Harvest the stems when the flower clusters reach peak size and color. The flower heads should be firm. Pick when the flower spikes are at their peak of color. Both crested and plume types can be dried. The stems should be picked when the clover-like flower heads are at the peak of color.
Flower heads are pink, purple, red, or white.
Pick when all the tiny lavender-colored flowers on the stem have opened. Pick the stems when the majority of the flowers are fully open. White and pink flowering varieties are available. The flowers of perennial baby's breath dry much better than those from the annual species. Harvest when the outermost layer of bracts have opened, but while the center is still tightly closed.