This beginner-friendly guide shares the magic of growing snapdragons from seed to bloom. Learn planting tricks, care secrets, and watch your garden (and home) blaze with color!
From the moment I first planted snapdragons, I was hooked! Their vibrant blooms and cottage garden charm make them a must-have for any flower addict. While nurseries offer some options, starting snapdragons from seed unlocks a world of unique and stunning varieties. Plus, they’re deer-resistant and make incredible cut flowers—what’s not to love?
Learn how to grow, care for, and enjoy snapdragon flowers with these simple tips.
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Understanding Snapdragons
Snapdragons (Antirrhinum majus) are a popular garden plant known for their showy, brightly colored flowers that bloom in a wide range of hues, including pink, red, purple, yellow, white, and bicolors. The flowers are distinctive in shape, resembling the face of a dragon with an open mouth and a tongue-like lower petal. Don’t they sound cool?
Snapdragon plants are native to the Mediterranean region but are now widely grown throughout the world. With a USDA hardiness zone of 7-10, they range in height from 6-36 inches tall, depending on the variety.
The plant’s leaves are narrow and pointed, and the flowers bloom in spikes that can reach up to 2 feet long. The blooms can get pretty heavy, so taller varieties may need staking.
Snapdragons bloom more in cooler temperatures. So in early summer, you may notice them not loving the heat and start slowing down their flower production. But don’t worry, because they will bounce back when colder temperatures arrive in late summer/early fall.
Snapdragons are often used as ornamental plants in flower beds, borders, and containers. They are also a favorite of bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, making them an excellent choice for pollinator gardens. These deer-resistant plants are also a great addition to cottage gardens and make excellent cut flowers.
Are Snapdragons Perennials or Annuals?
Depending on your climate, they are generally short-lived tender perennials that are grown as annuals. Here in New Jersey, they are grown as annuals. I start mine from seed every year, they bloom in late spring, summer, and fall. They seem to tolerate a light frost but are done shortly after the temps dip and we get a good freeze.
5 Compelling Reasons to Plant Snapdragons This Season
If you’re not already growing snapdragons, you’re missing out! Here’s why:
- Stunning Blooms: Snapdragon flowers come in a rainbow of colors and boast a unique “dragon face” shape, adding texture and charm to any garden.
- Long Blooming Season: Enjoy continuous color from late spring to early fall. While they prefer cooler temperatures, keeping them well-watered helps them bloom even through the summer heat.
- Deer-Resistant and Pollinator-Friendly: Say goodbye to deer damage and hello to buzzing bees and butterflies! Snapdragons are a low-maintenance way to support a healthy ecosystem.
- Cut-and-Come-Again: Bring the beauty indoors! The more you cut snapdragons, the more flowers they produce. Enjoy fresh bouquets all season long.
Choosing Your Snapdragon Varieties For Your Cut Flower Garden
I am a HUGE fan of growing Antirrhinum majus and have worked with many different types of snapdragons through the years. These are the varieties I’m growing this year, and I ordered them all from Johnny’s Selected Seeds.
- Madame Butterfly Bronze with White
- Madame Butterfly Rose
- Chantilly Light Pink
- Chantilly Purple
- Chantilly Light Salmon
- Potomac Pink
- Bridal Pink
- Costa Apricot
- Legend Light Pink
NOTE: You can extend your bloom time by choosing different types of snapdragons. Some varieties can handle warmer temperatures better than others so make sure you read the description or seed packets to create a succession of blooms.
For cooler season blooms (spring and fall) here are some great options to include in your cut flower garden:
- Cannes rose II – III suited for spring, early summer and fall – blooms before Potomac
- Bridal pink – early spring blooms
- Avignon deep rose ii short days and low temps – spring and fall
- Double frappe light pink low light and cool temps early spring, fall
For better performance under long days, high light levels, and warmer temperatures, here are some great picks for your cutting garden:
- Potomac Appleblossom (warm season)
- Potomac Pink (warm season optimal perf under long days high light levels and warm temperatures)
- Potomac Royal
- Potomac lavender
Best All-Season Performance
- Madame butterfly with bronze main season
- Madame butterfly cherry bronze
- Madame butterfly pink
Keep in mind that just because certain varieties can handle the summer a little better, they’ll still slow down their flower production a bit.
Guide to Starting Snapdragon Seeds: Tips for Success
If you want more options to grow, it’s best to start snapdragons from seed. And they couldn’t be easier to grow either. The seeds germinate with ease, the seedlings are not very fussy, and they transplant well.
Choosing the Best Snapdragon Seeds for Your Garden
When you start shopping around, you’ll see there are several different varieties of snapdragons to choose from with a range of heights. Keep in mind that the tall varieties will need staking as the large flowers add a lot of weight to the plant.
In terms of local availability, I’ve found dwarf varieties at the local nursery but not the taller varieties. As such, I purchase snapdragon seeds from quality growers like
I’ve grown both short and tall plants but I LOVE growing the taller varieties. They look stately and beautiful in the garden. And the snapdragon blooms can’t be rivaled.
Essential Supplies for Starting Snapdragon Seeds
- Snapdragon Seeds
- Vermiculite
- Seed Starting Potting Soil
- Seed Trays
- Bottom or Drainage Trays
- Clear Dome Lids
- Grow Lights
- Shelf System for Seedlings
- Heat Mat
- Plant Labels
- Oscillating Fan
- Programmable Timer
Step-by-Step Guide to Seeding Snapdragons Indoors
Here are the steps for starting snapdragon seeds:
- Snapdragons can be started indoors about 8-10 weeks before the last expected frost in your locality. Use a seed starting tray or small pots with drainage holes filled with a quality organic seed starter mix that is pre-moistened. I start mine under grow lights and have found great success starting them in both my basement and sunroom.
- Sow the seeds on the surface of pre-moistened soil, pressing them lightly into the soil and lightly covering them with vermiculite. Snapdragons need light to germinate, so don’t bury the seeds too deep. Sow only one variety per cell tray as the different plants will germinate at different times.
- Cover seed trays with a clear dome and move them under the grow lights. They do not need a heat mat to germinate. Snapdragons typically germinate within 10-14 days at a temperature of 60-70°F (15-21°C).
- Remove the cover when the seeds start to germinate. It’s okay if they didn’t all germinate, more will grow after the cover is removed.
- Keep soil moist by bottom watering only.
- Before transplanting snapdragon seedlings outdoors, harden them off by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over a period of 14 days.
- When seedlings are hardened off and ready to plant in the garden, space snapdragon transplants about 6-8 inches apart after the last frost date.
- Water young plants regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. Feed with an organic fish fertilizer for a few weeks and then use a slow-release fertilizer so feeding them is set-and-forget. This will help promote healthy growth and lots of blooms.
How to Winter Sow Snapdragon Seeds Successfully
Did you know that you can also start snapdragon seeds outdoors too? They are a great cold-tolerant annual that works well with the winter sowing method. If you lack indoor growing space or want to try a more low-maintenance approach to starting seeds, head over to my winter sowing guide to get my tips for starting snapdragon seeds outdoors.
How to Plant Snapdragons Outdoors: A Step-by-Step Guide
When seedlings are hardened off and ready to plant in the garden, it’s time to find the right location, prepare the soil and plant.
Best Location for Snapdragon Planting
Snapdragons thrive in full sun so choose a spot with at least six hours of sunlight per day (the more sun the better they’ll bloom). Additionally, ensure the soil is well-draining to prevent waterlogging because they are susceptible to root rot if drainage is poor.
How to Prepare Soil for Planting Snapdragons
Before planting snapdragon seedlings, prepare the soil by removing any weeds and debris. Loosen the soil to a depth of 6-8 inches using a garden fork or tiller. Incorporate lots of organic matter such as compost or aged manure to improve soil fertility and structure.
Steps for Planting Snapdragon Seedlings
- Once the soil is prepared, it’s time to plant your snapdragon seedlings.
- Dig holes in the prepared soil that are slightly larger than the root ball of the seedlings. Space snapdragon transplants about 6-8 inches apart, planting after the last frost date. (Because snapdragons are more cold tolerant, I have planted a bit earlier than that but watch the weather like a hawk!)
- Carefully remove the seedlings from their containers, gently teasing apart any tangled roots. Place each seedling into a prepared hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface.
- Fill in the holes with soil, gently firming it around the base of each seedling to provide support.
Watering Newly Planted Snapdragons
Water young plants regularly, keeping the soil moist but draining well. Feed with an organic fish fertilizer for a few weeks and then use a slow-release fertilizer so feeding them is set-and-forget. This will help promote healthy growth and lots of blooms.
Applying a layer of organic mulch around the base of the snapdragon seedlings can also be helpful to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and moderate soil temperature. While you can buy compost from the nursery, you can also make it yourself with my compost recipe.
Growing Snapdragons: Essential Tips For Thriving Blooms
Snapdragons prefer cool weather but can tolerate a light frost. Overall, snapdragons care is pretty easy as they don’t need a lot of coddling to keep them happy, healthy, and looking amazing. Here are some tips to keep them blooming all season long.
- When shopping for seedlings, look at their bloom time because some are bred to thrive in cooler temperatures while others can tolerate warmer temps better.
- To keep your snapdragons blooming during the season, pinch your seedlings back when they get about five to six sets of leaves. This means you’ll cut the plant down to roughly the second to the third set of leaves. This will encourage the plant to produce more flowers.
- Water snapdragons deeply once a week, or more often in hot, dry weather. Water the base of plants and avoid watering from above to help prevent fungal diseases.
- Apply a slow-release fertilizer to promote healthy growth and lots of blooms.
- Remove spent flowers regularly by pinching or cutting them off to encourage new growth and blooming. The more you cut and deadhead, the more flowers they will produce.
- If your snapdragons are a taller variety, they may become top-heavy and fall over. Stake them early to provide stem support. There’s nothing worse than spending time growing flowers to watch them fall over after a heavy rain or windstorm. Grow through hoops or trellis netting are great supports for them. To learn more about supporting tall flowers like snapdragons, read this post.
Optimal Timing for Pinching Snapdragon Seedlings
To create bushier snapdragons that overflow with blooms, it is important to pinch back the seedlings. When they have 4-6 true leaves, snip off the top just above a set of leaves. This encourages side shoots, resulting in a fuller plant that will produce more flowers. Now you can skip doing this, but the plant will not grow as many flowers. And the whole point is to get a lot of blooms, so don’t skip this step!
How to Deadhead Snapdragons for Longer Blooming
Another key snapdragon maintenance step is deadheading spent blooms. Deadhead snapdragons by pinching off faded flowers or cutting back the entire flower stem to the nearest set of leaves.
By promptly removing faded flowers, either by pinching them off or cutting back the entire flower stem to a set of healthy leaves or nodes, you’ll encourage the plant to redirect its energy towards producing new blooms rather than setting seeds.
This helps prolong the blooming period of snapdragons but also promotes a more compact and bushy growth habit. Regular deadheading also helps prevent the formation of seed pods, which can detract from the plant’s appearance and may result in self-seeding in unwanted areas of the garden.
Best Companion Plants for Snapdragons
Since I love to grow a snapdragon garden, there are some annuals and perennial plants that look really good with them and organically keep them healthy. Here are some of my favorites to plant with snapdragons.
- Marigolds
- Petunias
- Salvia
- Celosia
- Cosmos
- Sweet Alyssum
- Gomphrena
- Zinnias
- Larkspur
- Calendula
- Strawflowers
- Dahlias
How to Use Snapdragons as Cut Flowers: Tips and Techniques
Snapdragons make great cut flowers and can last for several days in a bouquet if properly cared for. Here are some tips for prolonging the life of snapdragons in an arrangement.
- Cut snapdragons in the early morning or later in the day. They should be cut when the flowers are just starting to open. Avoid cutting them in the heat of the day.
- Immediately place snapdragon cuttings in fresh room-temperature water to keep the flowers hydrated before arranging.
- Leave the stems in water for several hours to allow the flowers to condition themselves to life in a cut flower arrangement.
- Remove any leaves that will sit below the waterline to prevent bacteria growth.
- Add flower food to the water to help extend the life of the flowers.
- Keep the bouquet in a cool location away from direct sunlight and heat sources to help the flowers last longer.
And if you need some flower arranging tips, I shared design techniques here. By following these tips, snapdragons in a bouquet can last for several days, adding color and beauty to your home.
For more information about snapdragons see:
Growing Snapdragons FAQs
Whether you’re a seasoned green thumb or a budding horticulturist, you likely have questions about how best to cultivate these gorgeous flowers. I’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions to help you grow snapdragons successfully. From starting seeds to caring for mature plants, find all the expert tips and tricks you need to ensure your blooms thrive.
What month do you plant snapdragons?
Snapdragons are typically planted outdoors in the spring after the danger of frost has passed. Depending on your location and climate, this usually falls between March and May. However, snapdragon seeds can also be started indoors several weeks before the last frost date and transplanted outdoors once they have established seedlings.
Do snapdragons do well in pots?
Yes, snapdragons can do well in pots and containers as long as they have sufficient space for root growth and get enough sunlight and water. Choose a pot with good drainage holes and use a well-draining potting mix.
Container-grown snapdragons may require more frequent watering than those planted in the ground, especially during hot weather, because the soil can dry out faster than in garden beds.
How tall do snapdragons get?
Snapdragons’ height can vary depending on the variety and growing conditions. Most snapdragon varieties range from 6 inches to 3 feet in height. Dwarf varieties typically reach heights of 6 to 12 inches, while taller varieties can grow up to 2 to 3 feet tall. Make sure to choose your varieties carefully to ensure they suit your garden space and the aesthetic you’re going for.
Do snapdragons need a trellis?
Although they can grow to be quite tall, snapdragons do not typically require a trellis for support. They have sturdy stems that usually remain upright on their own. But some taller varieties may benefit from staking if they become top-heavy or start to bend or flop over. In most cases, proper spacing and adequate support from neighboring plants are enough to keep snapdragons upright.
Final Thoughts on Growing Snapdragons in My Cut Flower Garden
Snapdragons are one of my favorite flowers in the cutting garden. They are incredibly easy to start from seed, perform well, look amazing, and are beyond beautiful in a vase. Because they add cottage charm, height, and drama, you can’t beat these pretty blooms both in and out of the garden. Every year I tell myself I want to cut back on the amount of seeds I start, but I never do because I enjoy them so much.
I hope you are inspired to grow them after reading this post. If you are already growing snapdragons, do you have a favorite variety? Tell me about it in the comments below so we can chat more.
For more information about growing them, please read this article from the Cornell Cooperative Extension.
To drill down on more beginner gardening techniques and tips, please read these posts:
Happy Gardening! Enjoy a beautiful day!
