’t be missed when cutting their stems.  You won’t need many plants because your cut flower bouquets can easily be served by two or three plants.

Plant Baby’s Breath in poor, well drained soil.  They want lots of sun and do not want much in terms of fertilizer or water.  If left alone, Baby’s Breath can drop seeds and multiply.  In some locations Baby’s Breath could be considered invasive, although easy to keep in check.

Baby’s Breath can be started by planting seeds early in spring.  Keep them growing indoors until weather warms up.  The perennial plant can also be bought as started plants in spring and summer.   For those who don’t want to commit to a plant that comes up year after year, try ‘Covent Garden’ an annual variety growing to nearly 3 feet high.



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