Snapdragons (Antirrhinum majus)

Snap dragons are beloved by children and adults alike for their unique flower that looks like a dragon’s mouth. They actually prefer cooler temperatures to flower so they will open in the early spring or late fall depending on when you plant them. We tried planting these in late September and they over wintered here beautifully. They flowered the following spring. Their heights can range from 6-30 inches depending on the variety you plant. They are happy to grow in containers, hanging baskets, or the ground. They make a beautiful cut flower or can be used to fill in a space in your perennial beds while the perennials establish themselves.

Planting/Harvesting Notes

Choose a spot in your yard that gets full to part sun. Dig a hole twice as wide and as deep as the container. Then carefully remove the flower from the pot. Place the flower in the hole and fill the hole. Water the soil well to help it settle around the roots.

This plant is a annual and may self seed, but if you want to increase your odds of the plant coming back next year, be sure to collect some seed for planting. Seed can be planted in the fall for spring blooms.

Seed Saving

  • Wait until the seed heads are completely dried and brown on the flower head
  • You can bag the dried flowers in organza bags to make seed collecting easier.
  • Once seed is collected, store in a labeled paper envelope in a cool dry place.
Wide view of snapdragons in bloom
Wide view of snapdragons in bloom.

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