How to Grow and Care Snapdragon Flowers; Antirrhinum majus

Snapdragon flowers, who are scientifically called Antirrhinum majus, are beautiful flowering plants that are easy to grow and care for. Snapdragon is well-known for its tall spikes of brightly colored flowers that resemble a dragon\’s mouth, hence their name \”snapdragon\”.

Antirrhinum is a genus of flowering plants in the family Plantaginaceae. These plants are native to rocky areas of Europe, North Africa, and the United States. The flowers of antirrhinums come in a wide range of colors, including white, pink, yellow, orange, red, and purple.

They are a popular choice for gardeners due to their showy flowers and their ability to attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Snapdragon is a versatile flowering plant that can be grown in various conditions, including gardens, borders, rock gardens, and containers. They are also used in floral arrangements and as cut flowers.

The plant Snapdragon is erect, green, and hairy. It can grow up to a height of 15-90 cm. The leaves are alternate, lance-shaped, and sessile. They are usually 3-8 cm long and 1-2 cm wide. The leaves are green and have serrated margins.

The flowers of Snapdragon are showy and come in a wide range of colors including pink, red, yellow, white, and purple. The flowers are bilaterally symmetrical and have a characteristic shape that resembles a dragon\’s mouth. The flowers have a long, narrow, and pointed spur at the back. The flowers are arranged in a raceme or spike-like inflorescence from the upper leaves’ axil. The fruit of Antirrhinum majus is a capsule that contains many small seeds.

Cultivars of Snapdragon flowers

Antirrhinum has many cultivars with different colors, sizes, and shapes of flowers. Here are some of the popular cultivars of Antirrhinum flowers:

\’Rocket\’ – This cultivar has tall spikes of flowers in various colors, including pink, red, yellow, orange, white, and several other double-shade colors.

\’Remini Scent\’ – This cultivar is known for its fragrant pink, lavender, and white flowers.

\’Madame Butterfly\’ – This cultivar has double flowers that resemble miniature roses in shades of pink, red, yellow, crimson, and several other variegated colors.

\’Twinny\’ – This cultivar has large, double flowers in shades of pink, purple, and white.

\’Montego\’ – This cultivar has bright, bi-colored flowers in shades of pink, red, orange, yellow, purple, and peach color.

\’Night and Day\’ – This cultivar has dark purple and white flowers that create a striking contrast.

\’Floral Showers\’ – This cultivar has cascading branches of flowers in shades of pink, white, and purple.

\’Chantilly\’ – This cultivar has delicate, frilly flowers in shades of pink, lavender, and white.

These are just a few examples of the many cultivars of Antirrhinum flowers available.

Sunlight Requirements

Snapdragons, require a significant amount of sunlight to grow and bloom properly. A minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight per day and prefer full sun to partial shade. In hotter climates, they may benefit from some afternoon shade. In shadier areas, they will typically have weaker stems and may produce fewer flowers. To grow healthy and vibrant snapdragons, it is essential to give them enough sunlight, which will help them produce strong stems, lush foliage, and colorful blooms.

Temperature and Humidity Requirements of Antirrhinum Flowers

Antirrhinum flowers thrive in cool to mild temperatures, with an ideal range of 55-70°F (13-21°C). They are sensitive to high temperatures and humidity, which can cause flower drop and reduced flowering. In warmer areas, Antirrhinum flowers are grown as cool-season annuals, planted in fall or winter for spring blooms.

They prefer moderate humidity levels between 40-60% to avoid fungal diseases or drying out. Adequate ventilation and air circulation are crucial for maintaining appropriate humidity levels. Antirrhinum flowers are sensitive to frost, and in cold areas, they are grown as annuals, biennials, or perennials in mild winter regions.

Optimum Soil Requirements of Antirrhinum Flowers

Snapdragons thrive in slightly acidic, well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Before planting, incorporate compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil fertility and drainage. Soil should be moist but not waterlogged, with a loamy texture of sand, silt, and clay. If the soil is heavy clay or sandy, amend it with organic matter.

Propagation of Snapdragon flowers

Antirrhinum flower seeds can be sown directly in the garden after the last frost date, or start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before the last frost date. Regardless of the method used, make sure to provide the seedlings with enough sunlight, water, and nutrients to ensure healthy growth and blooming.

Propagating from seeds indoor

Snapdragon seeds can be started indoors 8-10 weeks before the last expected frost.

Sow the seeds in well-draining soil and keep them moist until they germinate.

Fill seed trays or small pots with well-draining soil, and sow 1-2 seeds per container.

Cover the seeds lightly with soil and water the soil gently.

Place the trays or pots in a warm, bright location, or under grow lights, and keep the soil moist until the seedlings emerge.

Once the seedlings have 2-3 sets of leaves, they can be transplanted into larger containers or directly into the garden.

Sowing Snapdragon seeds directly in the Garden

Snapdragon seeds can be sown directly in the garden after the last frost date in the spring when the soil has warmed up.

Choose a sunny location with well-draining soil.

Prepare the soil by removing any weeds and debris and loosening the soil to a depth of about 6 inches (15 cm).

Sow the seeds thinly and cover them with a thin layer of soil, about 1/8 inch (3 mm) deep.

Water the soil gently to keep it moist, but not waterlogged.

Germination typically takes 10-20 days.

After germination space the plants for at least 6 inches apart.

Water Requirements of Snapdragon flowers

Antirrhinum flowers require moderate watering, with evenly moist soil but not overwatered as it can cause root rot. The frequency depends on climate and soil conditions, but generally, deep watering once or twice a week during the growing season is sufficient. Watering should be done in the morning or early evening to prevent evaporation and fungal diseases. During winter when the plant is dormant, watering once a week or every two weeks is enough, to ensure the soil does not dry out completely.

Fertilization of Snapdragon flowers

Snapdragon flowers require regular fertilization for healthy growth and blooming. Before planting, the soil should be amended with compost or well-rotted manure. During the growing season, a balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 should be applied every 3-4 weeks. Slow-release granular fertilizer can be used as a substitute. During blooming, a fertilizer with a higher phosphorus ratio like 5-10-10 or 10-20-20 should be used every 3-4 weeks. Avoid over-fertilization to prevent excessive foliage and fewer blooms. Fertilizers must be applied according to instructions and watering should be increased to prevent fertilizer burn.

Properly Stake your Snapdragon flowers

Some antirrhinum varieties can grow up to 3 feet tall and may need support to prevent them from toppling over in strong winds. Use stakes or plant supports to keep them upright.

Regularly Deadhead your Spent Snapdragon flowers

Deadheading is the process of removing spent flowers from a plant in order to promote new growth and encourage continued flowering. Deadheading Snapdragon flowers should be done regularly, ideally once or twice a week during the blooming season, to promote continued flowering and keep the plant looking neat and tidy. Discard the spent flowers that are faded, or lost their color, and begin to dry out and collect flowers in a bag or compost pile and dispose of them properly. Also, pinch off seed pods to encourage the plant to produce more flowers.

Disease and Insect Attack on Snapdragon Flowers

Snapdragon flowers are generally considered to be relatively pest and disease-resistant. However, they can still be susceptible to some insect pests. Here are some of the common insect pests that can attack antirrhinum flowers

Aphids

These small, soft-bodied insects can suck the sap from the plant, causing stunted growth and distorted leaves. They can be controlled by washing them off the plant with a strong jet of water, or by using insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Spider mites

These tiny, red or yellow mites can cause yellowing and wilting of the leaves. They can be controlled by spraying the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Rust

Rust is a fungal disease that can cause orange or yellow spots on the leaves and stems of the plant. It can be controlled by removing and destroying affected plant parts, improving air circulation, and avoiding overhead watering. Fungicides labeled for rust control may also be used.

Crown and root rot

Crown and root rot are fungal diseases that can cause the plant to wilt and die. It can be prevented by providing good drainage and avoiding overwatering. Fungicides labeled for crown and root rot control may also be used.

Prevention is key to keeping diseases at bay. Proper cultural practices, such as maintaining good garden hygiene, providing adequate water and nutrients, and avoiding overcrowding, can help to keep Antirrhinum plants healthy and more resistant to disease. Additionally, using disease-resistant varieties and avoiding planting in areas with a history of the disease can also help to prevent disease problems.

Ornamental Uses of Snapdragon Flowers

Antirrhinum flowers are widely used in ornamental gardening and landscaping for their showy, brightly colored blooms and tall, upright growth habit. Here are some of the ornamental uses of Antirrhinum flowers:

Bedding plants: Antirrhinum flowers are commonly used as bedding plants in flower beds and borders, where they add height and color to the display. They can be planted in masses for a bold effect or mixed with other annuals and perennials for a more diverse display.

Container plants: Antirrhinum flowers are also popular container plants, where they can be grown in pots or hanging baskets to add color and interest to patios, decks, and other outdoor spaces. They can also be grown indoors as houseplants, provided they receive adequate light.

Cut flowers: Antirrhinum flowers are popular cut flowers, with long stems that make them ideal for use in floral arrangements and bouquets. They are particularly well-suited for use in tall, vase arrangements, where their upright growth habit can be showcased.

Edging plants: Antirrhinum flowers can be used as edging plants, where they can be planted in a row along the edge of a garden bed or pathway to provide a neat, defined border.

Mass plantings: Antirrhinum flowers can be planted in large masses for a dramatic effect, particularly when grown in bold, contrasting colors such as deep red and yellow.

Overall, Antirrhinum flowers are versatile and attractive plants that can be used in a variety of ornamental settings, from formal gardens to casual containers, and they can be combined with a wide range of other plants to create beautiful and eye-catching displays.