Snapdragons, with their vibrant colors and graceful, spiky blooms, are a garden favorite. Known for attracting pollinators and adding a lovely vertical element to any flower bed or bouquet. These hardy plants are a must for any gardener looking to inject some charm into their outdoor spaces. If you’re eager to grow your own snapdragons, this post is made for you. In this post we will explain how do you grow snapdragons, from selecting the right seeds or plants to nurturing them to full bloom.
How Much Sun Do Snapdragons Need
Snapdragons thrive in locations that receive full sun to partial shade. For optimum growth, select a garden spot that enjoys at least 6 to 8 hours of sunlight per day. The brightness and duration of light exposure not only contribute to rich, vibrant blooms but also ensure the plants grow upright without too much legginess. While snapdragons can tolerate partial shade, too little sun can result in fewer flowers and can increase the likelihood of fungal diseases due to moisture retention in cooler, shaded areas. If you’re planting in a region with very hot summers, some afternoon shade will help protect the plants from scorching.
Preparing the Soil for Snapdragons
Before planting snapdragons, it’s important to prepare the soil adequately to ensure your plants have the best possible start. These flowers prefer well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Start by loosening the soil to a depth of 8 to 10 inches and mix in compost or well-rotted manure to add nutrients. If you have heavy clay soil, consider incorporating sand or peat moss to improve drainage. The ideal soil pH for snapdragons ranges from 6.2 to 7.0, so you may need to adjust the soil pH accordingly. Perform a soil test using either a test kit or soil meter in advance and, if necessary, add lime to increase the pH or sulfur to decrease it. Good soil preparation lays the foundation for healthy, robust snapdragon plants.
Planting Snapdragons
If you’ve purchased snapdragon plants or have grown seedlings indoors, planting them in your garden is the next step. Begin by preparing the soil in your chosen spot by loosening it and mixing in some compost to provide nutrients. Plant snapdragons at the same depth they were growing in their pots, spacing them about 6 to 8 inches apart to give each plant enough room to mature. Water the plants thoroughly after planting to help settle the soil around the roots.
Starting from Seed
For gardeners who prefer starting from scratch, snapdragons seeds can be sown directly into the garden or started indoors. To sow outdoors, wait until the threat of frost has passed and the soil is workable. Sprinkle the seeds on the surface of the soil since snapdragon seeds need light to germinate and press them down gently. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. If you’re starting indoors, sow seeds 8-10 weeks before the last frost date in your region. Use seed-starting mix and shallow trays, and place them in a warm, bright spot or under grow lights. Seedlings usually appear in 10-21 days. Once they have grown their second set of true leaves, they can be transplanted into the garden following the same steps as above.
How Deep to Plant Snapdragon Seeds
When planting snapdragon seeds, depth is an important factor to consider. Since they require light for germination, the seeds should not be buried under the soil. Instead, gently press the seeds into the surface of the soil, making sure they are in contact but not covered. This ensures that they have the light exposure necessary to trigger germination while maintaining the contact needed for proper growth once they begin to sprout. Remember to keep the soil consistently moist during the germination period.
Water and Fertilizer Needs for Snapdragons
To maintain vigorous snapdragon plants, consistent watering is crucial, especially during dry spells. They prefer the soil to be moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering or poor drainage can lead to root rot, so it’s important to water deeply but less frequently, encouraging strong root development. Once snapdragons are established, they tend to be drought tolerant, however, regular watering will promote better blooms.
Fertilization is another component of snapdragon care that can significantly enhance plant growth and flowering. Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the time of planting to provide a steady supply of nutrients. You can also apply a water-soluble fertilizer every 4 to 6 weeks during the growing season. Be careful not to over-fertilize, as this can lead to lush foliage at the expense of blooms. Additionally, incorporating a layer of mulch around your plants can help retain soil moisture and control weeds.
How Fast do Snapdragons Grow
Snapdragons have a moderate growth rate, with seedlings typically sprouting within 10 to 21 days after sowing. Once established, snapdragons can develop into blooming plants fairly quickly. Under optimal growing conditions – including adequate sun, water, and proper soil – snapdragons can progress from seedlings to full flowering plants in a single growing season. You can expect to see blossoms in early to mid-summer if sown directly outdoors after the last frost, or earlier if the seeds were started indoors. Once they start to bloom, snapdragons will frequently produce flowers throughout the summer and into fall, especially if deadheaded regularly to encourage more blooms.
Snapdragons Bloom Time
Snapdragons are known for their extended blooming period, which, under the right conditions, can last from early summer well into fall. The length of bloom can be significantly increased with proper care, such as deadheading spent flowers to encourage further blooming. If you remove the faded flowers before they can set seed, the plant is prompted to produce more blooms in an effort to reproduce. Additionally, snapdragons can sometimes survive a light frost and continue to add color to the garden even as cooler temperatures arrive. By choosing successive varieties, you can enjoy the beauty of snapdragons throughout the entire growing season.
Happy Gardening!
With the right knowledge and a little tlc, anyone can grow snapdragons to brighten up their gardens. Remember that each step — from selecting quality seeds or plants to providing the right environment — contributes to the healthy growth of these delightful flowers. Soon enough, you’ll be rewarded with a spectacular show of color that heralds the arrival of summer. So roll up your sleeves, grab that trowel, and let’s get those snapdragons growing!
Please be sure to check out my Gardening Blog Post Page for more tips on all types of gardening. Including Seed Starting, Orchids, Water Gardening, Coldframe Gardening, Indoor Bulb Gardening, Hydroponics, Container Gardening, Mums, Herbs, African Violets, planting Bulbs, Flower Gardening, Vegetable and Fruit Gardening, Indoor Houseplants of all kinds, Cactus, Succulents, Hanging plants, Deer resistant plants and even Bird, Bee, Butterfly and Hummingbird Gardens!