Growing Snapdragons: A Complete Guide
Snapdragons are favorites in our flower garden. Their spiked flowers come in many bright colors and mingle well in the garden. They’re easy to grow from seed, bloom in the cooler weather of spring and fall, and can even tolerate light frosts. Learn how to plant, grow, and care for snapdragons
About Snapdragons
Snapdragons (Antirrhinum majus) are colorful spiked beauties that are generally cool-season flowers that bloom reliably. They are cut-and-come-again flowers, and they’re easy to start from seed or buy at the garden center in spring. With almost every color combo imaginable, snapdragons fit any aesthetic and grow well in containers.
Though technically tender perennials hardy in USDA zones 8-11, gardeners in other zones treat snapdragons as annuals. That said, breeders have developed many varieties that do well right through the summer.
They are categorized into four groups based on their temperature and daylight preferences. Group 1 and 2 snapdragons do well in the shorter days and cooler temperatures of spring and early autumn. In contrast, Group 3 and 4 snapdragons don’t mind the heat and longer midsummer days and will reliably bloom right in the hottest part of the year.
Snapdragons bloom on tall stalks and open from the bottom first. Some varieties can reach 4-5 feet tall. They are fantastic cut flowers and, with proper harvesting, will last for a week or more in the vase.
