Gypsophila paniculata "Bristol Fairy" found at the dollar rack in Boutique Nursery.?

Question

The tag says it will get 3 feet mounds. WOW. I have no experience with this one either. I bought a 6" pot, with few to no blooms, but the stalk on this thing was fat (1/4 inch thick)!

I threw some pea gravel and lime at the bottom of the hole and backfilled with orginal gritty soil. Full sun front corner border situation.

Is there any thing I need to be watchful for here (other than two dogs with venomous p*ss)?

Answer 1

I hope you can get you baby's breath to grow for you. I'm sure you know this plant serves two purposes, fresh cut flowers and dried flowers. You did'nt say if you had a yard to grow this in, but in a container, use light weight, porous, sandy soil. Don't let the soil stay too wet, regular fertilizer, time released fertilizer is good. You are right on with the lime and full sun, this Gypsophila is a perennial[lives for at least three or more years] so you can overwinter outside, after the plant dies down keep it mulched to protect the roots from freezing. You say it's in a 6" pot, you must put it in a larger pot. Standard rule for container plants is to go up one to two sizes bigger, an eight inch pot would do, if the roots are compacted, take a clean knife and gently cut along the sides and loosen them with your fingers, make sure the roots are white and healthy, if any browning is the cut it off, keep your newly planted baby's breath moist the first week until the new roots start growing. After a week are two slack off the water. Good luck and Happy Planting.