If you would like to propagate your baby's breath, we recommend dividing the plants in spring or planting cuttings. However, division does not work equally well for all varieties. However, it's worth a try.
How can you propagate gypsophila?
To propagate gypsophila, divide the roots or cut cuttings in spring. Place divided roots or cuttings in nutrient-poor substrate and later plant them outdoors. Annual varieties are sown directly outdoors or in pots.
Reproduction by division
Propagation by division is not that easy and is not always successful. You have the best chances if you divide the roots. Be careful not to damage the fleshy, solid parts of the roots. Take the root tears instead. Cut these root pieces straight on the side facing the mother plant. Make a diagonal cut on the other side.
Now place this root with the slanted cut facing downwards in a pot with nutrient-poor substrate (€6.00 at Amazon). Sprinkle some sand on the upper cut surface and moisten everything a little. When the first leaves appear you can plant the gypsophila in the garden. In the beginning, these young plants should not be in the blazing sun.
Propagation by cuttings
Cut a few 10 – 15 cm long cuttings from your gypsophila in spring. These cuttings should have at least three pairs of leaves and are best cut below a leaf node.
Remove the lower leaves and place the cuttings about halfway into a pot with nutrient-poor substrate or a mixture of soil and sand. After moistening, place the cuttings in a bright place. Only when they have grown well and have formed roots are they allowed into the open air. Don't water your cuttings too much or they will start to rot.
Sowing gypsophila
Especially the annual varieties of gypsophila are propagated by sowing. But you can also sow the perennial gypsophila (lat. Gypsophila paniculata). Depending on your preferences, you can sow it in pots or directly outdoors. The period from March to June is recommended for sowing outdoors.
The most important things in brief:
- Division is difficult
- Protect cuttings from moisture
- Do not moisten the seeds too much
Tips & Tricks
Protect your young plants from the blazing sun and water the plants only slightly.