They can also be grown fairly easily from seeds started indoors weeks before the last winter frost.
They do best in rich, well-draining soil in a sunny location, though they’ll tolerate part shade.
Once the temperature heats up, they may stop blooming altogether.
The Spruce / Phoebe Cheong
Soil
Snapdragons like a neutralsoil pHbetween 6.2 and 7.0, rich in nutrients and well-draining.
As short-lived plants, they are not heavy feeders, but addingorganic matterwill help keep them healthy and blooming.
Water
Keep seedlings moist for the first few weeks.
The Spruce / Phoebe Cheong
Once established, snapdragon will need approximately one inch of water per week in times of no rainfall.
Water near the crown of the plant and avoid overhead watering to keep your snapdragon healthy.
Once established, let the top inch of soil dry fully before watering.
The Spruce / Phoebe Cheong
Temperature and Humidity
Snapdragons are tenderperennialsthat are hardy in USDA zones 7-11.
For this reason, they are usually grown as annuals.
Once established, snapdragons can withstand sub-freezing temperatures.
Thang Tat Nguyen / Getty Images
Snapdragons prefer average humidity within the 40 to 70 percent range.
Fertilizer
Apply fertilizer when the plants first start producing flowers.
Water well after fertilizing.
Illustration: The Spruce / Kaley McKean
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How Grow Snapdragons from Seed
In milder climates, snapdragons can be winter-sown.
They can also be direct-sown in the garden a few weeks before the last expected frost.
The Spruce / Phoebe Cheong
Position the tray under bright lightsthe seeds need light to germinate.
Keep the light on for 16 hours per day.
Transplant snapdragons outdoors a couple of weeks before your last frost date.
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Snapdragons can handle a light frost or two.
Overwintering
These short-lived perennials are usually grown asannuals.
Common Pests & Plant Diseases
Rust fungus can be a significant problem with snapdragons.
These can be treated withneem oilor insecticidal soap.
How to Get Snapdragon to Bloom
Snapdragons are known for their colorful blooms.
They start blooming in early spring and keep blooming all season long.
They are short-lived perennials that act like annuals and don’t usually flower for more than one season.
The right amount of sunlight is the secret sauce to getting your snapdragons to bloom.
From full sun to partial shade, adjusting the amount of sun your plants get is the answer.
Deadheading the dying flowers will keep your plant blooming abundantly.
Common Problems With Snapdragon
Snapdragons are a never-go-out-of-style summertime bloom.
They’re bright and cheery, and memorable additions to the summer months.
To treat snapdragon rust, stop it before it starts.
Thin out your plants and let air circulate around them.
Also, don’t water your snapdragons at night.
The fix is easy: protect plants with supports to keep them standing tall.
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Yes, given the right moisture, your snapdragons will thrive.
Snapdragons, as perennials, have a lifespan of about three years.
As annuals, they last for one season.
No, generally snapdragons do not grow back every year.
High temperatures will stop them from blooming.
Yes, hummingbirds are attracted to snapdragons.
Their nectar is rich and hummingbirds can easily navigate to the inside of their flowers.
SnapdragonAntirrhinum majus.University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources.
Snapdragon for the Farmer Florist,Mississippi State University Extension.
