Snapdragons originally hail from the sunny Mediterranean, so it’s no surprise they’ve been a garden favorite for centuries. One of the best things about these beauties? They boast an incredibly long blooming season, keeping your garden colorful for months on end.
Finding the Perfect Spot
First things first: you need to find the right home for your snapdragons. These plants absolutely love the sun, so try to pick the brightest spot in your yard. If you’re short on full sun, they can handle a bit of partial shade, but they won’t be quite as showy. Another pro-tip: find a spot that’s protected from the wind. Their tall, elegant stems can be a bit delicate and might snap if a heavy gust catches them. Check out more on picking the right location here.
The Right Soil
Beyond just getting enough light, your snapdragons need the right “bedding.” They prefer well-draining soil that isn’t too heavy. They’re also a bit picky about pH—they prefer soil that is relatively lime-free. If your garden soil is looking a little thin or nutrient-poor, try mixing in some compost or rhododendron soil to give them a healthy boost.
Direct Sowing vs. Starting Indoors
When it comes to planting, you’ve got two main options. You can sow the seeds directly into your garden beds, or you can start them indoors. Personally, I recommend starting them in pots first; it usually results in much hardier plants. You can get a head start as early as February by planting seeds in starter pots. Keep them in a bright room (like a sunny living room) where the temperature stays around a steady 70°F (20°C). You might see sprouts in as little as a week, though sometimes they like to take their time—up to three weeks.
Moving Outdoors
Late April to early May is the sweet spot for moving your snapdragons outside. To make the transition easier, it’s a good idea to “harden them off” first. This just means setting your pots outside during the day throughout the spring so they can get used to the fresh air and breeze. When you’re ready to dig, make sure your planting holes are deep enough so the roots have plenty of room to spread out without being cramped.
To wrap it up, here’s the quick checklist for planting snapdragons:
- You can sow seeds directly in the garden or start them in pots indoors.
- Starting indoors usually produces stronger, more resilient plants.
- If you start indoors, gradually acclimate your plants to the outdoors during the spring before transplanting.
