Do you want to add some fun to your garden? Snapdragons are the answer! These flowers can turn any garden into a magical space. Keep reading to learn how to grow snapdragons that stand out.
Snapdragons, or antirrhinums, are bright annuals that bring joy to any spot. They come in many colors and heights. Kids and bees love them. Plus, they bloom from June to October and last a long time once cut. For a garden that welcomes wildlife, snapdragons are essential.
Introduction to Snapdragons
Snapdragons go by the name antirrhinums, known to some as perennials but usually grown as annuals. They earn their name from their dragon-like flowers. These blooms look like dragon snouts and can move like a mouth, especially when bumblebees visit.
What are Snapdragons?
Snapdragons belong to the plantaginaceae family and are popular for their unique shape. They have dragon-like blooms that come in many colors. You can find them in classic shades like those in the rocket series or in fancy types such as madame butterfly and tutti frutti. There are also smaller kinds called candy tops and tall ones known as chandelier snapdragons.
Botanical Name and Family
Their botanical name is Antirrhinum majus, which means “like a snout”. It describes the flower's shape well. Snapdragons belong to the plantaginaceae family, which also has other well-known garden flowers.
Popular Varieties and Colors
Snapdragons offer a variety of colors. You can find classics like the rocket series in red, pink, and white. Or you might prefer the madame butterfly and tutti frutti with their unique petals and colors. Then, there are options like candy tops or the elegantly tall chandelier snapdragons. Each type has its own special look.
Snapdragons
Snapdragons, also known as antirrhinums, are colorful and charming. They come in many colors like red, yellow, pink, purple, and white. Their petals resemble a dragon's face, adding fun to any garden.
These flowers can bloom from early summer to late fall. That's a long time to enjoy their beauty. You'll find them bringing color to your space for months.
Not only are snapdragons beautiful, but they are also easy to work with. Most are planted each year, but some can stick around and bloom again. This flexibility lets you use them in all kinds of garden styles, adding color no matter what.
Whether you know a lot about gardening or are just beginning, snapdragons are a great choice. They are easy to grow and look lovely. There are many types to explore. See how these flowers can enhance your garden today.
Planting Snapdragons
Snapdragons do best in sunny to partially shady areas. They need soil that drains well and is rich in nutrients. A pH level between 6.2 and 7.0 is right for them. These pretty flowers can be planted in spring or fall. If you plant them in the fall, you might see blooms earlier the next year.
Suitable Growing Conditions
Snapdragons grow well in the sun. They like soil that drains well, with some organic matter. The best soil pH for them is around 6.5. This means they like their soil neither too acidic nor too alkaline.
When to Plant
You can put snapdragons in the ground in the spring or fall. If you plant them in spring, they'll bloom in the summer. Fall is another good time. Plants from fall might bloom early the next spring. In mild winter areas, they might even come back on their own.
Sowing Seeds Indoors
You should start snapdragons from seeds indoors. Do this about 6 to 12 weeks before the spring frost is over. Spread the seeds thinly on top of a seed starting mix. Keep the soil damp and provide lots of light each day. This helps them start growing well.
Transplanting Seedlings
After the snapdragons have six good leaves, they're ready to move outside. But first, let them get used to it. Do this by slowly getting them used to more sun and wind over a week or two. Then they'll do better in their new spot.
Caring for Snapdragons
Snapdragons need the right build up to grow well. They like soil that's full of nutrients and drains easily. You should give them about 1 inch of water per week. Water should be applied at the base of the plant to keep the leaves dry.
Fertilizing
When snapdragons start to bloom, feed them with all-purpose fertilizer. This will keep them blooming and make the flowering season longer.
Deadheading
It's very important to trim off their old flowers often. Doing this means they will keep making new flowers. Your snapdragons will look bright and colorful all season long.
Growing Snapdragons in Containers
Snapdragons are perfect for container gardening, like baskets or pots. You can find trailing types perfect for filling spaces. They need good soil, enough water, and you must remove dead flowers regularly.
Choose small or dwarf snapdragons for baskets and tiny pots. They fit better and their look matches well. But, big snapdragons are great for larger containers, giving them height and beauty next to filler plants and vines.
Your container should not hold water, so drill holes in it. Use soil that drains well but is also full of nutrients. Keep the soil damp, not soaked, and cut off old flowers to keep new ones coming.
Snapdragons bring a lot of color and can be wonderful in any planter. Mixing them with different flowers and vines can make a beautiful scene. Try out various trailing varieties to light up your porch, deck, or doorway.
Snapdragon Pests and Diseases
Snapdragons are typically simple to grow. Yet, they can face various pests and diseases. Learning about these challenges can help you maintain healthy snapdragon plants all year.
Common Pests
The aphid and spider mites are top pests for snapdragons. Aphids, tiny insects that suck plant sap, can spread fast and damage plants. Spider mites feed on leaves, causing them to discolor and distort. You should also watch out for the rust fungus, which shows as rusty spots on leaves and stems.
Disease Prevention and Treatment
An important step is ensuring your snapdragons are well-aired. This means avoiding overhead watering. Such water can lead to moist conditions perfect for mold and fungal leaf spots. Rotating your snapdragons' spots often can stop the buildup of soil-borne diseases, like downy mildew, wilt, and root rot.
If faced with pests or diseases, using organic treatments is best. Always keep a close eye on your plants. Solving problems as soon as they appear guarantees your snapdragons remain healthy and beautiful.
Harvesting and Enjoying Snapdragons
Cut Flowers
Snapdragons are great for cut flowers. They have long, strong stems and colorful blooms that last. When you cut them, pick ones where about a third to a half of the lower flowers are open. The top buds should still be closed. Snip the whole stem off at the plant's base. This helps new side shoots grow.
Dried Flowers
You can also dry snapdragons for floral arrangements. They bring a fun and eye-catching look. Even when dried, they keep their shape and bright colors. This makes them perfect for everlasting arrangements and crafts.
Overwintering Snapdragons
Snapdragons are often seen as short-lived perennials. Yet, many treat them as annuals. In places with milder weather, they might survive the winter. They could even bloom again the next year.
But, they might not be as strong as the first time. Sometimes, snapdragons scatter their seeds. This means new plants might sprout up in the spring.
Keeping snapdragons well-watered during winter is key. A layer of mulch helps protect them from the cold.
Snapdragon Companions and Combinations
Snapdragons are great companion plants. They go well with many flowers and plants. Their tall, spiky flowers stand out against softer or trailing plants. This is perfect for mixed borders or container plants. They also look lovely with cool-season friends like pansies and sweet alyssum. This combo gives your garden a charming cottage garden vibe. Snapdragons fit in well in any kind of garden designs.
Think about the height and bloom time of snapdragons and their friends when planning. Tall snapdragons are perfect as border plants. Shorter types add color to filler plants in pots. Mixing snapdragons with the right plants makes your garden stand out.
Tips for Successful Snapdragon Growing
To grow snapdragons well, start by prepping the soil with lots of organic matter. Make sure it drains well too. Snapdragons need the right sun exposure to thrive, so pick a spot with full sun or some shade.
Keep the flowers looking good by removing dead ones, known as deadheading. This keeps them blooming longer. In warmer areas, snapdragons might last a year and plant new flowers on their own. Plant different snapdragon types at various times to have a full season of color.
It's easy to have beautiful snapdragons all season. Just focus on the soil, sunlight, and keeping the flowers in good shape. Add in some overwintering and planting in stages, and your garden will be a colorful showpiece.
