How to Grow Snapdragons in Your Garden the Easy Way

Snapdragons are beautiful flowers that come in a variety of colors and sizes. They are easy to grow and care for, and they can add a splash of color to your garden in the cooler seasons of spring and fall. In this post, I will show you how to plant, grow, and maintain snapdragons in your garden.

What are Snapdragons?

Snapdragons are flowering plants that belong to the genus Antirrhinum, which means “like a snout” in Greek. The name refers to the shape of the flowers, which resemble the mouth of a dragon that opens and closes when squeezed. Snapdragons are native to the Mediterranean region, Europe, and Asia, and they have been cultivated for centuries as ornamental plants.

Snapdragons are classified as tender perennials, which means they can survive for more than one year in mild climates, but they are usually grown as annuals in colder regions. Snapdragons come in many varieties and sizes, from dwarf types that grow only a few inches tall, to tall types that can reach up to four feet in height. Snapdragons also come in almost every color imaginable, from white, yellow, pink, red, orange, to purple.

What is the Best Growing Zone for Snapdragons?

The USDA hardiness range for snapdragons is from zones 7 to 11. However, snapdragons prefer cooler weather and thrive in conditions with nighttime lows of 40 degrees and daytime highs of 70 degrees. They are typically grown as annuals to add color to gardens throughout the drier seasons of spring and fall.

In colder climates, snapdragons can be planted in early spring, as soon as the soil can be worked, and they will bloom until the first frost. In warmer climates, snapdragons can be planted in late fall, and they will bloom throughout the winter and spring, until the heat of summer slows them down. Snapdragons can also be grown indoors in containers and moved outdoors when the weather is suitable.

How to Plant Snapdragons

Snapdragons can be grown from seeds or transplants. Seeds can be sown indoors six to eight weeks before the last frost date, or directly in the garden after the danger of frost has passed. Transplants can be purchased from nurseries and planted in the garden six to eight weeks before the last frost date in cold climates, or in late fall in warm climates.

Snapdragons need a sunny location, with at least six hours of direct sunlight per day, but they can tolerate some shade in the afternoon in hot areas. Snapdragons also need well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter and has a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. Snapdragons can be planted in beds, borders, containers, or window boxes, as long as they have enough space to grow. Snapdragons should be spaced about 9 to 12 inches apart, depending on the size of the variety.

How to Care for Snapdragons

Snapdragons are low-maintenance plants that require only regular watering, fertilizing, and deadheading to keep them healthy and blooming. Snapdragons need about an inch of water per week, more in hot and dry conditions, and less in cool and wet conditions. Snapdragons should be watered at the base of the plant, avoiding wetting the foliage, to prevent fungal diseases.

Snapdragons benefit from a balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, applied every two to four weeks during the growing season. Snapdragons should be fertilized lightly, as too much fertilizer can cause them to produce more foliage than flowers. Snapdragons should also be deadheaded, or pruned of spent flowers, to encourage continuous blooming and prevent seed formation. Snapdragons can be pinched back when young, to promote bushy growth and more flower stems.

How to Deal with Pests and Problems

Snapdragons are generally pest-free, but they can be attacked by aphids, spider mites, caterpillars, and snails. These pests can be controlled by spraying the plants with insecticidal soap, neem oil, or horticultural oil, or by picking them off by hand. Snapdragons can also be affected by fungal diseases, such as rust, powdery mildew, and root rot. These diseases can be prevented by providing good air circulation, avoiding overhead watering, and removing infected plants.

How to Propagate Snapdragons

Snapdragons can be propagated by seeds or cuttings. Seeds can be collected from the dried pods of mature flowers, and stored in a cool and dry place until ready to sow. Cuttings can be taken from healthy and non-flowering stems, and rooted in moist potting soil or water. Snapdragons can also self-seed in the garden, and produce new plants the following year.

Conclusion

Snapdragons are charming and colorful flowers that can brighten up any garden. They are easy to grow and care for, and they can provide a long-lasting display of blooms in the cooler seasons of spring and fall. Snapdragons are versatile plants that can be grown in beds, borders, containers, or window boxes, and they can also be cut for bouquets. Snapdragons are a great choice for any gardener who wants to add some snap to their garden.

 Frequently Asked Questions of Snapdragon Growing Zone

What are the benefits of growing snapdragons in your garden?

Snapdragons are attractive flowers that can add color, fragrance, and texture to your garden. They are also attractive to pollinators, such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, which can help your other plants thrive. Snapdragons are also edible, and can be used to decorate salads, cakes, and other dishes.

How do you choose the best variety of snapdragons for your garden?

Snapdragons come in many varieties and sizes, from dwarf types that grow only a few inches tall, to tall types that can reach up to four feet in height. You can choose the variety that suits your garden space, style, and preference. Some of the most popular varieties of snapdragons are:

• Rocket: This is a tall variety that can grow up to three feet tall, and produces large spikes of flowers in a range of colors, such as red, pink, yellow, and white.
• Sonnet: This is a medium-sized variety that can grow up to two feet tall, and produces dense clusters of flowers in various colors, such as purple, orange, and bronze.
• Montego: This is a dwarf variety that can grow up to one foot tall, and produces compact and uniform flowers in bright colors, such as coral, rose, and violet.
• Snaptini: This is a miniature variety that can grow up to six inches tall, and produces small and delicate flowers in pastel colors, such as peach, lemon, and lavender.

How do you prepare the soil for planting snapdragons?

Snapdragons need well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter and has a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. You can prepare the soil for planting snapdragons by:

• Loosening the soil to a depth of 12 inches, using a shovel or a fork.
• Adding compost, manure, or other organic matter to the soil, and mixing it well.
• Testing the soil pH, using a kit or a meter, and adjusting it if needed, using lime or sulfur.
• Smoothing the soil surface, using a rake or a hoe.

How do you sow snapdragon seeds or plant snapdragon transplants?

Snapdragons can be grown from seeds or transplants. Seeds can be sown indoors six to eight weeks before the last frost date, or directly in the garden after the danger of frost has passed. Transplants can be purchased from nurseries and planted in the garden six to eight weeks before the last frost date in cold climates, or in late fall in warm climates. To sow snapdragon seeds or plant snapdragon transplants, you can follow these steps:

• Choose a sunny location, with at least six hours of direct sunlight per day, but some shade in the afternoon in hot areas.
• Dig holes or furrows in the soil, about 9 to 12 inches apart, depending on the size of the variety.
• If sowing seeds, sprinkle them lightly over the soil, and cover them with a thin layer of soil or vermiculite. If planting transplants, remove them from their pots, and place them in the holes or furrows, at the same level as they were in the pots.
• Water the seeds or transplants gently, and keep the soil moist until they germinate or establish.

How do you water, fertilize, and deadhead snapdragons?

Snapdragons are low-maintenance plants that require only regular watering, fertilizing, and deadheading to keep them healthy and blooming. To water, fertilize, and deadhead snapdragons, you can follow these tips:

• Water snapdragons about an inch of water per week, more in hot and dry conditions, and less in cool and wet conditions. Water snapdragons at the base of the plant, avoiding wetting the foliage, to prevent fungal diseases.
• Fertilize snapdragons with a balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, every two to four weeks during the growing season. Fertilize snapdragons lightly, as too much fertilizer can cause them to produce more foliage than flowers.
• Deadhead snapdragons, or prune off spent flowers, to encourage continuous blooming and prevent seed formation. Deadhead snapdragons by pinching or cutting off the flower stems below the lowest flower.

How do you control pests and diseases that affect snapdragons?

Snapdragons are generally pest-free, but they can be attacked by aphids, spider mites, caterpillars, and snails. Snapdragons can also be affected by fungal diseases, such as rust, powdery mildew, and root rot. To control pests and diseases that affect snapdragons, you can use these methods:

• Spray snapdragons with insecticidal soap, neem oil, or horticultural oil, or pick off pests by hand, to get rid of aphids, spider mites, caterpillars, and snails.
• Provide good air circulation, avoid overhead watering, and remove infected plants, to prevent and treat fungal diseases, such as rust, powdery mildew, and root rot.

How do you propagate snapdragons by seeds or cuttings?

Snapdragons can be propagated by seeds or cuttings. Seeds can be collected from the dried pods of mature flowers, and stored in a cool and dry place until ready to sow. Cuttings can be taken from healthy and non-flowering stems, and rooted in moist potting soil or water. To propagate snapdragons by seeds or cuttings, you can follow these steps:

• To collect seeds, wait until the flowers fade and the pods turn brown and dry. Break open the pods and collect the tiny black seeds. Store the seeds in a paper envelope or a glass jar, and label them with the name and date.
• To take cuttings, choose healthy and non-flowering stems, and cut them about 4 to 6 inches long, just below a leaf node. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone, if desired. Insert the cuttings in moist potting soil or water, and place them in a bright and warm location, out of direct sunlight. Keep the cuttings moist and change the water every few days, until roots form.

How do you harvest and store snapdragons for later use?

Snapdragons can be harvested and stored for later use, such as for bouquets, arrangements, or decorations. To harvest and store snapdragons, you can follow these steps:

• Harvest snapdragons in the morning, when the flowers are fully open and the dew has dried. Cut the flower stems at an angle, leaving some foliage on the plant, to allow for regrowth.
• Remove any leaves that will be submerged in water, and place the stems in a bucket of water, with some floral preservative, if available.
• Store snapdragons in a cool and dark place, such as a refrigerator, until ready to use. Change the water every few days, and recut the stems if needed.

How do you use snapdragons in your garden or home?

Snapdragons are versatile plants that can be used in various ways in your garden or home. Some of the ways you can use snapdragons are:

• Plant snapdragons in beds, borders, containers, or window boxes, to add color and height to your garden. Mix and match different varieties and colors of snapdragons, or combine them with other flowers, such as pansies, violas, or daisies, for a stunning display.
• Cut snapdragons for bouquets, arrangements, or decorations, and enjoy their beauty and fragrance indoors. Snapdragons can last for up to two weeks in a vase, if properly cared for. You can also dry snapdragons, by hanging them upside down in a dark and dry place, and use them for crafts or potpourri.
• Eat snapdragons, as they are edible and have a mild and sweet flavor. You can use snapdragon flowers to decorate salads, cakes, and other dishes, or make snapdragon tea, jelly, or syrup. However, make sure to use only organic and pesticide-free snapdragons, and avoid eating snapdragons if you have allergies or sensitivities.

What are some fun facts about snapdragons?

Snapdragons are fascinating plants that have some interesting facts and stories associated with them. Some of the fun facts about snapdragons are:

• Snapdragons are also known as lion’s mouth, dog’s mouth, toad’s mouth, or dragon flower, because of the shape of their flowers, which resemble the mouth of a dragon that opens and closes when squeezed.
• Snapdragons have a long history of symbolism and folklore, and they have different meanings in different cultures. For example, in ancient Greece, snapdragons were associated with strength and protection, and were worn by soldiers to ward off enemies. In China, snapdragons were considered lucky and auspicious, and were used to celebrate the Chinese New Year. In Victorian England, snapdragons were a sign of deception and grace, and were used to convey secret messages.
• Snapdragons have a unique mechanism of pollination, which involves a complex interaction between the flower and the pollinator. When a bee or a butterfly lands on the lower lip of the snapdragon flower, the weight of the insect triggers the flower to open its mouth, exposing the stamens and pistils. The insect then collects the pollen and transfers it to another flower, where the same process occurs. This way, snapdragons ensure cross