Saponaria looks a lot like baby’s breath, and it’s become a must-have in my garden. It’s easy to grow, easy to save seed from, and despite being a one-and-done flower, I think it’s well worth the space. It tucks in beautifully around other flowers, filling in gaps and adding a light, airy texture to bouquets.
If you’re looking for something simpler than baby’s breath with a similar effect, saponaria might be just what you need. I find it a bit more reliable in my cold climate, and its long, strong stems make it incredibly useful for arranging.
Here are my quick tips for growing saponaria in a short growing season!
To Seed Start or Direct Sow
I’ve tried starting saponaria indoors, and it’s always been a flop. Instead, I recommend direct sowing (ideally in mid-April), once the snow has melted and the soil is workable. It’s cold-tolerant, so it handles early planting well.
I usually sow a new succession every three weeks to ensure a steady supply. I like to grow both pink and white varieties, and I use them in almost every bouquet I make. Once you grow it, you’ll likely get volunteers the following year too!
Saponaria is also very easy to seed save. Just let the plants dry out at the end of the season. The little black seeds fall out easily, so they’re simple to collect and store for next year.
A Note on Saponaria Varieties
There are many species of saponaria. Two that are often confused are Saponaria ocymoides (commonly called Rock Soapwort) and Saponaria vaccaria (also known as Cow Soapwort).
Rock Soapwort is a low-growing perennial, often used as a groundcover.
For cut flowers, look to the annual species, Saponaria vaccaria. I prefer the taller varieties, especially Beauty White and Beauty Pink. These produce long, elegant stems that are perfect for floral arranging.
Whether in white or pink, saponaria adds a touch of softness and whimsy to bouquets and holds up well in the vase for about five days.
Have any more questions about growing saponaria in Zone 3? Let me know in the comments!
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