Snapdragons are very fashionable short-lived garden perennials that are usually grown as annuals. they’re a mainstay of classic flower gardens, with infinite uses, from mixed border gardens to flower boxes to patio containers. The common name derives from the form of the individual flower heads, which resemble the snout of a dragon, and which even open and shut during a snapping motion, as often happens when pollinators open the jaws to succeed in the pollen.

The alternate, lanceolate leaves are arranged during a spiral round the stem. The botanical name, Mediterranean snapdragon , means “like a snout” and refers to the flower’s resemblance to a calf’s nose. Snapdragons rely largely on large bumblebees for pollination, as smaller honeybees are unable to open the flower’s “jaws”.

Bright snapdragon flowers bloom profusely throughout cool weather in intensely saturated colors (almost every hue) and are real standouts in either the spring or fall garden. The flowers start blooming at rock bottom of the stalk and work their high , making for an extended period of bloom. Although snapdragons tend to hamper and stop blooming in heat of mid-summer, if you retain them watered, they’re going to perk up and carry your garden through the autumn .

From seed germination to flowers can take two to 3 months, so snapdragons are often started indoors many weeks before the last winter frost.

Snapdragon Care

Snapdragons are rather slow-growing when planted from seeds, in order that they are normally planted from purchased nursery seedlings, which are widely sold in economical six-packs. they will even be grown fairly easily from seeds started indoors weeks before the last winter frost.

Snapdragons do best in rich, well-draining soil during a sunny location, though they’re going to tolerate part shade. Pinching off the stem recommendations on young plants will make them thicker and bushier, and deadheading the spent flowers will extend the bloom season, often right into the primary frost of the late fall or early winter. Snapdragons can repeat bloom throughout the season but they are doing best within the cool of spring and fall. In cooler climates, they bloom all summer long, and in milder climates, they often bloom throughout the winter.

These short-lived perennials are usually grown as annuals. Even once they do overwinter, snapdragons never seem to bloom as robustly as they did in their first year. However, they ought to form seed pods within the first year; if you’re lucky, they’ll even self-sow within the garden.Volume 90% 1:31

11 belongings you Should Know Before Growing Snapdragons
Light

Your snapdragons will bloom most profusely fully sun to partial shade. Once the temperature heats up, they’ll stop blooming altogether. Planting them partially shade and keeping them well watered will help them make it through the summer and that they will likely bloom again in fall.

Soil

Snapdragons sort of a neutral soil pH between 6.2 and 7.0, rich in nutrients and well-draining. As short-lived plants, they’re not heavy feeders, but adding organic matter will help keep them healthy and blooming.

Water

Snapdragons need adequate watering. Keep seedlings moist for the primary few weeks. Once established, snapdragon will need approximately 1 inch of water per week in times of no rainfall. Water near the crown of the plant and avoid overhead watering to stay your snapdragon healthy. Once established, let the highest inch of soil dry fully before watering.

Temperature and Humidity

Snapdragons are tender perennials that are hardy in USDA zones 7 to 11. But snapdragons prefer cooler temperatures and are at their best when nighttime temperatures are within the low 40s and daytime temperatures within the low 70s Fahrenheit. For this reason, they’re usually grown as annuals to supply garden color in the cooler months of spring and fall.

Once established within the bed and hardened off, snapdragons can withstand sub-freezing temperatures. If you create sure they stay well-watered during cold spells and add a layer of pine straw mulch, they will last for quite a while and can survive quite low temperatures until the coolness has passed.

Seedlings were grown indoors got to be hardened off for about 10 days to 2 weeks before planting within the garden.

Fertilizer

Apply fertilizer when the plants first start producing flowers. Use a typical, well-balanced all-purpose fertilizer, like a 10-10-10 product, at a rate of three pounds for every 100 square feet of the flowerbed. Water well to attenuate the danger of nitrogen burns and to assist the fertilizer to reach the roots.

Snapdragon Varieties

Snapdragons are available many sorts and sizes, from a couple of inches tall to spires approaching 4 feet. There are tall varieties and dwarf varieties and almost everything in between. Breeders are twiddling with snapdragons for years, and now there are even trailing and creeping varieties available. These are great filler plants for containers, baskets, or for planting in garden wall crevices.

Snapdragons are usually sold as multi-color blends, but you’ll sometimes find individual colors in both seed and seedling. Named varieties come and go every few years, but a number of the more classic series include:

• Rocket series: this is often a really dependable multi-colored series that grows about 2 to three feet tall. it’s a mainstay of the garden center offerings.
• Madame Butterfly mix: These 24- to 30-inch plants have heavily ruffled flowers altogether colors and are a superb choice for cut flower arrangements.
• Tutti Fruiti: This shorter 10- to 12-inch series offers unique speckled and striped flowers.
• Candy Tops mix: These are short, 6- to 8-inch plants in solid tones of yellow, orange, white, red, and rose. they create excellent edging and bedding plants.
• Chandelier mix: this is often one among the higher trailing, draping snapdragons, with flowers that are lilac, pink, or yellow.

Remember that there are dozens of various sorts of snapdragons, with new ones introduced per annum. Consult seed catalogs to get the most recent introductions.

How Grow Snapdragons from Seed

In milder climates, snapdragons are often winter-sown, simply tossed onto the garden soil in late fall. they will even be direct-sown within the garden a couple of weeks before the last expected frost. However, snapdragons are relatively slow-growing, so when grown from seeds they’re often started indoors six to 12 weeks before the last expected frost.

Use a general seed starting mix or ordinary potting soil, and easily press the seeds onto the surface of the soil. Position the tray under bright lights placed just a couple of inches above the tray—snapdragon seeds need light to germinate. Keep the sunshine on for a full 16 hours per day, gradually moving it higher because the seedlings grow.

When seedlings have developed about six true leaves (about 3 to 4 inches tall), pinch off the highest of the stem, which can encourage branching and bushiness. Transplant snapdragons outdoors a few of weeks before your last frost date. Snapdragons can handle a light-weight frost or two.

Propagating Snapdragons

Snapdragons are fairly inexpensive to get as nursery seedlings and straightforward to grow from seeds, but if you would like you’ll also propagate them from stem cuttings.

Cut a 2-inch section of stem slightly below a leaf node on a healthy parent plant. Remove the lower leaves and dip rock bottom of the cutting in rooting hormone. Plant the cutting into seed starter mix or potting soil, covering the pot with a bag or dome to stay the cutting humid. When an honest rootage develops, you’ll remove the duvet and continue growing during a bright window or under artificial lighting. Transplant outside about the time of the last frost in your area.

Common Pests/ Diseases

Rust fungus is often a big problem with snapdragons. If rust does appear during a planting, it’s best to grow snapdragons in another a part of the garden the subsequent year. This plant is additionally vulnerable to mold, fungal leaf spots, false mildew , wilt, and root rots.

Aphids and spider mites are the foremost common pest problem, which can require the utilization of pesticides or horticultural oils in severe infestations.

Tall varieties may have support to avoid toppling over, especially in shady sites where they will grow to be particularly leggy.