When to plant Gypsophila in Cardiff

Gypsophila elegans

Gypsophila
Gypsophila · Gypsophila elegans

A half-hardy annual that makes airy sprays of small white or pink flowers in the same year it is sown. Grow it in full sun in free-draining soil, sow direct to avoid root disturbance, and support stems on exposed sites.

45 cm · Full Sun · Low Water

Calibrated to Cardiff · average last frost around 22 Apr

Sow outdoors April, harvest June to October. Typical frost risk October to April.
ActivityJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Sow outdoorsNoNoNoYesNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNo
HarvestNoNoNoNoNoYesYesYesYesYesNoNo

Growing guide

What to do through the growing season

  1. 01

    Sow Seeds

    1 Apr to 29 Apr

    Sow thinly around 1st April - 29th April, on the surface of prepared soil and just press them in. Keep the row evenly moist while seedlings establish, and thin them later so the strongest plants have room to grow.

  2. 02

    Thin Seedlings

    29 Apr to 10 Jun Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    When seedlings are large enough to handle, thin them to the final spacing so the plants do not become crowded. Move carefully, because gypsophila dislikes root disturbance.

  3. 04

    Support and Care

    13 May to 28 Oct Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    From 13th May, keep plants watered in dry spells and protect the stems from wind in open sites. Avoid rich feeding, because too much nitrogen gives soft growth and fewer flowers.

  4. 05

    Cut and Deadhead

    17 Jun to 28 Oct Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    Start cutting from 17th June as soon as the first stems open, then keep removing faded sprays to prolong flowering. Pick stems regularly and leave some foliage in place so the plant can keep producing through 28th October.

Suggested varieties

Popular varieties of Gypsophila to consider

Bristol Fairy

A classic white-flowered perennial with good stems for cutting.

Snowflake

A reliable white variety with a neat habit and plenty of airy sprays.

Rosenschleier

A pink-flowered form with finely branched stems and a soft colour.

Gypsophila guides by town

See how Gypsophila timing shifts in other towns with different frost dates.