Snapdragons

The Snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus) is the best known species from the genus of Snapdragons (Antirrhinum), which was formerly a part of the Brownworts family (Scrophulariaceae), but now it is classified in to the plantain family (Plantaginaceae). It comes from the dry Mediterranean areas, where it grows wild in crevices and walls. Since the 15th century, the Snapdragon is cultivated as a garden plant or used as cut flower and is therefore an integral part of the annual summer flower repertoire. In regional parlance, the Snapdragon is also known as "Froschgoscherl", "Kalbsmaul" or "Hundskopf".

The Snapdragon is an annual summer flower and grows like a herb. Depending on the cultivated form, it can reach a height of between 7.87 and 39.37 inches.

The leaves of the Snapdragon are arranged opposite each other and have an egg-shaped to elongated-elliptical shape with a pointed head.

The Snapdragon flower consists of several individual flowers that grow close together on short stems so that they resemble a spike or panicle. With light pressure, the flower opens like a small mouth. The flower colors range from white to yellow and orange to various red and pink tones. The "lower lip" has a characteristic yellow spot. The popular pastel shades are particularly attractive and two-tone varieties are also available in stores. The Snapdragon flowering period is from June to September.

The Snapdragon prefers the warm earth, just the way a lion does. A nutrient-rich garden soil which is not too dry, is poor in lime and which receives full sunlight is ideal, provided it does not heat up too much. Semi-shaded locations can also work. It is important for the leaves dry off quickly after a downpour, therefore the location should be reasonably airy. The substrate should be slightly acidic, therefore Rhododendron-soil works well for planting. The snapdragons grow well even in a good container soil.

Since Snapdragons are annual plants, they have to be sown every year. To get the plants to bloom as early as June, you need to sow the fine seeds in seed trays between January to March. The light-dependent germinators are pressed lightly in the planting soil and the substrate is kept moist. As a cold germinator the seeds and the potting soil need to be first be placed in the refrigerator for a few weeks. The plants need to germinate in a bright place with a room temperature of around 68 degrees Fahrenheit. Two to three weeks after germination the Snapdragons grows in a colder ambient temperature of 59 degrees Fahrenheit. The tiny Snapdragons become hardy in a flower bed by mid April.

A well-rooted snapdragon can withstand light night frosts, whereas a fleece cover protects against severe late frosts. It is possible to directly in the flower bed from end of May, however, flowering might get slightly delayed because of this. Plants grown in the greenhouse in the plant nurseries can be placed directly in the flower bed. Depending on a height of the plant, a planting distance of 3.93 to 19.68 inches is recommended. Note: All cultivated forms of Snapdragons tend to overgrow.

To facilitate young plants to branch better, the shoots are initially cut off at a height of 3.93 inches. Later on, regular pruning close to the ground helps to stimulate the Snapdragon's abundant flowering. The Snapdragon need to be fertilized regularly for its lasting bloom. Compost, or a 14-day treatment of flowering plant liquid fertilizer are suitable. If necessary, rainwater poor in lime is used, so that the snapdragon tolerates dry soil better than waterlogged soil. Even then, the soil must not dry out completely.

Note: Tall varieties are unstable — it is a good idea to support them with sticks.

As a summer bloomer, tall and medium-height snapdragons go well in the flower bed with other summer bloomers and shrubs such as Chrysanthemums, Garden cosmos, French marigolds, China asters (Callistephus), Larkspur (Delphinium), Bell flowers (Campanula) or balloon flowers (Platycodon). It is best to reserve entire sections of the bed for a mix of colorful snapdragons. They form colorful beacons in a vibrant garden. Short and dwarf forms are suitable for the rock garden, for flower bed edging or as container and balcony flowers. Taller Snapdragons also work well as cut flowers.

The Snapdragon hybrid groups are graded according to their height: Tall varieties can be anywhere from 23.62 to 39.37 inches, medium-height varieties fall between 15.74 to 23.62 inches and the dwarf forms don’t go beyond 15.74 inches. The hybrid varieties are available in different colors. In specialist nurseries, a mix of flower colors are typically sold as seedlings. Snapdragons ‘Rosella’ is one of the tall forms and enchants with its pink, wide-open flowers. The dwarf variety ‘Twinny Peach’ has a compact growth and is only 9.84 inches high. The apricot-colored flowers of the mini version are double-flowered and can withstand severe weather. Another dwarf variety ‘Bronze Dragon’ captures our attention with its pink and white flowers on almost black-colored leaves. Tip: Anyone looking for a hanging species for hanging baskets and boxes should use the hanging Snapdragons (Antirrhinum pendula).

If you don’t remove the withered inflorescences, the seeds fallen on the ground overwinter in the soil and sprout again the following year. The saplings can then be replanted in early summer. If you want to preserve and propagate the best varieties, you can collect the ripe seed pods about six weeks after flowering, shake out the seeds, store them in a dark and dry place over the winter and sow them in the next spring.

As robust as snapdragons are against pests, they can be plagued by fungal diseases. When the snapdragon rust develops: They all colonize the elongated, pointed leaves when they are perpetually moist. Therefore, draughty, open locations are advantageous, where the leaves dry off more quickly after rain. Sulfur-based pesticides help against the fungi. If the Snapdragon remains too wet in the container, root rot can occur.