Babys breath is a staple in flower bouquets, but it makes an excellent addition to your garden, too. Sprays of tiny, delicate white or pink flowers add softness to ornamental plantings and make a lovely addition to floral arrangements. Many cultivars are available, including low-growing, creeping types that make for colorful ground cover. Heres what you need to know to grow babys breath in your garden.
With its fluffy, delicate blossoms, babys breath adds graceful texture and interest to both gardens and containers. The wispy blooms and airy foliage of babys breath provide unique visual appeal when used in planters, window boxes, and hanging baskets. Here is a comprehensive guide to successfully growing babys breath plants in containers
Choosing the Right Container
When selecting a container to grow babys breath, consider the following:
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Drainage – Babys breath requires excellent drainage to prevent root rot. Choose containers with multiple drainage holes.
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Size – Pick a pot at least 12-16 inches wide and deep for babys breath to grow properly,
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Material – Use containers made of clay, plastic, concrete, wood, or metal Avoid unglazed terra-cotta which can dry out too quickly
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Weight – Since babys breath has shallow roots, go for lightweight pots that are easy to move if needed.
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Style – Match the container to your decor, choosing from styles like ceramic pots, window boxes, hanging baskets etc.
Media and Soil Requirements
To provide ideal growing conditions, fill your container with:
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Potting mix – Use a commercial soilless potting mix. Add compost or coco coir for nutrients.
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Good drainage – Incorporate perlite, gravel, or sand to improve drainage and aeration.
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Nutrients – Mix in slow-release fertilizer granules before planting.
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pH – Test soil pH, amending if needed to reach ideal range of 6.0-7.0.
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Depth – Fill container to about 1-2 inches below the rim to leave space for watering.
Planting and Care
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Watering – Water thoroughly after planting, then allow soil to partially dry out between waterings.
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Fertilizing – Apply diluted liquid fertilizer every 2-4 weeks during growing season.
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Sunlight – Place container in full sun, providing at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
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Temperature – Move container to sheltered spot if temperatures drop below 40°F or exceed 85°F.
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Support – Insert bamboo stakes around plants for support if needed.
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Deadheading – Remove spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering.
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Dividing – Divide rootbound plants every 2-3 years to maintain vigor.
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Pruning – Cut back by a third after flowering to promote bushy regrowth.
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Pests/diseases – Inspect regularly and take action to treat problems early.
Tips for Success
Follow these tips to successfully grow babys breath in containers:
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Select short, compact varieties like ‘Mini Six Pink’ for containers.
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Grow annual babys breath in containers to enjoy season-long bloom.
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Start with young plants from nurseries rather than seeds for instant impact.
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Mix in compost annually to refresh tired containers with nutrients.
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Group with companions like maiden pinks, trailing lobelia, and dwarf dahlias.
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Combine with ornamental grasses for textural contrast and movement.
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Position containers near walkways or entries to enjoy the flowers up close.
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Rotate pots to ensure even sun exposure and promote symmetrical growth.
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Move containers to a sheltered location for winter if growing perennial varieties.
Common Problems and Solutions
| Issue | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Wilting, drooping | Underwatering | Water more frequently, improve drainage |
| Yellow leaves | Overwatering | Allow soil to dry out between waterings |
| Stunted growth | Insufficient nutrients | Fertilize regularly with balanced fertilizer |
| Flowers fading | Hot sun | Provide some shade during hottest part of day |
| Leggy growth | Insufficient sun | Move container to location with more direct sun |
| Few blooms | Overcrowding | Thin plants and divide rootbound specimens |
With the right care strategies, babys breath can thrive in containers, gracing your garden or patio with plentiful fairylike blooms. Follow these tips for success growing this delicate beauty in pots and planters.
Common Problems With Baby’s Breath
While babys breath is relatively easy to grow, the plant can experience issues with crown and root rot caused by pathogens in the soil, which thrive with insufficient drainage. Bacterial and fungal issues can also damage flowers and foliage.
The best way to handle these issues is to prevent them before they start. Choose the proper site with the right soil conditions to plant your babys breath, and be sure to keep foliage dry by watering the soil directly to keep pathogens from growing.
Plant Care
One of the benefits of babys breath is its ease of care once established. Plants generally only need water during excessively hot, dry weather or extended periods without rain. Feed your babys breath plants with organic fertilizer once each year in the spring.
Deadhead plants as their flowers die back—you can deadhead a spray after more than half the flowers on it have faded. Prune back leggy growth after the spring or summer bloom period has concluded to encourage a second or even third wave of blooms in cooler climates.
After blooming has concluded in fall, its best to cut back the entire plant to a few inches above the soil for perennial varieties. This will encourage fuller growth next year.
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Potting Up Perennial Baby’s Breath for the Farm : Flower Hill Farm
FAQ
Can baby’s breath be grown in pots?
Does baby’s breath come back every year?
How do you keep baby breath flowers alive?
Can baby’s breath be a houseplant?