Snapdragon flowers are innate of Mediterranean and thrive in cold areas. They can increase the beauty of your garden with colorful blooms. A snapdragon flower resembles dragon mouths. The best time to grow these flowers is the winter season. However, you can grow them in summer, late winter, and spring with sufficient water. The heat of late summer can make this plant wilt; therefore, proper planting and planning are necessary. Here are some tips for growing snapdragons in your garden.
Garden Beds
Carefully choose garden beds that receive maximum sun in spring and winter. You can protect snapdragon blossoms from the heat with partial afternoon shade. Try to select a location with well-draining and fertile soil for excellent growth. Feel free to use steel raised garden beds.
Raised garden beds (garden boxes) allows you to grow small plots of flowers and vegetables. These are good to prevent soil compaction and keep weeds away from your lawn. The beds offer great drainage and act as barriers to pests.
Compost for Plants
Add a 2-inch layer of compost into 6-inches of soil (from top) with a spade or hoe. Use one cup of fertilizer for every 25 square feet of plant bed. It is necessary to turn these beds into the loosened soil.
Snapdragon Seedlings
It is essential to set potted seedlings of snapdragon in your garden. Arrange them in your favorite planting design. Mix almost 2 – 3 colors of snapdragons for colorful planting or choose one color only for an eye-catching formal look.
Feel free to combine tall-growing types and low-growing varieties for adding visual interest and height. Put the taller plants near the back of the plant bed. The front section is the best for lower varieties.
Planting Holes for Seedling
Dig one planting hole for every seedling after achieving the preferred arrangement. Try to keep plants 12-inches apart in different directions. For short types, almost 6-inch is sufficient. It is essential to maintain a similar depth for every plant hole. These can be twice in width.
Now, remove seedlings from your pots and set them in planting holes. Fill in all holes with water and soil. Remember, each bed needs 8-inch moisture from the top. It is essential to spread 2-inch of mulch on the bed to increase humidity. It will keep roots cool. Replenish the layer of mulch in spring to keep your beds clean and moist.
Water snapdragons twice a week and supply almost 1-inch of water. The soil must be moist instead of soggy. It is essential to evade overhead watering. Wet foliage may lead to numerous fungal problems.
Protect Snapdragons from Diseases
Decrease the height of snapdragons in midsummer if blooming slows to boost budding and growth of fresh flush. Pinch off all blooms because they can fade to stop the formation of seeds. For cool-season flowers, you can plant snapdragons in early winter or late fall. In freezing areas, try to plant snapdragons in spring.
Remember, these flowers need full sunlight and grow in neutral soil. The pH of soil may vary from 6.2 to 7. You can use composted leaves or other organic matters to modify soil. It is necessary to produce enduring flowers. Plant your seedlings around the final frost. Snapdragons may withstand 1 to 2 frosts.
Snapdragons are prone to mildew, rot, and rust. You can prevent diseases by maintaining 1-foot space between seedlings. This space is necessary to provide sufficient airflow between every plant. It is an excellent way to avoid potential problems. Water your plants instantly after planting. You must water only when you feel dry soil. Overwatering can invite mold to snapdragon plants.