Snapdragons (Antirrhinum majus) are usually grown as annuals, but they are in fact, short-lived perennials (Zones 7 -11). In our area, a couple may survive the winter, but most are finished with a hard frost, but they readily self-seed for the following growing season.
- Snapdragons can be grown from seed, but they are slow to germinate and grow to flowering height.
- We usually spread and lightly cover seed in late fall which stratifies the seed, but also gives it an early spring start.
- Seed can also be collected in the fall. Pick the brown capsules, crush the husk, and spill the contents into a jar.
- Snapdragons prefer a sunny location. They grow best in the cooler months and may provide a fall blaze of color.
- Pinching the tips of side shoots may encourage more branches. Deadheading encourages more blooms in the fall
- Water, but don’t overwater snapdragons. They prefer well-drained soil.
- A general balanced fertilizer can be used, but they survive well with some neglect if they have the right spot.
- Snapdragons get their name from the “jaws”, the two lips on the terminal spike.
- Bumblebees can get inside the “jaws”, but smaller bees may not be able to pollinate snapdragons.
- Snapdragons can be propagated by cuttings or divisions, but we have been happy with winter seeding. A lot less work….
- There are dwarf, medium, tall, and trailing varieties. We have been reseeding varietals from our original seed purchase, the Rocket Series. There are many species and varietals of snapdragons.
- Some images are shared here. All photos by the author, from our garden. click an image for a lightbox (larger) view and a caption/ID.
- Snapdragons are a herbaceous perennial, growing from 0.5 m to 1.0m tall.
- Lance-shaped (lanceolate) leaves grow from the stems in a spiral pattern.
- The stalks can become woody.
- Flowers are found on the stem spikes. Colors vary from purple, red, yellow, white, pink, and red. Wild varieties are most often yellow.
- In our opinion, snapdragons are one of the foundations plants of our garden, a reliable and impressive flower.
