Antirrhinum majus
Snapdragon , Antirrhinum majus , is aboriginal to Mediterranean Europe . Its common name come from the pinchable flush that give and closemouthed like the mouths of favorable dragons .
It is a coolheaded - weather plant thatgrows as a tender perennialin USDA Hardiness Zones 7 to 10 , and as an annual in other temperate regions .
A. majusis the “ type metal money , ” or benchmark plant , in theAntirrhinumgenus . There are about 20 species in the genus , include some from North America and northern Africa .
We link up to vendors to serve you find relevant products . If you buy from one of our link , we may pull in a committee .
TheAntirrhinumgenus a member of the Plantaginaceae , or plantain , family , which is a sub - group of the talkative Scrophulariaceae , or figwort , family of industrial plant , some of which you may already eff .
One is toadflax , Linaria vulgaris , aka butter and eggs , a common sight along land roads . It , too , has flowers with a hinge - elan “ mouth . ”
Other members of this large flora group have stationary mouths , likesummer snapdragon ( A. angustifolia),beardtongue ( Penstemonspp.),wishbone prime ( T. fournieri ) , andfoxglove ( Digitalispurpurea ) .
Classic characteristics of figwort family members are their squarish stems , and upright spike of open - lipped flush .
In this guide , you ’ll find all you take to know to grow snapdragon , A. majus , in your garden .
What You’ll Learn
Quick Look
Propagation
How to rise
Cultivars to Select
Maintenance
Pests and Disease
Best utilisation
Let ’s get started !
Snapdragon fly high in the cool , late spring to early summer portion of the grow season . Once temperature hit around 80 ° degree Fahrenheit , it loses muscularity .
mutual name(s):Snapdragon
Plant type : yearly , warm flowering perennial
Hardiness ( USDA Zone):7 - 10
aboriginal to : Mediterranean Europe
flush time : leaping to frost
Exposure : Full sunshine
Soil type : Organically robust , well draining
Soil pH:6.2 - 7.0 , slenderly acidic to neutral
clip to maturity:80 - 100 daylight
Spacing : 6 - 12 inches
Planting depth : control surface sow ( seminal fluid )
Mature size:6 - 12 inches wide x 8 - 36 inches high-pitched , depending on variety
H2O Needs : Moderate
Taxonomy
Order : Lamiales
menage : Plantaginaceae
Genus : genus Antirrhinum
specie : Majus
Cultivars : Various
In the garden , snapdragon has much to offer . There are three sizes from which to choose :
Dwarf varieties run in height from eight to 12 inches , intermediates from 13 to 24 inches , and tall from 25 to 36 inch .
Mature breadth set out from six to 12 inches .
And the coloring material !
Thanks toextensive hybridization by plant life stock breeder , an array of disease - resistant varieties are available in hues including orange , peach , pink , purple , red , white , and yellow . There are also many exciting bicolor and tricolor combination . The only color you wo n’t find is true spicy .
Lean more about snapdragon type and classification .
A. majushas a clumping growth habit , upright squarish stems , and lance - form green leaves .
Flower buds along the stems open sequentially from the bottom up to the terminal tips .
A. majusthrives better in a full sun location , with organically - rich , loamy , well - draining grunge .
Deadheading the spent flower stems , as well as cutting stems for vase utilization , prolongs flower in cool regions .
In warmer domain , a midseason cutback to six inches or so may encourage plant life to re - foliate and produce a second , late - season bloom .
After blooming , flowers do seed . Those of cultivated varieties may or may not be viable , and are not probable to duplicate the traits or quality of parent plants .
The botanic nameAntirrhinum majuscomes from the Greek . “ Anti ” means like , and “ rhis ” means snout . It ’s an clever verbal description of a “ two-lipped , ” two - lipped , flower that resemble a dragon ’s mouth .
Ancient Greeks and Romans believed the flower were gift with mystic powers of security , prowess , and smasher .
other Americans harbor them in standardized respect . Victorians planted them in theircottage garden , and by the middle of the twentieth 100 , snapdragons had become a wide hybridized garden staple fibre . They stay so today .
To growA. majus , you postulate to start with disease - insubordinate seed or glasshouse plants that you have purchased from a reputable purveyor , or you may propagate them from base slip .
From Seed
In zona 7 to 10 , where snapdragon is a tender perennial , you could pre - seed in the declivity for spring blooms .
instead , you may seed seed directly in the spring . Expect due date in 80 to 100 days .
To sow in seeds outdoors :
Once you see two set of rightful leaves , cut the seedlings out to six to 12 in asunder , depending on the miscellany you are growing . agree your seed packetfor the expected mature width and flimsy consequently .
When the plants are about four inches tall , pinch off the top inch of maturation to promote shaggy-coated plants .
If you live in other temperate zones , and are arise these plant as annuals , start seeds indoorseight to 10 calendar week before the last mean hoar appointment . Transplant them to the garden or container after the danger of rime has pass .
seed in general sprout in one to two weeks .
When the seedlings have one bent of true leaves , thin them to one secure seedling per cell .
At this time , you’re able to apply a swimming houseplant food at half strength .
When seedlings are about four inch marvelous , you may pinch the top inch of the prow off . This prevents long-legged growth and produces fuller , multi - branched flower stems .
retain to keep the pot medium moist , but never torpid .
After the danger of frost has passed , transfer the seedlings to the garden as described below .
Read more about growing from seed here .
From Cuttings
To start new plants from existing ones , you’re able to take a cutting from the develop top of a mature plant . This is a intriguing method
Some folks wish to comprehend the industrial plant with plastic to mime a greenhouse , but as these works are prone to fungal development , I do n’t recommend this .
New increment is grounds of successful root constitution and should take two to three hebdomad .
Transplant the root cutting to the garden , keeping it at the same profundity it is in the starter container .
Get more details on circularise snapdragons from clipping here .
From Seedlings/Transplanting
glasshouse plants graze from seedlings to plants that are budding or in bloom . They are available in the outpouring and are quick to transplant straight off .
Seedlings start indoors should be hardened off bit by bit , by place them outdoors for an increase amount of clip over the course of a week to 10 days .
Here ’s how to implant them :
snapdragon are n’t fussy , but they do have preference that make the conflict between a mediocre floral display and one that makes passersby stop in their tracks .
Let ’s dig into what they postulate for vibrant , long - lasting salad days .
Light
Snapdragons thrive in full sun , ideally have at least six hour of direct sunshine each sidereal day . In nerveless climates , they appreciate all the sunlight they can get .
If you ’re in a hot region , light-colored good afternoon shade can assist broaden the bloom time and reduce tension . Insufficient sunlight can lead to long-shanked plants with fewer flower .
Soil
These cheerful bloomers prefer rich , loamy , well - drain dirt . A slightly acidic to neutral pH between 6.2 and 7.0 is ideal .
channel a grime testthrough your local agricultural extension to determine the composing of the earth in your garden . The ideal type for snapdragons has a slightly acidulous to indifferent pH of 6.2 to 7.0 .
The gain of compost is a great way to enrich the soil , improve drainage , and contribute sourness .
Temperature and Humidity
snapdragon are cool - season plant . They perform well when daytime temperatures are between 60 and 75 ° F , with cool nighttime .
They can tolerate light frost and will often blossom through later bounce into early summer before the high temperature shuts them down . In meek climates , they may even overwinter and bloom again in other spring .
High humidity is n’t typically a problem , but it can increase the risk of infection of fungal disease , so ensure practiced atmosphere circulation .
Water
ply an in of water per week , in the absence seizure of rain . Not certain how much rain you are receive ? You canuse a pelting gauge .
piss at the soil level , and do n’t oversaturate , to keep the leaf dry and fungus - gratuitous .
Fertilizer
When you see flower buds , it ’s time to fertilize .
Sprinkle a well - poise ( 10 - 10 - 10 ) , dumb - release farinaceous ware around , but not touching the plants . Water softly immediately after app .
Container Growing
disregardless of how you start a industrial plant , you have the option of grow it in the garden or in a container .
For container emergence , take a potty with decent drainage fix .
The diameter must hold the matured dimension of the dwarf , average , or tall plant that you are raise , plus an superfluous inch for the spout of a watering can or hose nozzle .
Because the ascendant ofA. majusare on the shallow side , a pot with a depth of 12 to 18 inch should accommodate the tallest varieties .
Snapdragons do n’t require a capital trade of maintenance .
As mentioned , cabbage the grow tips promote bushy growth , deadheading spent flower stemsencourages further blooming , and a midseason cutback to a height of about six inch will excite a second heyday .
If you live in a cool zone , and your flowers bloom once and then peter out , cut them down to six inch , bung them with a well - balanced , dull - vent granular plant food , such as 10 - 10 - 10 ( NPK ) and they should perk up up .
Other direction to help your plant execute well let in weed the garden on a regular basis to understate competition for H2O and reduce the breeding priming for insect and pathogen .
you’re able to also apply a two - inchlayer of mulchto reduce dope maturation , as well as to keep the ground cool and economic aid in wet keeping .
When apply fertilizer , be sure to place it nigh , but not on plants to avoid burn them .
The same croak for mulch . Keep it a few in aside from plant stems to promote air circulation and inhibit fungal exploitation .
At season ’s end , remove wilted foliage to prevent the wintering over of blighter and pathogens .
In temperate climates , gather seeds in the fallto works and develop new prime the next year .
Since these flowers are tender perennials rather than annuals , it ’s alsopossible to winter themwith enough protection .
Snapdragon hybrids are available in an array of bright , velvety colors as seeds or nursery plants .
Those that say “ rust - immune ” are your best bet , as they have been bred to stand up to one of the biggest threats to this mintage , Puccinia antirrhini , a fungus that stimulate rust - spotted leaves .
Brighton Rock
‘ Brighton Rock ’ is an exciting heirloom diverseness thatpollinators love . Enjoy a blend of pastel and bicolor blooms , in spook of Bolshevik and orange on 36 - inch flower stems .
‘ Brighton Rock ’
you could find seed in a diverseness of package sizesavailable from Eden Brothers .
Magic Carpet
For another beautiful selection , try the ‘ Magic Carpet ’ mix , in shade of red , pink , apricot , and yellowish . This dwarf mixed bag will attain about eight column inch in height .
‘ Magic Carpet ’ Mix
you may find ‘ Magic Carpet ’ mix seedsavailable from Eden Brothers .
Rocket
The Rocket series of intercrossed yearly snapdragon seeds is available in bronze , cherry , favourable , stinker , pink , crimson , rose , white-hot , or a mixed batch .
Rocket Series in Rose
Plants grow to mature height of 30 to 36 inches magniloquent .
you’re able to determine cum in a variety of package sizesavailable at True Leaf Market .
Snowflake
If you ’re a fan of blank flowers , ‘ Snowflake ’ is the cultivar for you , with snowy white blossoms on stems that will reach about 36 column inch in height , so they are perfect for cut .
‘ snowbird ’
you may find seedsavailable at Eden Brothers .
Want More Options ?
Be certain to check out our in - profundity cultivar guide : “ 23 of the Best Snapdragon Varieties to Grow at nursing home . ”
Managing Pests and Disease
Even with the good of care , sometimes snapdragon fall victim to pest and disease .
Some insects to be on the lookout for are :
Treat plants with organic neem oil for blackjack - sucking aphids , leaf miners , and speck .
For cutworms , try mitt - picking them , physical barriers around plants , or an coating ofBacillus thuringiensis(Bt ) .
As for disease , in addition to rust fungus , caused byPuccinia antirrhinifungi , there are numerous condition that may acquaint themselves in the presence of overly wet condition , including :
break off is a fungal disease that induce seedling to flop over and die . There is no cure .
For the other disease , there are fungicides and nematicides usable for discussion .
However , stark contagion may require removing works from the garden and rotating to a new location for future planting .
Do your best to avoid trouble with preventative standard such as keeping foliage dry , not oversaturating the soil , and asseverate equal space between plant to allow for airflow .
On the upside , athirst herbivores like deer usually have little pastime in snapdragons .
Snapdragon adds a rainbow of color to the landscape and attracts a boniface of pollinator likebees , butterflies , and hummingbird , that are able to deftly negotiate its vasiform bloom .
nanus varieties are double-dyed for containers , windowpane corner , and the fronts of beds and boundary line .
Intermediate sized plant fill the middle space , between back of layer anchors and grim - visibility front specimens .
apply the tallest cultivar as anchors behind middle and front vegetation , where their bold hues and vertical stems dig the arrangement and draw the eye upwards .
In the cottage garden , A. majusplays well withmarigolds , petunias , androsesin a variety of shades .
And it ’s right at home in the cut garden withcosmos , sweet William , andzinnias , flowers that also do in a stunning array of single and multi - color blooms .
From old - time heirlooms to the late hybrids , great curbing appeal to fab bloom arrangements , snapdragon make a bold , geomorphologic affirmation wherever it move !
Bold and Structural
Snapdragon , A. Majus , adds vibrant color , velvety texture , and strong , vertical lines to the garden . It stands out prominently and draws the eye pleasingly through mixed groupings .
It ’s not hard to grow when you cater to its needs by :
While the gorgeous cultivar are impertinent in your mind , it ’s prison term to get out thatever - quick garden plannerand make elbow room for snapdragon in this yr ’s landscape painting .
If you revel this guidebook and would care to read flower , we urge the following article next :
© call for the Experts , LLC . ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.See our TOSfor more details . Originally write July 29th , 2018 . Last updated : May 6th , 2025 . intersection photos via Eden Brothers and True Leaf Market . Uncredited photos : Shutterstock .
About
Nan Schiller
