How to Plant and Grow Snapdragon

A classic annual, snapdragons have been grown for generations. This cool-season plant's flowers fit right in with pansies and violas and look good in mixed containers or cut for bouquets. Not only are they appreciated by humans for their bright, cheery colors, but they are also an important nectar plant for bumblebees.

Snapdragons are one of the few flowers that come in almost every color. As a result, they make a great addition to any garden, even in the winter in regions where it doesn't freeze.

Where to Plant Snapdragons

Plant snapdragons in well-draining soil in full sun for the best blooms. Although they can tolerate partial shade, the amount of blooms is reduced. Snapdragons are cottage garden favorites, and they really shine in the middle of a border where you need a splash of vivid color.

They can also be grown in containers and moved outdoors in the spring. Snapdragons prefer cool temperatures, so they bloom heavily in spring and early summer and slow down in the heat of late summer.

How and When to Plant Snapdragons

Six to eight weeks before the last average frost date in your area, set out snapdragon transplants about 9 inches apart. After they settle in, pinch the transplants back to two sets of leaves to encourage branching.

Snapdragons are one of the first flowering plants you can set out in spring. These plants stand up to the cold and will keep up a blooming show. Although snapdragons are classified as annuals, they can grow as short-lived perennials in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 7-10. Plant snapdragons in early spring in cold climates and in late fall in warmer climates.

Snapdragon Care Tips

Light

For the best show, give snapdragons as much sun as possible, but in warmer climates, provide shelter from the hot afternoon sun. Do this by planting snapdragons on the east-facing side of your home or next to a wall where they can get shade later in the day. Dappled sunlight, which can be found where there are shade trees, is another way to protect plants from harsh afternoon rays.

Soil and Water

Snapdragons bloom most prolifically in moist, well-draining soil. Immediately after planting, water the plants daily until they are established. If it doesn't rain regularly in your area, provide the plants with about 1 inch of water a week.

Temperature and Humidity

Snapdragons often don't handle summer heat well, especially in southern climates. Plan on storing them indoors in those locations, as they'll stop blooming in the heat and may not make it through the season outside. Then, once cool fall nights arrive, they can be replanted.

Fertilizer

If it seems like the plants aren't growing many more buds, it's sometimes beneficial to cut them back and add a dose of 10-10-10 fertilizer. This will kick production into gear for another growth spurt.

Pruning

Some old-fashioned varieties of snapdragons can be pretty tall, especially those bred for cut-flower production. With large types, give young plants a good pinch to encourage bushy growth and prevent too much flopping due to the snapdragons' height.

Once the plants have put on their first significant set of blooms, keep plants deadheaded to encourage more blooms.

Pests and Problems

In the shade, plants are more susceptible to foliar diseases like rust and powdery mildew, so make sure to space snapdragons properly and keep foliage dry. Water snapdragons at the base of the plant to avoid getting leaves wet.

Some varieties of snapdragons are valued as cut flowers and are particularly tall. Unless you are growing them for cut flower use, pinch these plants back to prevent them from flopping over.

How to Propagate Snapdragons

Snapdragons can be propagated from cuttings and seeds. Because snapdragons cross-pollinate freely, seeds taken from a snapdragon may result in plants that don't resemble the parent.

Propagate from cuttings:

1. Two to three leaves up from the base of the plant, cut just below a leaf node at a 45° angle.
2. Remove the lower leaves so the cutting hydrates more easily.
3. Dip the cut end of the stem into rooting hormone.
4. After saturating the soil, make a hole for your cutting.
5. Insert the cutting into the hole, and cover with soil. Pinch the plant.
6. Place the cutting in bright, indirect light.
7. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.

Propagate from seeds:

1. Press the seeds into a flat of moist seed starter mix or directly into the garden. Leave seeds uncovered because they need light to germinate.
2. Keep the seeds moist.
3. Place in a warm, sunny location with plenty of light exposure all day. If needed, you can use grow lights.
4. Transplant seedlings after the last spring frost. Seeds planted in the garden should survive the winter and germinate in the spring. 

Innovations

It seems there are always new varieties on the market. Several varieties with variegated foliage, dwarf habits, and improved heat and disease tolerance have been developed (to name a few). There are also new flower forms with exciting patterns, open-face blooms, and double blossoms. Some trailing varieties perfect for containers and climbing walls have been developed.

Types of Snapdragons

Whether it's early spring, late fall, or even midwinter in southern climates, snapdragons are happy to keep blooming. Here are a few of our favorites.

'Butterfly Bronze' Snapdragon

Antirrhinum 'Bronze Butterfly' bears open-faced, golden-orange flowers on 3-foot-tall plants. Zones 7-10

'Rocket Red' Snapdragon

Antirrhinum 'Rocket Red' bears crimson-red flowers on 3-foot-tall stems. Zones 7-10

'Solstice Yellow' Snapdragon

Antirrhinum 'Solstice Yellow' bears spikes of golden-yellow flowers on 2-foot-tall plants. Zones 7-10

'Sonnet Pink' Snapdragon

Antirrhinum 'Sonnet Pink' bears soft pink flowers on 2-foot-tall plants. Zones 7-10

Snapdragon Companion Plants

Licorice Plant

Elegant, silvery licorice plants are helpful for setting off flowers in blue, white, purple, and other colors, adding contrast to plantings where you want more than just a mass of green. They're especially good in containers, where you can admire them up close and show off their spreading habit to the best effect. Technically a tropical shrub, licorice plant is usually grown as an annual in the United States. It does best in full sun and well-drained soil.

Petunia

Petunias are failproof favorites for gardeners everywhere. They are vigorous growers and prolific bloomers from midspring through late fall. Color choices are nearly limitless, with some sporting beautiful veining and intriguing colors. Many varieties are sweetly fragrant (sniff blooms in the garden center to be sure.) Some also tout themselves as "weatherproof," meaning the flowers don't close up when water splashes on them.

Wave petunias have made this plant even more popular. Reaching up to 4 feet long, it's excellent as a groundcover or when cascading from window boxes and pots. All petunias do best and grow more bushy and full if you pinch or cut them back by one-third to two-thirds in midsummer.

Salvia

Few gardens don't have at least one salvia growing in them. Whether you have sun or shade, a dry garden, or lots of rainfall, there's an annual salvia that you'll find indispensable. All attract hummingbirds, especially the red ones, and are great picks for hot, dry sites where you want tons of color all season. Most salvias don't like cool weather, so plant them outdoors after all danger of frost has passed.