How to Grow an Antirrhinum

Sow seed in spring after the last frost if you live in a cold-winter area. In warm-winter areas, sow seed in the fall for winter-through-spring color. If you prefer, start with seedling snapdragons from a nursery or garden center.

Grow snapdragons in richly amended garden soil or in a container filled with potting soil. Organic mulch helps your snapdragons grow healthy stems and lush flowers.

Plant snapdragons in full sun. In hot areas, choose an area with afternoon shade since snapdragons prefer cooler temperatures.

Fertilize your snapdragons at planting with a slow-release granular fertilizer. Fertilize again midway through spring for a second flush of flowers.

Water frequently enough to keep the soil moist without letting it become soggy. Overly wet soil encourages the development of fungal disease.

Stake your taller snapdragons to prevent them from flopping over. You can tie them to a thin garden stake or shish-kebab skewer, using twist ties or garden tape.

Watch for insects and disease since snapdragons are susceptible to both. Common insect pests are aphids and bud worms. Treat with insecticide or remove bud worms by hand. Rust and mildew are common fungal diseases on snapdragons. Prevent them by keeping water off the leaves, watering in the morning so the plant can dry before cooler nighttime temperatures, and not crowding the plants. If a fungus develops, treat with fungicidal spray available at a garden center.

Deadhead spent flowers to encourage a second flush of blooms. If you like, cut snapdragon spikes to use in flower arrangements. Modern varieties hold together well and are beautiful displayed in a vase.