How Long Does a Snapdragon Take to Grow?

Description

• Snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus) is a cool season annual, growing from seed each spring. It blooms in spring and early summer, bearing its flowers on long, gently curving racemes (spikes). Snapdragon is a diverse species with dwarf varieties growing as small as 6 inches and tall varieties growing to 48 inches. Snapdragon is available in almost every color of the rainbow except true blue and green.

Life Cycle

• In its native Mediterranean, snapdragon is a biennial. Seeds are sown in fall, grow through the winter and bloom in spring and early summer. Once the plant has finished blooming and sets seed in early summer, it dies. In colder climates -- where winter temperatures dip below 15 degrees Fahrenheit -- snapdragons are usually sown in late winter or early spring and bloom several weeks later, pooping out when summer heat arrives.

Culture

• Snapdragons grow in moist, well-drained soil in full sun or part shade. Compost and soil conditioner (very finely shredded bark) improve drainage and water retention. Tall varieties benefit from staking, which keeps them from falling when laden with rain. Deadheading spent blooms encourages more flowering.

Tips

• Snapdragon seedlings are available in spring and can be placed in the garden in early spring -- about the time of the last frost. You can collect the seeds for next season when they ripen and fall freely from the stalk. Snapdragons make excellent cut flowers and can last a week or longer in water. For a head start on growing them from seed, start snapdragon seedlings indoors, two to four weeks before the last frost.