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Gypsophila, previously known as Dianthus caryophyllus and commonly called June Snow, is a perennial herb belonging to the Caryophyllaceae family. Native to the Mediterranean region, this plant has its origins in China. It typically grows to a height of 65–70 cm, with slender, branching stems and narrow, opposite, sessile leaves that are green in color. In early summer, clusters of small white flowers bloom on the branches, each with five delicate petals, giving off a faint fragrance. These blossoms resemble stars scattered across the sky, creating a soft, ethereal appearance that has earned it the nickname "Xia grass." The plant thrives in warm, moist, and sunny conditions, although it can tolerate some shade and is cold-resistant. It prefers well-drained, fertile, and loose loamy soil.
For cultivation, it's best to use protected growing methods. Gypsophila is sensitive to rain during the growing season, as excessive moisture can lead to root rot and even plant death. When preparing the planting area, ensure the soil is deep, rich in organic matter, and has good drainage with a pH between 6.5 and 7.5. Deep plowing, followed by the addition of decomposed cow manure, helps create an ideal environment for growth.
After planting seedlings, it's important to transplant them quickly. Seedlings can come in two forms: container-grown (bag seedlings) or bare-root. Container-grown plants are easier to handle and have a higher survival rate, making them preferable when transport is convenient. Planting spacing varies depending on the season—50x60 cm for warm-season varieties and 60x70 cm for cool-season ones. When planting, remove the container and ensure the depth matches the container’s height. Avoid planting too deep, as this may cause stem rot. Water thoroughly after planting and apply a foliar spray to protect against pests. On sunny days, using a 70% shade net for 3–5 days can help reduce stress and improve survival rates.
Fertilization should be done carefully. During the vegetative growth phase, apply a mix of urea, calcium sulfate, and potassium sulfate at a concentration of 1–3%, with a ratio of 2:2:1, once a week. During the reproductive stage, use a balanced NPK fertilizer (1:1:1) every 10–15 days at 3–5% concentration. Monitoring leaf color is a good indicator of plant health. Healthy plants have light green, broad, and shiny leaves, while dark green, thin, and curled leaves suggest poor growth.
Topping is recommended around 20–35 days after planting. Removing the lower buds allows lateral branches to develop, which increases yield. Most varieties require 70–90 days from topping to flowering. While not topping is possible, it results in slightly lower yields and earlier blooming.
Temperature plays a crucial role in Gypsophila’s development. Ideal daytime temperatures range from 22–28°C, with nighttime temperatures between 15–20°C. If temperatures exceed 32°C, the plant may exhibit stunted growth, smaller leaves, and reduced flower quality, often resulting in malformed buds or rosette formations.
Pest control is essential throughout the growing season. Common pests like Liriomyza sativae (leaf miners) and cabbage worms can be managed with appropriate insecticides such as Bataan, Aifuding, Abade, and Kung Fu. Root rot can be prevented through proper drainage and crop rotation. For powdery mildew, which thrives in low humidity, applying a fungicide like New Star is effective.
When harvesting, collect flowers when 40–60% of the blooms are open. Cut the stems at 60–80 cm, place them in clean water immediately, and store them for 8–12 hours to maintain freshness. For premium quality, you can also soak the stems in a floral preservative solution for 12–24 hours before packaging.