Antirrhinum majus, the common snapdragon, is a species of flowering plant belonging to the genus Antirrhinum. The plant was placed in the family Plantaginaceae following a revision of its prior classical family, Scrophulariaceae.
Snapdragons are very popular short-lived garden plants that are typically grown as annuals. The leaves of these plants are usually lance-shaped and the flowers are tubular, bilaterally symmetrical, and typically large with a closed liplike mouth that excludes most insects but can be forced open by solid bees, the primary pollinators. They are a mainstay of classic flower gardens, with infinite uses, from mixed border gardens to flower boxes to patio containers.
The snapdragon is an eye-catching plant with unique foliage and beautiful flowering spikes. This gorgeous flowering perennial comes in a variety of sizes, shapes and colors that can instantly brighten up your garden. Not only are they attractive to look at, but snapdragons make excellent cut flowers as well.
Watering Snapdragon plants
This stunning flower requires special care when it comes to watering; too much water can lead to unhealthy foliage, while too little can cause stress on the plant that could stunt growth or even kill them. The fully established snapdragon plants will need approximately 1 inch of water per week in times of no rainfall.
Water near the crown of the plant and avoid overhead watering to keep your snapdragon healthy. Once established, let the top inch of soil dry fully before watering.
Soil and pH levels required for growing Snapdragon plants
It is important to know that soil and pH play a critical role in supporting snapdragon plants’ growth and health. However, when it comes to achieving success with snapdragons, you not only need the right nutrients – but also the perfect combination of soil type and pH levels.
Snapdragons can grow well in acidic, neutral or alkaline soils, although they prefer slightly acidic soil. These plants prefer neutral soil pH between 6.2 and 7.0, rich in nutrients and well-draining. Although these plants are not heavy feeders, adding organic matter will help keep them healthy and blooming.
Sunlight and temperature level for Snapdragon plants
Your snapdragons will bloom most profusely in full sun to partial shade. Once the temperature heats up, they may stop blooming altogether. Planting them in part shade and keeping them well watered will help them make it through the summer and they will likely bloom again in fall.
Among the many factors, one must consider when it comes to proper care for snapdragon plants, sunlight and temperature are two very important ones. These two elements can determine whether your snapdragons will grow strong or wilt away into thin air. Understanding how much light and warmth they require is essential for any gardener.
How to fertilise Snapdragon plants
To prolong flowering, feed weekly with a potash-rich fertiliser and deadhead spent blooms regularly. Keep plants well watered and support taller varieties with canes if required. Typically, snapdragons need 3 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet. For almost all snapdragons you will want a fertilizer with a 10-10-10 or 5-10-10 NPK ratio.
How fast do Snapdragon plants grow?
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.
Seeds of snapdragon plants should sprout in 10-21 days. 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.
How to grow Snapdragons in pots and containers?
Depending on the variety, snapdragons are well suited to growing in pots. Trailing, compact, and mid-height snapdragon varieties make great additions to container plantings. The tallest snapdragon varieties for cut flowers are not well suited for container plantings.
Should Snapdragon plants be deadheaded?
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.
How to propagate Snapdragon plants
Snapdragons can be propagated through cuttings. To propagate, first, find a leaf node in the middle of a healthy stem and cut it 20–50 mm immediately below the leaf node. You can root snapdragons in water or in moist soil. Both methods are likely to yield results in short order. Some plants will root in water, but cuttings will develop a better root system when rooted in a soil-less potting mix. Sand or perlite can also be used, especially for cuttings that need good drainage and may rot if kept too wet.
Are Snapdragons flowering plants?
Snapdragons are known for their colorful blooms. They start blooming in early spring and keep blooming all season long.
Pests and diseases affecting Snapdragon plants
Snapdragons are prone to diseases like anthracnose, powdery mildew, rhizoctonia root and stem rot and rust. Diseases can be prevented or cured by frequently removing all Rust-infected leaves and badly infected plants and destroy by burning, rapid composting, or burying. At the end of the growing season, carefully clean up and destroy all crop debris. Sterilize benches and propagation rooms with an appropriate greenhouse disinfectant.
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