Gypsophila fits perfectly into cottage gardens and other natural variants. But close to nature does not mean unkempt. With clever pruning you not only ensure a beautiful look, you can also extend the flowering period of the gypsophila.
How do I cut baby's breath correctly?
To prune baby's breath properly, remove everything that has faded just above the foliage after the first flowering to encourage a second flowering. For flower vases, cut fully bloomed stems, while slightly open flowers are ideal for dry bouquets. In autumn, cut perennial baby's breath back about a hand's width above the ground.
Cutting for a second bloom
Many varieties of baby's breath will bloom again if they are pruned immediately after flowering. You should also take advantage of this opportunity. This will significantly extend the flowering period. Cut off everything that has faded just above the foliage, then the stems will sprout again. But you can also wait until a plant has completely bloomed and then cut it back in its entirety.
Cutting for the flower vase
Gypsophila (lat. Gypsophila paniculata) is ideal as a filling material for lush bouquets, but also for elegant bridal bouquets. Please do not fall into the mistake of fertilizing your gypsophila diligently so that it blooms particularly beautifully. This will achieve the exact opposite. For bouquets, cut the fully bloomed gypsophila.
Cut to dry
Because it still looks very natural even when dried, gypsophila is ideal for dried bouquets. For this purpose, it is best to cut the plants around midday, when the dew has already dried. Ideally, the flowers have just opened. Hang it in small bundles in a dry, airy place out of direct sunlight.
The Autumn Cut
If you have perennial gypsophila in your garden, you should cut it back in autumn, about a hand's width above the ground is ideal. Gypsophila can tolerate frost, but it can still benefit from winter protection made from brushwood or leaves. It protects it from excessive moisture and from being eaten by rabbits.
The most important things in brief:
- Pruning promotes second flowering
- suitable for fresh bouquets
- predestined for drying
- Autumn pruning recommended
Tips & Tricks
If you want your baby's breath to bloom a second time, cut it back immediately after flowering.