Gypsophila 'Covent Garden' Seeds

Known affectionately as "Baby's Breath," this isn't the dried-up, crunchy filler you find in supermarket bouquets (which is usually the perennial kind). This is the superior annual variety. 'Covent Garden' produces much larger, open, trumpet-shaped flowers of pure white that sit on elegant, wiry stems.

This plant is the ultimate "mixer." It creates a soft, frothy cloud of white that breaks up the heavy colours of a border. It softens hard edges, hides fading foliage of bulbs, and makes every flower standing next to it look twice as expensive.

Why Your Garden Needs 'Covent Garden'

We love this plant because it is so fast. From sowing to flowering takes just 6-8 weeks. It is the perfect "gap filler"—if a plant dies or a space opens up in June, you can sprinkle some Gypsophila seeds in, and the gap will be filled with white lace in no time.

It is also essential for cutting. If you want to make bouquets that look professional, you need filler foliage. A handful of Gypsophila stems turns a simple bunch of garden flowers into a bridal-quality arrangement.

Understanding the Plant: What is a Hardy Annual?

Gypsophila elegans is a Hardy Annual.

This means it completes its life cycle in one year and can withstand cold weather.
Succession Sowing is Key: Unlike some annuals that bloom for months, Gypsophila has a short but spectacular burst of bloom (about 4 weeks).
Top Tip: To keep the white clouds coming all summer, sow a small pinch of seeds every 2-3 weeks from April to June.

Growing Guide: How to Sow and Grow

The name Gypsophila comes from the Greek for "Chalk-Lover," giving you a hint about what it likes!

🌱 Germination:
Sow directly outdoors where they are to flower. Do not start these in pots—they have a taproot and hate being transplanted. Sow shallowly (3mm deep) in drills or broadcast scatter. They germinate rapidly in 10-14 days.

Where to Sow:
They need full sun and well-drained soil. They thrive in alkaline or chalky soils but will grow happily in any garden soil as long as it isn't waterlogged clay.

Care While Growing:
These are very low maintenance. They generally don't need staking if grown close to other plants which will support them. Water during dry spells, but don't overfeed them or you'll get lots of leaf and few flowers.

Plant Specifications

Here is a quick reference guide to the key features.

My Recommended Garden Companions

Gypsophila is rarely grown alone; it is designed to support others. Here are its best friends:

• 🌸 Sweet Peas: The classic wedding combo. A vase filled with scented Sweet Peas and frothy Gypsophila is the definition of a country kitchen table.
• 🔵 Cornflower 'Blue Ball': Sow these together in the same bed for a "Blue Willow" pattern effect. The rigid, upright stems of the Cornflower are softened beautifully by the sprawling white lace of the Gypsophila.

📅 Sowing & Flowering Calendar

Direct sow outdoors in spring (succession sow for continuous flowers).

(↔️ Swipe chart to see all months)