Snapdragons are old-fashioned favorites for the cutting garden. They produce long-lasting, sweet-smelling, colorful spikes. Their unique shape and bold color makes them a showy attraction. Snapdragons are native to the Mediterranean and southern Europe. They are visited often by bees - especially bumblebees.

Snapdragon seeds benefit from a cold period, so after the time in the refrigerator, start Snapdragon seeds indoors 8 - 10 weeks prior to the end of frost season. Transplant outdoors in mid-spring. They do tolerate a light frost and cold nights will produce sturdier stems.

Snapdragons thrive in the cooler part of spring and summer in a full sun location. They do best in rich, moist, well-draining soil. They are suitable for beds, borders and containers.

• Place a small amount of damp soil in a ziploc bag, add the seeds into the soil, and place this mixture into the refirgerator for 2 weeks
• After the cold period, fill trays with moistened seed starting soil
• Lightly press the Snapdragon seeds into the soil but do not cover them - they need light for germination
• Snapdragons do not need any heating mats - they prefer cooler conditions for germination - temperatures in the mid-60s F are best
• Clear plastic wrap can loosely be placed over the trays to help hold in moisture
• Lift the plastic each day and mist the surface
• Remove the plastic as soon as seedlings emerge
• Once the seedlings have emerged, place the trays under grow lights for 14 - 16 hours each day
• Make sure there is adequate air movement, a fan on the lowest setting is helpful to prevent fungal disease such as "damping off"
• After 3 - 4 weeks, apply a water soluble fertilizer diluted to half-strength
• Harden the seedlings off for 7 - 10 days, and transplant after the last hard frost
• Pinch the seedlings back at the time of transplanting to encourage branching

• Snapdragon plants need to be kept moist - especially during dry periods
• Mulch around the base to suppress weed growth and help to retain moisture
• Adequate spacing and air movement is important for Snapdragons
• Apply a balanced water soluable fertilizer 2 or 3 times during the growing season
• Taller varieties of Snapdragons may need staking or protection from winds
• Remove spent flower to encourage continued blooming
• Cut the blooms for flower arrangements - cutting will bring on more blooms
• Snapdragons may stop blooming in the heat of summer, but trim back the plants and keep the watered, and when the temperatures cool, they will bloom again