Snapdragon

Antirrhinum majus · Flower

Quick answer: Water: When the top 1 in is dry (estimated). Light: Full sun to partial shade. Soil: Moist, slightly acidic; amend heavy clay. Pets: The ASPCA lists snapdragon as non-toxic to cats and dogs. If in doubt, ask your vet.

A cool-season flower with dense spikes of blooms that open like little mouths when squeezed. It comes in dwarf bedding types and tall cutting types. It flowers best in the mild weather of spring and fall.

Care at a glance

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Water

Keep evenly moist; water at the base

Soil

Moist, slightly acidic; amend heavy clay

Temperature

Seeds sprout at 70–75 °F; plants like cool weather

Spacing

6–10 in apart

Container

Pot at least 8 in deep (estimated)

Bloom

Spring and fall in mild weather; tall types reach 2–3 ft

Lifespan

Annual; may live a second year in mild climates (estimated)

When?

Start seeds indoors 8–10 weeks before the last frost and set plants out after it. In warm-winter regions plant in fall or late winter for blooms in the cool months.

Step by step

1. Sow seed on the surface without covering it; it needs light to sprout.
2. Keep the surface moist; seedlings appear in 7–14 days at 70–75 °F.
3. Move seedlings to small pots about 3–4 weeks after sowing.
4. Pinch 3–4 in seedlings back to 1.5–2 in to get more branches.
5. Plant 6–10 in apart in sun; stake tall types.
6. Water at the base or with drip to keep leaves dry.
7. Cut spent spikes so new ones form.

Common problems

Pets

The ASPCA lists snapdragon as non-toxic to cats and dogs. If in doubt, ask your vet.

Related tools

Similar plants