Snapdragon
Antirrhinum majus
Snapdragons are nostalgic, long-flowering bedding plants with velvety, dragon-mouthed blooms in every colour from soft pastels to fiery reds and bi-colours. They excel in borders, containers, and cutting gardens, flowering from June until the first frosts. Sow indoors in February–March under cover at 18–20°C, or buy trays of young plants in April. Harden off carefully and plant out in May in fertile, well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. Space 20–30cm apart. Pinch out growing tips when 10cm tall to encourage bushy, multi-stemmed plants. Deadhead regularly for continuous blooms. The tall varieties make excellent cut flowers.
Plan where to grow Snapdragon using our vegetable garden planner.
When to Sow Snapdragon
Sow snapdragon in February, March, April. It flowers from June to October.
Time to Flower Snapdragon
Expect flowers approximately 4 months after sowing.
Companion Plants for Snapdragon
- French Marigold
Both are summer bedding plants for a sunny spot, and marigolds help attract hoverflies to the bed.
- Calendula
Easy annuals that share the same sunny conditions and together keep pollinators coming all summer.
Expected Yield
A 1m row yields a steady supply of cut stems from June to October.
Pruning Snapdragon
Pinch out the tips of young plants for bushier growth. Deadhead or cut the spikes regularly so side shoots flower until the frosts.
Common Problems with Snapdragon
Plants collapse after transplanting
Snapdragons resent root disturbance. Harden off gradually and water in well. Sow in biodegradable pots to avoid root shock.
Rust spots on leaves
This fungal disease thrives in wet conditions. Ensure good spacing, water at the base, and remove badly affected plants to prevent spread.
Leggy, few flowers
Too little light or no pinching causes this. Pinch out the growing tip at 10cm and plant in full sun for compact, floriferous growth.
Snapdragon: common questions
When should I sow snapdragon in the UK?
Sow snapdragon from February to April. Sow under cover (a greenhouse, windowsill or heated propagator) and plant out once the weather has warmed.
How far apart should I plant snapdragon?
Space snapdragon about 25cm apart. It grows to around 50cm tall.
How long does snapdragon take to germinate?
Snapdragon seeds usually germinate in 10–14 days, depending on temperature.
When does snapdragon flower?
Snapdragon usually flowers from June to October in the UK.
Does snapdragon come back every year?
Not in a typical UK garden. Snapdragon is a perennial in warmer climates but is killed by frost here, so it's grown as an annual and started again each year.
When should I prune snapdragon?
Pinch out the tips of young plants for bushier growth. Deadhead or cut the spikes regularly so side shoots flower until the frosts.
What grows well with snapdragon?
Good companions for snapdragon include French Marigold and Calendula. See the companion plants section above for why each one helps.
Is snapdragon frost hardy?
Only partly. Snapdragon is half-hardy: it copes with cold but not frost, so plant it out after the last frost (usually mid to late May) and protect it if frost is forecast.
Plan your snapdragon in the allotment planner
Drag and drop plants onto your plot and get personalised sowing reminders.
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