How to Care for Dwarf Snapdragons

Plant snapdragon seeds eight to 12 weeks before the last expected spring frost. Sow seeds in the seed-starting medium and store them indoors in a warm, sunny place while keeping them moist. Snapdragons germinate in eight to 14 days. Pinch plants back when they are 3 to 4 inches tall. Leave the flat of seedlings in a sheltered area outside for a week, beginning a few days before the last expected heavy frost.

Transplant the snapdragons to a very well-drained location in full sunlight. Place them in a mixture of soil and peat moss or compost. Keep the plants moderately moist.

Apply a 2-inch layer of an organic mulch such as pine needles or bark to retain moisture and prevent weed growth.

Fertilize moist soil in the spring with a slow-release, high-nitrogen fertilizer. Repeat the application every month if necessary, as organic mulches can use up available nitrogen in the soil. Avoid contact between the fertilizer and snapdragon stems.

Prevent wet foliage to avoid fungus growth. Water plants during the day to allow them to dry out, and use a soaker hose to avoid wetting the stems and leaves. Keep plants in full sun. If you see mites or aphids treat the plants with a miticide or insecticide immediately, but only if there is a serious problem. Since snapdragons are annuals, diseases and pests are not as much of an issue as they are with perennial plants.

Pinch off spent flowers routinely so they won't go to seed. This will encourage the plant to produce more flowers.

Cut snapdragons down when nighttime temperatures begin to routinely dip below 30 degrees Fahrenheit. Cover with a thick layer of mulch. Remove the mulch in the spring after frosts are over.