
- Buy snapdragon seeds. Snapdragons grow as thick, one to three-foot tall spikes adorned with colorful flowers.
- Start the seeds indoors six to eight weeks before the last frost. Snapdragons are easiest to grow from seed indoors in early spring.
- Nurture the seedlings until they're ready to plant. Spend the six to eight weeks before the last frost keeping the seedlings well-watered and warm.
- Pinch off the tip of the stems when the seedlings have six leaves. Pinching off the tip of the stems encourages more flowers to grow.
When can you plant snapdragons?
When planting snapdragon seeds, the optimum time to start snapdragon seeds indoors is about six to ten weeks before the last frost in spring. Snapdragons are slow-starters that germinate best in cool temperatures. Some gardeners have good luck planting snapdragon seeds directly in the garden.
How to grow snapdragons in a pot?
This is the best method for sowing tiny seeds like snapdragons and poppies.’ Cover the seeds with a small amount of soil and keep at 65-75℉ (18-25℃) to germinate. Once big enough to handle – with one or two strong leaves – transfer each seedling into its own pot and grow outside in a sheltered spot.
How to keep snapdragons blooming all summer?
- Deadhead snapdragons by cutting the faded blooms off down to the green part of the stem.
- Prune snapdragons back dramatically if blooming does not increase after deadheading.
- Add fertilizer and compost to the soil after cutting the plants back.
How to grow and care for snapdragons?
Snapdragon Growing Guide
- Crop Rotation Group
- Soil. Fertile garden soil with excellent drainage.
- Position
- Frost tolerant. Where winters are mild, well-rooted plants survive one winter and bloom heavily the following spring.
- Feeding. ...
- Spacing
- Sow and Plant. ...
- Notes. ...
- Harvesting. ...
- Planting and Harvesting Calendar

Are snapdragons easy to grow?
Commonly known as snapdragons, these are easy-to-grow, old-fashioned cottage garden plants, beloved by children and bees. They come in a range of different colours and heights, and therefore can be grown in a variety of situations. Attractive to wildlife, they have a long flowering period, from June until October.
Are snapdragons cut and come again flowers?
After the spring/early summer flush of blooms, Snapdragons take a break during the summer heat. You can pinch back the plants again to 2-3 sets of leaves… and they will bounce back in the fall, sending up another flush of blooms.
Where do snapdragons grow best?
Snapdragons bloom best in well-drained, moist soil, in cool late-spring or early-summer temperatures. They can tolerate light shade but bloom much better in full sun.
What month do you grow snapdragons?
Although Sunset says it's customary to plant snapdragons in the spring in cold climates, in mild climates, plant them from September through late winter. Snapdragons are sometimes classified as annuals, yet can be grown as perennials in mild climates.
Do snapdragons multiply?
Snapdragons propagate either by seed or cuttings. They are considered a “self-seeding” annual. When left alone, seeds from spent flowers will fall to the ground, survive the winter (up to minus-30 degrees Fahrenheit!), and come back the next year as new plants.
How long will snapdragons live?
How Long Do Snapdragons Live? Assuming you provide the right growing environment, snapdragons can live for up to about five years, with three being more typical. These plants are winter-hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 7 to 11.
Do snapdragons come back every year?
Snapdragons can repeat bloom throughout the season but they do best in the cool of spring and fall. In cooler climates, they bloom all summer long, and in milder climates, they sometimes bloom throughout the winter. These short-lived perennials are usually grown as annuals.
Should you Deadhead snapdragons?
Deadheading will help keep your snapdragons blooming throughout the summer. Remove the faded flowers just below the flower stem and above a set of healthy leaves. This will keep the new blooms coming. If the plant becomes leggy (long stems and few leaves) prune back further along the stem.
Can snapdragons grow in pots?
Growing snapdragons in pots isn't difficult, especially if you've grown them previously in beds. They prefer full sun, but with a container you can move them around to catch the light. Make sure the container drains well, and that you water it regularly.
Do snapdragons flower more than once?
Perennial Snapdragon Planting. Many gardeners find that it is more reliable to plant snapdragons annually. This way they know they will have long blooming snapdragons each year; if perennial varieties come back or last year's seeds sprout, it's just more blooms to enjoy. Snapdragons are considered cool season plants.
Do you cut back snapdragons for winter?
Snapdragons require little pruning. You can pinch their stems when they are young to help promote bushiness and hinder legginess. Similarly, if they slow down after blooming, they can be cut back extensively. It is good policy to regularly deadhead the plants by cutting away any sickly or dead stems.
What to do with snapdragons after flowering?
what to do with snapdragons after flowering? It is best to remove and compost antirrhinums after flowering. Whilst they might survive a mild winter, they can harbour disease, so are best resown every year.
Do snapdragons flower more than once?
Perennial Snapdragon Planting. Many gardeners find that it is more reliable to plant snapdragons annually. This way they know they will have long blooming snapdragons each year; if perennial varieties come back or last year's seeds sprout, it's just more blooms to enjoy. Snapdragons are considered cool season plants.
How do you cut snapdragons to bloom more?
Deadheading will help keep your snapdragons blooming throughout the summer. Remove the faded flowers just below the flower stem and above a set of healthy leaves. This will keep the new blooms coming. If the plant becomes leggy (long stems and few leaves) prune back further along the stem.
Do snapdragon flowers come back every year?
Snapdragons can repeat bloom throughout the season but they do best in the cool of spring and fall. In cooler climates, they bloom all summer long, and in milder climates, they sometimes bloom throughout the winter. These short-lived perennials are usually grown as annuals.
What to do with snapdragons after flowering?
what to do with snapdragons after flowering? It is best to remove and compost antirrhinums after flowering. Whilst they might survive a mild winter, they can harbour disease, so are best resown every year.
How to propagate Snapdragons from cuttings?
Snapdragons are fairly inexpensive to purchase as nursery seedlings and easy to grow from seeds, but if you wish you can also propagate them from stem cuttings. Cut a 2-inch section of stem just below a leaf node on a healthy parent plant. Remove the lower leaves and dip the bottom of the cutting in rooting hormone.
What is the pH of Snapdragons?
Snapdragons like a neutral soil pH between 6.2 and 7.0, rich in nutrients and well-draining. As short-lived plants, they are not heavy feeders, but adding organic matter will help keep them healthy and blooming.
Why do Snapdragons falter?
Snapdragons will start to falter if they get too much heat and sunlight. Move them to a cooler, shadier spot, and trim them down to encourage new blooms and less wilting.
When do snapdragons stop blooming?
Although snapdragons tend to slow down and stop blooming in heat of mid-summer, if you keep them watered, they will perk up and carry your garden through the fall. From seed germination to flowers can take two to three months, so snapdragons are often started indoors many weeks before the last winter frost.
How to grow a sage plant from a cutting?
Plant the cutting into seed starter mix or potting soil, covering the pot with a plastic bag or dome to keep the cutting humid. When a good root system develops, you can remove the cover and continue growing in a bright window or under artificial lighting. Transplant outside about the time of the last frost in your area.
Can snapdragons grow rust?
1 If rust does appear in a planting, it is best to grow snapdragons in another part of the garden the following year. This plant is also susceptible to mold, fungal leaf spots, downy mildew, wilt, and root rots. 1
Can you plant Snapdragons from seed?
Snapdragons are rather slow-growing when planted from seeds, so they are normally planted from purchased nursery seedlings, which are widely sold in economical six-packs. They can also be grown fairly easily from seeds started indoors weeks before the last winter frost.
When do snapdragons bloom?
When blooms begin to fade due to summer’s heat, clip the plant by one-third to one-half and expect more blooms when temperatures begin to cool in fall. Intermingle plantings of snapdragon with heat-loving Angelonia for a similarly formed plant in the summer flower bed. Further care of snapdragons includes appropriate watering.
What is a snapdragon?
Image by jirapongb. Growing snapdragon ( Antirrhinum majus) in the flower bed provides cool season color and a mid-sized plant to balance tall background plants and shorter bedding plants in the front. Learn how to grow snapdragon for early spring blooms. Numerous varieties of snapdragon exist with dwarf, intermediate and tall flowering stems ...
Can you plant snapdragons in a vegetable garden?
Planting snapdragons in the vegetable garden may offer some protection from browsing deer as well. Take advantage of the showy blooms of growing snapdragons and bring indoors for arrangements. Many snapdragons are fragrant. Add snapdragons to those bare sunny areas of the landscape.
Where do Snapdragons grow?
Snapdragons will grow in most well-drained, fertile soils in full sun, either in borders or containers.
Can you set seeds to type?
However, seeds are unlikely to come true to type if sown, but it’s fun to see what does come up.
When should I start my Snapdragon seeds?
Because Snapdragons take so long to grow, direct sowing is not recommended. Transplants should be started 8-10 weeks before your Average Last Spring Frost. For example, our Average Last Spring Frost is May 15, so I need to start my Snapdragon seeds indoors in early to mid March.
When to pinch back Snapdragons?
This is a good way to extend the bloom time of your Snapdragons. After the spring/early summer flush of blooms, Snapdragons take a break during the summer heat. You can pinch back the plants again to 2-3 sets of leaves… and they will bounce back in the fall, sending up another flush of blooms.
What do Snapdragon seeds look like?
Snapdragon seeds are absolutely tiny. Seriously, they look like dust. It will make your eyes cross when you’re planting the seeds! Be sure to put on your glasses!
How to pinch back a plant after transplant?
After the transplants are established and growing, it’s important to “pinch back” the plants. To pinch, simply use a clippers to remove the top of the plant, only leaving 2-3 sets of leaves behind. Pinching signals the plant to go into overdrive and send out multiple branches, with multiple blooms.
How tall do tulips need to be to be transplanted?
You might be able to find transplants at your local nursery, but many of the varieties offered at nurseries are bred for landscape use, not cut flower use (you want to choose varieties that reach at least 18” tall).
Do Snapdragons need special care?
Snapdragons require no special care after harvesting.
How to grow Snapdragon seeds?
Planting Snapdragon Seeds Directly in the Garden. Plant snapdragon seeds in loose, rich soil and full sunlight. Sprinkle snapdragon seeds lightly on the surface of the soil, then press them lightly into the soil. Don’t cover the seeds, as snapdragon seeds won’t germinate without light.
How to fertilize snapdragons?
Fertilize the snapdragon seedlings three to four weeks after planting using a water-soluble fertilizer for indoor plants. Mix the fertilizer to half strength. Transplant the snapdragons into a sunny garden spot after the last hard frost in spring.
Why do snapdragons grow on windowsills?
Planting snapdragon seeds on windowsills rarely works because the light isn’t bright enough. Be sure the seedlings have plenty of air circulation. A small fan placed near the seedlings will help prevent mold, and will also encourage stronger, healthier plants.
How long does it take for snapdragon seeds to sprout?
Place the plants 3 to 4 inches (7.5 to 10 cm.) below fluorescent light bulbs or grow lights. Leave the lights on for 16 hours per day and turn them off at night. Planting snapdragon seeds on windowsills rarely works because the light isn’t bright enough.
How many sets of true leaves does a snapdragon have?
Thin the seedlings to one plant per cell when the snapdragons have two sets of true leaves. (True leaves appear after the initial seedling leaves.)
How to keep soil moist?
Water as needed to keep the soil evenly moist, but be careful not to overwater.
Do snapdragons have blooms?
Printer Friendly Version. Image by kazakovmaksim. Everybody loves snapdragons – old-fashioned, cool-season annuals that produce spikes of long-lasting, sweet-smelling blooms in every color of the rainbow, except blue. Once established, snapdragons are remarkably self-sufficient, but planting snapdragon seeds can be tricky.
How to keep algae from growing in seedlings?
Light is required for germination, but a fine layer of vermiculite covering the seeds can maintain moisture levels and prevent algae growth. Bottom water or mist lightly to avoid covering the seed with displaced soil.
How long does it take for a seed to germinate?
DAYS TO GERMINATION: 7-14 days at 70-75°F (21-24°C) SOWING: Transplant (recommended) - Surface-sow into open, or 20-row flats 8-10 weeks before last frost. Light is required for germination; cover just enough to hold seeds in place. Transplant into 72-cell plug flats at first true-leaf stage.
How tall do snapdragons grow?
But perhaps what really makes snapdragons such a great choice for growing is their versatility. With varieties ranging from just a few inches tall up to 36 inches or more in height, they are perfect as a bedding plant, or in containers, pots, raised beds and more.
How much sun do snapdragons need?
Although snapdragons can survive in partial shade, they will grow and bloom best in full sun. Plant in an area that receives at least 6 to 8 hours of daily direct sunlight for best results.
How to keep plants blooming at full potential?
To keep plants blooming at their fullest potential, deadhead spent blooms as soon as they begin to fade. This will keep the plant producing new bloom shoots all season long.
When do Snapdragons bloom?
Snapdragons grow as an annual in most locations, and will bloom from spring through fall with minimal care. Snapdragon seeds can be started indoors 6 to 8 weeks prior to your last frost date. This allows plants plenty of time to develop to bring on blooms much earlier in the growing season.
How to help plants grow and bloom?
When planting transplants, water frequently the first few weeks to help plants establish their roots in the soil.
Do Snapdragons need fertilizer?
Snapdragons benefit from additional fertilizing once they have established in the soil. But it’s how you apply the fertilizer that can make all the difference. A slow, steady supply of nutrients is far better than one or two large doses throughout the season. Snapdragons look great in flowerbeds and in containers.
Can snapdragons be planted indoors?
Amend the soil or planting hole prior to planting with plenty of compost. This helps to provide the needed nutrients for a long, strong blooming season. Snapdragons seedlings are easy to start indoors prior to the season.
How big do snapdragons get?
Snapdragons also come in different sizes, from 6 to 36 inches (15 cm. to almost a meter). A bunch of snapdragons of approximately the same height, but in a mix of colors, looks stunning in any kind of container. Another great way to grow a snapdragon in a pot is to combine it with other plants.
What are snapdragons used for?
Containers with snapdragons can be a great way to brighten up your patio or balcony.
What are the colors of snapdragons?
They come in a range of colors including white, yellow, orange, pink, purple, red, and more. Snapdragons also come in different sizes, from 6 to 36 inches (15 cm. to almost a meter). A bunch of snapdragons of approximately the same height, but in a mix of colors, looks stunning in any kind of container.
Can you grow snapdragons in pots?
Growing snapdragons in pots isn’t difficult, especially if you’ve grown them previously in beds. They prefer full sun, but with a container you can move them around to catch the light. Make sure the container drains well, and that you water it regularly. The soil in a pot will dry out much more quickly than the soil in a flower bed.
Do snapdragons die in the fall?
The soil in a pot will dry out much more quickly than the soil in a flower bed. As the snapdragon flowers die off, deadhead them to encourage more blooms. As the summer heats up, they will stop blooming, but be patient and you’ll get more flowers in the fall.

Effects
- Buy snapdragon seeds. Snapdragons grow as thick, one to three-foot tall spikes adorned with colorful flowers. Different varieties produce flowers in different colors, so choose the one that works best with your flower garden's color scheme. Here are a few good choices: Rocket series: this produces three-foot tall plants with flowers in red, pink, yellow, purple and white. …
- Start the seeds indoors six to eight weeks before the last frost. Snapdragons are easiest to g…
Description
Cultivation
Culture
Prevention
- Their botanical name, Antirrhinum, means \"like a snout\" and refers to the seed pod's resemblance to a calf's nose. The flowers resemble opening mouths when they are pressed on their sides. The openings of the flowers are snapped tightly shut and require more pressure to open than a honeybee can provide, so snapdragons rely on heavier bumblebees for their pollinat…
Toxicity
- Snapdragons are undemanding and can grow in a wide selection of colors and heights. They are at their best in cool weather. Snapdragons are tender perennials that are only hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture Hardiness Zones 8 or 9. They can repeat bloom throughout the season but do best in the cool of spring and fall and throughout the winter in mild climates. Deadheadin…
Results
- Snapdragons prefer cooler temperatures. Snapdragons grow best when nighttime temperatures are in the low 40s and daytime temperatures in the low 70s Fahrenheit. Once established in the bed and hardened off, they can withstand sub-freezing temperatures. Make sure they stay well watered during cold spells and add a layer of pine straw mulch, and they...
Uses
- Apply fertilizer when the plants first start producing flowers. Use a standard, well-balanced all-purpose fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 product, at a rate of three pounds for every 100 square feet of the flowerbed. Water well to minimize the risk of nitrogen burns and to help the fertilizer reach the roots.
Characteristics
- For humans, it is believed that all parts of the snapdragon are poisonous if ingested. The American Society of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals says snapdragons are nontoxic to dogs, cats, and horses.
Varieties
- Regular deadheading will keep your snapdragons blooming longer. They will not need much care early in spring, but add mulch to help keep the soil cool and moist, which aids in handling the summer heat.