Baby’s Breath, or Gypsophila, is a delicate, cloud-like flower long used in floral design. This versatile bloom is categorized into over 100 species. It is primarily recognized as a filler flower, adding airy texture and volume to mixed bouquets. Gypsophila is now also frequently used as the main focus in minimalist arrangements and wedding decor.
Retail Sources for Cut Flowers
Acquiring small bunches of cut Baby’s Breath is easiest through established retail channels. Local independent florists offer the highest quality, often featuring premium, longer-lasting Gypsophila paniculata varieties like ‘Xlence’ or ‘Overtime’. These specialized shops provide expert advice and fresher product, but this service comes at a higher price point.
For convenience and lower cost, grocery store and supermarket floral departments carry pre-cut bunches. While these flowers may not be the highest grade, they offer immediate availability for casual decorating. Consumers should check the stem ends for freshness, as the vase life is typically seven to ten days with proper care. Local farmers’ markets are another excellent source, often selling locally grown Gypsophila that may be fresher than flowers shipped long distances.
Sourcing for Home Cultivation
Baby’s Breath can be sourced for home cultivation using seeds or established plants. Local garden centers and specialized nurseries are the primary places to find starter plants or bare roots, which mature faster than seeds. Perennial varieties like Gypsophila paniculata ‘Bristol Fairy’ or ‘Compacta Plena’ are often available as transplants. These will return year after year in USDA hardiness zones 3 through 9.
Purchasing seeds is the most economical way to grow a large quantity, available from online seed banks and gardening catalogs. Gardeners must choose between annual varieties, such as Gypsophila elegans, which bloom quickly but must be replanted annually, and perennial types. Seeds are typically sown indoors six to eight weeks before the last frost or directly into the garden once the soil temperature is warm. Baby’s Breath thrives in full sun and requires well-drained, slightly alkaline soil, often benefiting from the addition of garden lime to adjust the pH.
Bulk and Wholesale Ordering
Individuals planning large events, such as weddings or parties, often require significant quantities of cut Gypsophila at a lower price per stem. This necessitates using bulk and wholesale suppliers. Online wholesale flower distributors specialize in shipping fresh, farm-direct flowers, offering popular varieties like ‘Million Star’ and ‘Mirabella’. These suppliers require a lead time, mandating orders be placed a minimum of three to four business days in advance to allow for cutting and shipping.
Local wholesale flower markets, sometimes called flower marts, are another sourcing option, especially for buyers in major metropolitan areas. While many markets primarily serve florists and require a business license, some open to the public on specific days or hours. Bulk orders are typically sold by the bunch or box, with standard bunches containing 20 to 30 stems. Ordering in these quantities significantly reduces the cost compared to retail. However, it requires the buyer to manage the processing, hydration, and handling of the flowers upon arrival.