Two easy ways to start snapdragon seeds indoors and out. From choosing varieties to bloom-boosting tips, get ready for a summer overflowing with colorful, homegrown beauty. Maximize your blooms with this simple guide. No greenhouse required.
I’ve been growing snapdragons in my cutting garden for several years and they have quickly become one of my favorite blooms to grow. Those stately spikes of color with each blossom resembling a miniature dragon’s mouth come in a variety of colors, look amazing in the garden, and even better in a bouquet.
Have you grown them before?
While you can find some types of snapdragons at the garden nursery, you are better off starting these gorgeous blooms from seed. They are easy to germinate and grow well in my garden, so today, I’m sharing two ways to start snapdragons from seed.
And the best part? We don’t need a greenhouse to do it. Wait until you see how easy it is to grow cut-flower snapdragons from scratch!
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Choosing What Types of Snapdragons To Grow
Choosing the right snapdragon for your cut flower garden can be as thrilling as watching those tiny seeds sprout into towering blooms. But with so many varieties boasting different heights, bloom times, and colors, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Here are some things to consider when selecting the perfect snapdragon flowers for your garden.
Types of Snapdragon Flowers
When selecting the snapdragons for your cut flower garden, look at their height, how long they flower, their type, and whether they are single or double blooms.
- Consider Height: Do you want towering spikes in the back of your border, or charming companions for the front? Tall varieties like Rocket and Chantilly reach 2-3 feet, while shorter options like Sonnet stay under 18 inches.
- Type: Depending on the snapdragon variety you choose to grow, some can withstand longer, warmer days versus others that do best in cooler temperatures.
- Flowering Time: Want blooms all season long? Opt for varieties that can tolerate some summer heat a little better like like Potomac and Madame Butterfly. Keep in mind that snapdragons slow down their bloom production during hot summers but will pick up again in the fall.
- Single or Double Bloom: Single snapdragons like Chantilly offer graceful lines and easy bee access, while double blooms like Butterfly Bronze pack a dramatic punch of color.
Snapdragon Flower Color
But also, you’ll want to pick a color scheme for your flower garden. Are you going for a soft and soothing monochromatic garden design with a single hue like peach and soft yellow for a cohesive look? Or do you want to mix things up with blends like Rocket Mix or Chantilly Mix for a kaleidoscope of color. Or maybe you want to pair contrasting snapdragon flowers like Madame Butterfly Rose and Costa Apricot.
Snapdragon Seed Selection Tips
When selecting what snapdragons seeds you want to grow, always read the seed packet carefully because it will tell you about sowing, bloom time, height, and any special needs that variety requires. Keep in mind the climate and growing conditions you have. Snapdragon flowers need full sun to grow in moist but well-draining soil.
But the most important thing to remember, is to have fun and try different snapdragon flowers to see what you enjoy growing.
Two Ways to Start Snapdragon Seeds
And now, the fun part. Starting snapdragon seeds is a rewarding experience that once you start, you’ll want to keep on growing these incredible blooms. There are two ways you can start snapdragon seeds and I’m sharing both with you today: winter sowing outdoors and indoor seed starting.
Winter sowing is a revolutionary technique that lets you get a head start on spring by planting seeds directly outdoors in the heart of winter. It is a low-maintenance method that is perfect for beginners who have never started seeds before because it’s less of a process than starting seeds indoors.
Winter sowing seeds outdoors is a great way to get a jump on the next growing season without sacrificing space indoors to start seeds. Since seeds germinate and grow in the outdoor environment, acclimating plants to the outdoors is a little easier.
In addition to winter sowing, we can also start snapdragon seeds indoors under grow lights. It’s a little more involved than winter sowing but still very easy to do.
Regardless of the method you choose, you’ll have towering snap dragon flowers in no time come spring. Are you ready to get started? Let’s do this!
How to Start Snapdragon Seeds Using the Winter Sowing Method
Snapdragon are a great cold-tolerant annual that works well with the winter sowing method. If you lack indoor growing space or don’t want to invest in all of the indoor seed starting equipment, this low-maintenance approach is a great option for starting snapdragon seeds.
As a general rule, you don’t want to start winter sowing snapdragon seeds before winter begins (December 21). And with the holidays immediately following that time, to me, January and February are the best times to get started. New year new plants, am I right?
Supplies Needed for Winter Sowing
Sowing seeds outdoors in winter requires much less than doing them inside. Plus, it’s a great way to recycle items from around the house such as milk jugs and rotisserie chicken containers. Thus, winter sowing is very eco-friendly!
- Recycled container to start seeds
- Organic potting soil
- Snapdragon seeds
- Tape
- Sharp utility knife or scissors
Where to Buy Good Quality Seeds
There are lots of places you can purchase good quality seeds. I prefer ordering from:
Winter Sowing Containers
The best winter containers for sowing are things that we use every day. Each of these items can be repurposed and recycled as winter sowing containers, so we don’t have to spend a dime on expensive seed starting trays, domes, and grow lights. Here are a few options to save now so you can winter sow seeds later.
- Chicken rotisserie containers
- Plastic milk jugs
- Plastic storage boxes
- Mixed green salad containers
Regardless of what you choose, you’ll need to make sure they are cleaned and sterilized well before potting and planting them up. I usually try to wash them out with Dawn dish soap and soak them for a few minutes in a 1:10 ratio of bleach to water solution.
And if you don’t have any recycled items to use, grab some peat pots or cell trays filled with soil and you’re good to go!
Winter Sowing Snapdragon Seeds Directions
While we are winter sowing seeds outdoors today, you can still start seeds indoors too. Depending on the type of plant you want to grow, it’s not too late to get started.
But wait until you see how easy winter sowing is to do. Once you try this, you’ll want to start more seeds using this method.
- Gather the supplies.
- Add drainage holes to the bottom of containers so moisture can drain out.
- If using a milk jug, cut the jug in half so it can be filled with organic potting soil and planted. Remove nutrition labels from lids or covers so light can reach seeds.
- Fill the bottoms of containers about halfway with pre-moistened potting soil. (You should be able to make a ball out of the soil without it falling apart.) To keep things neat in my workspace, I used THIS tray to hold the potting soil and THIS tray beneath my containers.
- Then sow your seeds.
- Attach the cover and tape it closed.
- Label the containers well so you know what’s planted.
- Remove the cap or add a few holes at the top of the container to insure good airflow.
- Then move to an outdoor location that receives sunlight and rain, but is protected from harsh weather. And if you live in a warmer climate, set them in a shadier spot where they’ll receive moisture but don’t cook in the heat.
- Check weekly to make sure they are moist.
3 Quick Tips for Winter Sowing
- Sow one type of seed per container – do not mix varieties.
- Label well with plant variety and the date sowed. Keep seed packets for easy reference.
- Check them once a week to make sure containers stay evenly moist.
Starting Snapdragon Seeds Indoors Under Grow Lights
I started my snapdragon seeds indoors several years ago and still do it to this day. It’s a great way to get a jump on the growing season and you have more control over their growing conditions.
Must-Have Seed Starting Supplies
If you decide to start seed indoors, it is really important to invest in the proper equipment. Yes you can start seeds in a sunny window but they won’t do nearly as well as they will under grow lights.
- Snapdragon seeds
- Vermiculite
- Seed Starting Potting Soil
- Seed Trays
- Bottom or Drainage Trays
- Clear Dome Lids
- Grow Lights
- Table or Shelf System for Seedlings
- Plant Labels
- Oscillating Fan
- Programmable Timer
How to Start Snapdragons Seeds Indoors Directions
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 like other seeds do. 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 OK if they didn’t all germinate, more will grow after the cover is removed.
- Keep soil moist by bottom watering only.
- Thin out seedlings if your sowed more than one seed per cell or pot.
- 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. Plant in full sun to partial shade in moist but well draining soil.
- Water young plants regularly from the bottom, 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.
3 Quick Tips for Sowing Seeds Indoors
- Sow one type of seed per cell tray – do not mix varieties.
- Label every cell and pot well with plant variety and the date sowed. Keep seed packets for easy reference.
- You don’t have to sow every seed in the packet for results.
- Check them often to make sure containers stay evenly moist. Always water from the bottom to avoid damaging delicate seedlings.
Caring For Snapdragon Seedlings After Germination
Regardless of the method used to start snapdragon seeds, you’ll want to provide the proper care for your snapdragon seedlings so they grow and bloom into beautiful flowers for your cut flower garden. Follow these tips for growing snapdragons from seed to flower.
Pinching Back
Pinching back snapdragon seedlings might seem counterintuitive, but it’s the secret to bushier and branchier plants with a lot more blooms! Snipping off the top two sets of leaves when seedlings have 4-6 true leaves diverts energy to side shoots, creating a stronger, branching structure that can better support an abundance of flowers. Think of it as trading one tall stem for multiple shorter, sturdier ones, each bursting with colorful snapdragon flowers.
Supporting Snapdragon Flowers
Unless you are growing a shorter variety, snapdragons need additional support to keep the blooms upright. Their heavy blooms and branching can make them top-heavy and bendy in the wind. Stakes, cages, or trellis netting can help these pretty flowers stand tall and reach their full, vibrant potential.
From my experience, I’ve found grow-through support hoops like these to be effective with keeping the blooms upright in a cottage garden setting, but prefer using trellis netting like this in my cut flower garden because it is more efficient and easier to support them that way. To drill down on how to support taller flowers like snapdragons, read this post that I wrote.
Which Method is Best?
Winter Sowing Your Seeds
Pros
- Cost-effective: Requires minimal supplies (recycled containers, etc.)
- Low maintenance: Natural sunlight and rainfall do most of the work.
- Hardy seedlings: Exposure to natural conditions creates strong, resilient plants.
- Reduced transplant shock: Seedlings gradually acclimate to outdoor conditions.
- Less damping-off: Good air circulation in outdoor containers reduces disease risk.
Cons
- Slower germination: Fluctuating temperatures can slow down the process.
- Unpredictable weather: Seedlings may be damaged by late frosts or heavy rain.
- Limited control: Less control over temperature and moisture levels.
- Potential for seed loss: Birds or rodents may disturb containers.
- Space requirements: May require outdoor space for multiple containers.
Starting Snapdragon Seeds Indoors
Pros
- Faster germination: Consistent indoor temperatures promote quicker growth.
- Controlled environment: Can regulate temperature, light, and humidity.
- Early start: Get a jump-start on the growing season.
- Higher success rate: More protection from pests and diseases.
- Compact: Seed trays take up less space than outdoor containers.
Cons
- Requires equipment: Need seed trays, grow lights, and potentially a heat mat.
- Higher cost: Investment in supplies can be expensive.
- More hands-on: Requires regular watering, monitoring, and hardening off.
- Risk of damping-off: Overwatering or poor air circulation can lead to fungal disease.
- Potential transplant shock: Seedlings need gradual acclimation to outdoor conditions.
Deciding What’s Best For You and Your Cut Flower Garden
Choosing the best method for starting snapdragon seeds really comes down to your individual circumstances and preferences.
If you’re new to gardening or prefer a simple, low-cost approach, winter sowing is a great option. It requires minimal equipment and relies on natural elements to do the work.
If you have some gardening experience and prefer more control over the growing environment, starting seeds indoors might be a better fit. This method allows for faster germination and an earlier start to the season, but it requires more equipment and hands-on care.
Ultimately, the best way to find out what works best in your garden is to experiment with both methods! You might even find that a combination of the two suits you best.
Planting Snapdragons Seeds FAQs
Are Snapdragons Easy to Grow From Seed?
Snapdragons are very easy to grow from seed. They germinate with ease and are fuss-free seedlings when given the proper care. The most difficult part about sowing snapdragon seeds are the size of the seeds. They are tiny!
Why Are My Snapdragon Seeds Not Germinating?
Keep in mind that it can take 2-4 weeks for seeds to germinate when starting them indoors. My snapdragon seeds on average have taken about two weeks, but I’ve seen them take a little longer. So be patient.
If you hit a month and they still haven’t germinated, are you giving it enough light? A bright sunny window is not enough light for those tiny seeds to grow. Make sure they are getting 14-16 hours of time under the grow lights.
Because the seeds are so tiny, it’s really important not to cover them with soil so they receive the most light for germination. This makes it alot easier to sow those tiny snapdragon seeds!
Do Snapdragons Need Cold Stratification?
While some snapdragon varieties appreciate a bit of chill, not all require cold stratification (a pre-planting treatment that mimics wintery conditions to encourage germination). It primarily depends on the specific type you’re growing and its natural blooming habits.
I’ve been starting snapdragons for several years and have never popped them in the refrigerator to give them a cold boost before sowing seeds indoors. If you start them outdoors using the winter sowing method, they’ll get that cold stratification anyway.
Always check your seed packet for specific sowing directions and see if the grower recommends giving them a cold stratification period.
What Month Do You Plant Snapdragon Seeds?
What month to plant snapdragon seeds primarily depends on the method you are using to sow seeds and when your last frost date is. For the winter sowing method, I’d start them in January. This will give them the cold stratification period needed to grow for the seeds to germinate outdoors in their mini greenhouses. If you are sowing them indoors, check your seed packet for the precise sowing time. But most types of snapdragons are started about 8-10 weeks before your last frost date.
So Which is the Best Way to Start Snapdragon Seeds?
Both methods, winter sowing and starting seeds indoors, work well for growing snapdragons. If you’re a beginner or want a low-cost option, try winter sowing. If you have seed starting equipment, starting indoors is also effective. Ultimately, the best method depends on your preferences and gardening style. Experiment to see what works best in your garden!
Have you ever started snapdragons from seed before? Will you give it a try this year? Tell me about it in the comments below so we can chat more.
For more information about planting and propagating snapdragons, see the University of Florida Cooperative Extension.
To drill down on more beginner gardening techniques and tips, please read these posts:
Are you ready to get your bloom on? Thank you for being here and enjoy a beautiful day!
