Showa Gypsophila, also known as Showa Kasumiso, is a perennial baby's breath ( Gypsophila paniculata ) plant cultivated in Fukushima Prefecture, Japan, particularly in the Oku Aizu region. This flower is registered with a Geographical Indication (GI) and is known for its numerous flower clusters that last long after shipment.

Characteristics and Cultivation

Showa Gypsophila thrives in a mostly mountainous area, with cold, deep snow in winter and cool summer conditions. This perennial plant will survive even if the aboveground parts dry out, and will regrow and bloom under favorable conditions.

Production processes are carried out according to specific "cultivation methods" determined by the applicant institution, JA Aizu-Yotsuba. This institution is also responsible for the "Showa Kasumiso" varieties, selected through adaptation research in the production area. Production varies seasonally; flowers shipped in the summer months (July to September) are grown in the mountainous regions, while shipments in other seasons can be made in the plains of the production area. To ensure quality, only flowers grown in the mountainous regions are permitted for shipment in the summer months. Before shipment, all flowers are cooled in a snow-cooled storage facility and then sorted and shipped according to the "shipping standards" established by JA Aizu-Yotsuba.

^{Showa Gypsophila ( Information Website on Japan Geographical Indication Products )}

Types and Popularity

Most varieties of Showa Gypsophila naturally produce white flowers. However, colored kasumiso flowers are also produced in production by placing the flower stalks in a dye solution to absorb the color.

Showa Gypsophila production area ranks first in Japan in terms of perennial kasumiso planting area and shipment volume. The quality of the product has also been recognized internationally. For example, it won a Gold Award at the 2012 Floriade and has also received high marks at other exhibitions.

Production Area

The Geographical Indication production area of ​​Showa Gypsophila is located primarily in Fukushima Prefecture. This area consists of Shōwa Village, Yanaizu Town, Mishima Town, Kaneyama Town (all in Onuma District), parts of Aizumisato Town (in Onuma District), Kitaaizu Town (Aizuwakamatsu City), Aizubange Town (Kawanuma District), and Minamiaizu Town (Minamiaizu District).