Bristol Fairy
A classic white-flowered perennial with good stems for cutting.
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 Newcastle upon Tyne · last frost ≈ 25 Apr
| Activity | January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sow outdoors | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Harvest | No | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
What to do through the growing season
01
Sow thinly around 4th April - 2nd May, 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.
02
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.
04
From 16th 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.
05
Start cutting from 20th 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.
Popular varieties of Gypsophila to consider
A classic white-flowered perennial with good stems for cutting.
A reliable white variety with a neat habit and plenty of airy sprays.
A pink-flowered form with finely branched stems and a soft colour.