9 Simple Steps to Grow and Care for Snapdragon Flowers for Cut Flower Gardens

Snapdragons are a must-have in any cut flower garden. Their tall, elegant stems and stunning array of colors make them a favorite for floral arrangements. Plus, they last a long time in the vase, which is a huge bonus. Growing snapdragons from seed is not only cost-effective but also incredibly rewarding. Here’s how to get started, from choosing the right varieties to caring for these beauties throughout their blooming season.

1. Choosing Snapdragon Varieties

When it comes to snapdragons, variety is key. Not all snapdragons are created equal, especially for cut flower gardens. Some of the best varieties for cutting include the Rocket, Potomac, and Madame Butterfly series. These varieties grow tall, producing long, straight stems perfect for bouquets. I recommend considering your preferred colors and garden conditions when selecting varieties. For cooler climates, choose varieties that thrive in cooler temperatures, like the Rocket series. If you’re after specific colors to match your garden’s palette, snapdragons come in everything from soft pastels to bright reds and deep purples.

2. When to Start Snapdragon Seeds

Snapdragons can handle a bit of frost, so I usually start seeds indoors about 8-10 weeks before the last expected frost. This gives them a head start, allowing for an earlier bloom in spring. If you’re in a milder USDA zone (7-10), you might even be able to start seeds in late summer or fall for a winter bloom. In zones 6 and below, sticking to early spring planting is best.

3. Seed Starting Process

Snapdragon seeds are tiny, so handling them can be tricky, but don’t worry. Here’s how I do it:

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Materials Needed: Seed trays, seed-starting mix, plastic wrap or clear tray covers, and a light source (grow lights or a sunny window).

Step-by-Step Instructions:

• Fill your seed trays with a moist, seed-starting mix.
• Gently press the seeds onto the surface of the soil without covering them; snapdragon seeds need light to germinate.
• Mist the surface with water to keep it moist but avoid over-watering.
• Cover the trays with plastic wrap or a clear cover to retain humidity, creating a mini-greenhouse effect.
• Place the trays under grow lights or in a sunny window. Snapdragon seeds need 12-16 hours of light daily to germinate properly. A temperature of 65-75°F (18-24°C) is ideal for sprouting.

Germination Timeline: Snapdragon seeds usually take about 10-20 days to germinate. Patience is key here!

4. Caring for Seedlings

Once your seedlings have sprouted, it’s time to give them a bit more attention.

• Thinning and Transplanting: When seedlings develop their first set of true leaves, thin them out, keeping the strongest ones. You can transplant them into individual pots when they have 2-3 sets of true leaves. This helps promote strong root growth before planting them outside.
• Fertilization: After a few weeks, start light feeding with a balanced liquid fertilizer to support healthy growth. Use a diluted mixture at first to avoid overwhelming the young plants.

5. Hardening Off

Snapdragons need a gradual transition to the outdoor world, known as “hardening off.” This process reduces transplant shock and helps them adjust to their new environment.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

• About 1-2 weeks before transplanting, start placing the seedlings outside for a few hours each day.
• Increase the exposure time and reduce the amount of cover (like a cold frame or cloche) gradually until they can stay outside full-time.

6. Transplanting into the Garden

Transplant snapdragons in early spring, as soon as the soil is workable and the risk of heavy frost has passed. They love the cool weather!

• Soil Preparation: Choose a sunny spot with well-draining, rich soil. I always add a bit of compost to the soil to improve fertility and drainage.
• Plant Spacing: Space the plants 6-12 inches apart to ensure good air circulation. This helps prevent diseases and supports upright growth, which is crucial for cut flowers.

7. Care and Maintenance

• Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Snapdragon roots prefer slightly damp soil, especially during their blooming period. A deep watering once a week is usually sufficient unless you’re in an unusually hot spell.
• Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around the plants to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds. This is particularly useful during warmer months when the soil can dry out quickly.
• Fertilizing: Feed your snapdragons every 4-6 weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer to encourage healthy growth and abundant blooms.
• Pinching: Once the plants are about 4-6 inches tall, pinch back the tips of young snapdragon plants. This encourages bushier growth and results in more flower spikes, which means more blooms for your bouquets!

8. Harvesting Snapdragons for Cut Flowers

The best time to harvest snapdragons is when the bottom flowers on the spike are just starting to open. Use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears to cut the stems, ideally early in the morning or late afternoon when the temperatures are cooler.

• Remove lower foliage before placing the stems in water to prevent bacterial growth.
• To extend vase life, change the water every 2-3 days and trim the stems slightly each time you do so. This helps the flowers absorb water more efficiently.

9. Common Issues and Troubleshooting

Snapdragons are fairly hardy, but they can have a few issues:

• Pests: Look out for aphids, spider mites, and thrips. I find that a simple spray of insecticidal soap or neem oil usually does the trick.
• Diseases: Powdery mildew and rust can affect snapdragons, especially in humid conditions. Make sure to space plants adequately to improve air circulation and remove any infected foliage promptly.
• Weather Considerations: Snapdragons thrive in cool weather. If you’re in a warmer climate, consider planting in partial shade to protect them from intense heat.

Final thoughts

Growing snapdragons from seed is a rewarding process that results in stunning blooms for your cut flower garden. By choosing the right varieties, giving your seedlings the care they need, and learning a few tricks along the way, you’ll have tall, beautiful snapdragons to enjoy in your home and garden. Go ahead, give it a try! Your cut flower arrangements will thank you.