Snapdragons (Antirrhinum majus) are vibrant, eye-catching flowers known for their unique, dragon-shaped blooms that open and close when gently squeezed—hence the name. Native to the Mediterranean region, snapdragons come in a wide array of colours including pink, red, yellow, orange, white, and even bi-colour varieties. They grow upright on tall spikes and are often used in garden beds, borders, and floral arrangements for their dramatic vertical appeal. Snapdragons thrive in cooler weather, making them popular in early spring and fall gardens. They attract pollinators like bees and butterflies and can range in height from dwarf varieties (around 6 inches) to taller types that reach up to 3 feet. With their whimsical blooms and long-lasting colour, snapdragons are a favourite for adding charm and texture to any outdoor space.

How To Grow

1. Choose the Right Spot Snapdragons love full sun (at least 6 hours a day) but can tolerate partial shade. Make sure the soil drains well—soggy roots are a no-go.

2. Start from Seeds or Transplants From seeds: Start indoors 8–10 weeks before your last expected frost. Snapdragons germinate best in cooler temps (60–70°F). Lightly press the seeds into the surface—no need to cover them, they need light to sprout. Transplants: Buy young plants from a nursery and plant them outside once the danger of frost has passed.

3. Planting Outdoors Space them 6–12 inches apart depending on the variety. Water them in well, and add mulch to keep the soil moist and cool.

4. Care and Maintenance Water regularly, especially during dry spells, but don’t overdo it. Fertilize every few weeks with a balanced flower fertilizer to keep blooms coming. Deadhead (remove spent flowers) to encourage more blooms and keep the plant looking tidy. If your snapdragons get leggy, you can pinch back the stems to encourage bushier growth.

5. End of Season In cold climates, snapdragons are grown as annuals. In warmer zones (USDA 7+), they might overwinter and bloom again in early spring.

How/When To Harvesting

1. Choose the Right Time Harvest snapdragons early in the morning or in the cooler part of the day when the plants are well-hydrated. Look for flower spikes where the bottom 1/3 to 1/2 of the blooms are open—this ensures the upper buds will continue to bloom after cutting.

2. Use Clean, Sharp Scissors or Garden Shears Cut the stem at a 45-degree angle, just above a leaf node or side shoot. This encourages the plant to produce more stems and flowers.

3. Strip the Lower Leaves Remove any leaves that will sit below the water line in a vase—this helps prevent rot and keeps your arrangement fresh longer.

4. Place in Water Immediately Put the cut stems in cool, clean water as soon as you cut them. Let them sit in a shady, cool place for a couple of hours before arranging.

5. Keep Them Fresh Change the vase water every 2–3 days. Re-cut the stems slightly every few days to keep water uptake strong. Snapdragons can last 5–10 days in a vase if cared for properly.

Bonus Tip: Keep harvesting! Regular cutting encourages more blooms throughout the season.