Snapdragons are of the genus Antirrhinum also known as dragon flowers. They are native to rocky areas of western Europe. Snapdragons are tolerant of heat and cold, but do best in summer, producing the familiar cottage garden flowers. The flowers are pollinated by bumblebees. Continue reading below for some tips on how to grow Snapdragons from seed.
Latin
Antirrhinum majus
Family: Plantaginaceae
Difficulty
Easy
Season & Zone
Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Timing
Start snapdragons indoors, 8-10 weeks before planting out. Transplant out after last frost. Direct sowing is less reliable. Provide bright light and a soil temperature of 12°C (55°F). Seeds should sprout in 10-21 days.
Starting
Sow on the surface of a sterilized seed starting mix. To avoid damping off (to which snapdragons are somewhat prone), increase ventilation, use a layer of vermiculite on top of the soil, and water only from below. Transplant out once daytime temperatures are consistently above 10°C (50°F) and space 30cm (12″) apart.
Growing
Grow these easy sub-shrubs in rich, soil with a neutral pH. Pinch back young plants once 6 leaves have appeared for bushier mature plants. Feed lightly twice, before any flowers appear. Deadhead often. If flowering seems to subside, cut back dramatically, and then feed and water generously.