How to Grow and Care for Snapdragons

In this comprehensive guide, New York Garden will take you through the step-by-step process of growing snapdragons and help you create a stunning display of these enchanting flowers in your garden. From selecting the right location to nurturing them through each growth stage, we've got you covered.

Flower Color	White, yellow, pink, red, orange, purple
Bloom Time	Spring, summer, fall
Common Name	Snapdragon, dog's mouth, lion's mouth, toad's mouth
Family	Plantaginaceae
Plant Type	Perennial, annual
Soil Type	Moist, well-draining
Native Area	Mediterranean, Europe, Asia
Sun Exposure	Full, partial
Botanical Name	Antirrhinum majus
Soil pH	Acidic, neutral
Hardiness Zones	7–11 (USDA)
Mature Size	6–48 in. tall, 6–12 in. wide

Although individual colors can occasionally be found in both seeds and seedlings, multicolor mixtures of snapdragons [2] are the majority of the time offered. Every few years, named varieties emerge and go, but some of the most enduring series include:

• Rocket series: This is a steady multicolored series that reaches a height of roughly 2-3 feet. It is a staple of what the garden centers sell.
• Madame Butterfly mix: These 24- to 30-inch plants are a great option for cut flower arrangements because of their highly ruffled petals in a variety of hues.
• Tutti Frutti: This smaller series of 10- to 12-inch flowers features distinctive striped and speckled blooms.
• Candy Tops mix: These plants are little, measuring 6 to 8 inches, and they come in solid shades of yellow, orange, white, red, and rose. They are great plants for beds and borders.
• Chandelier mix: One of the finer draping, trailing snapdragons, with lilac, pink, or yellow blooms.

Since snapdragons grow fairly slowly from seeds, most people buy nursery seedlings, which are frequently offered in affordable six-packs. A few weeks before the final winter frost, seeds may be planted indoors and developed pretty quickly. Usually planted as annuals, are short-lived perennials. Snapdragons never appear to blossom as vigorously as they did in their first year, even when they do overwinter. But in the first year, they ought to produce seed pods; if you're lucky, they could even self-sow in the garden.

Light

In full sun to moderate shade, your snapdragons will blossom the most freely. When it becomes hotter outside, they can completely stop blooming. They will likely bloom again in the fall if you plant them in part shade and give them plenty of water during the summer.

Soil

Snapdragons like nutrient-rich [2], well-draining soil with a pH balance of 6.2 to 7.0. They are not heavy feeders because they are short-lived plants [3], but adding organic materials will keep them flowering and healthy.

Water

Ample watering is required for snapdragons. For the first few weeks, keep seedlings wet. When it doesn't rain, snapdragon will require around 1 inch of water each week after it is established. To maintain the health of your snapdragon, water close to the plant's crown and refrain from overhead watering. After planting, wait until the top inch of soil is completely dry before watering.

Temperature and Humidity

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 lows of 70 degrees. They are typically cultivated as annuals to add color to gardens throughout the drier seasons of spring and fall. Snapdragons can endure below-freezing conditions if they are established in the bed and have hardened off. They may live for a long time and can withstand very low temperatures until the chill has passed if you keep them well-watered during cold spells and add a layer of pine straw mulch. Before putting indoor-grown seedlings in the garden, they need to be hardened off for ten to twenty days.

Fertilizer

When the plants first begin to produce blossoms, fertilize them. Use three pounds of a common, well-balanced all-purpose fertilizer, such a 10-10-10 product, for every 100 square feet of the flowerbed. Water thoroughly to reduce the chance of nitrogen burns and to facilitate fertilizer uptake by the roots.

Snapdragons may be simply thrown onto the garden soil in late fall in warmer areas to winter-sow them. A few weeks prior to the last anticipated frost, they can also be directly seeded in the garden. However, because of their somewhat sluggish growth, snapdragons are frequently begun inside six to twelve weeks before the last anticipated frost when they are produced from seeds. Put the seeds directly on the soil surface using a basic seed starting mix or regular potting soil. Snapdragon seeds require light to germinate, so position the tray beneath strong lights that are just a few inches above the tray. As the seedlings grow, raise the light progressively by a full 16 hours each day. Pinch off the tip of the stem when the seedlings are approximately six true leaves tall (about 3 to 4 inches) to promote branching and bushiness. A few weeks prior to your final frost date, transplant snapdragons outside. Snapdragons may withstand one or two brief frosts.

With snapdragons, rust fungus can be a serious issue. It is advisable to plant snapdragons in a different area of the garden the following year if rust does occur in a planting. Mold, fungal leaf spots, downy mildew, wilt, and root rots can all affect this plant. The most common pest problems are aphids and spider mites; in cases of severe infestations, insecticides or horticultural oils may be necessary.

A midsummer bloom that will always be in trend is the snapdragon. They are remarkable additions to the summertime that are cheerful and vibrant. However, snapdragons may have simple issues:

Fewer Flowers and Wilting Leaves

If Snapdragons are exposed to too much heat and sunshine, they will begin to deteriorate. Trim them to promote fresh blooms and less wilting, and move them to a cooler, shadier location.

Brown and Yellow Streaks on the Leaves

A fungus known as snapdragon rust commonly affects snapdragons; the initial symptoms are yellow specks that may get larger and darker over time, with brown or black cores. Preventing snapdragon rust at its source is the best treatment. Your plants should be thinned out so that air can flow around them. Additionally, avoid watering snapdragons at night.

Plants Falling Over

Taller types of snapdragons may become top-heavy and topple over in shady areas where they can get particularly leggy. The solution is simple: surround plants with supports to keep them upright.

Are snapdragons simple to take care of?

Yes! Your snapdragons will flourish if they receive the proper moisture.

How quickly do snapdragons grow?

When introduced as seedlings in the spring, snapdragons will be fully grown by the middle of the summer.

What is the lifespan of snapdragons?

As perennials, snapdragons live for around three years. The New York Garden works under restricted procurement guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies and studies conducted by academic organizations. Tertiary references should be avoided. For more information on how we ensure our material is correct and up to date, please visit our editorial policy.

1. Multicolor mixtures of snapdragons - University of Georgia
2. Nutrient-rich - Nutrition and Physical Activity Program
3. Short-lived plants - National Library of Medicine