Snapdragons are absolute showstoppers in the garden, and it’s no wonder they’re such a fan favorite. If you want to see your snapdragons bursting with those iconic, colorful blooms, the secret lies in making sure they’re happy in their garden home.
Soak Up the Sun
Originally hailing from Southwestern Europe, snapdragons are Mediterranean natives at heart. This means they absolutely love soaking up the rays. When picking a spot in your yard, try to find the sunniest patch available. Don’t worry if your garden is a bit shaded, though—while they prefer full sun, they’re pretty adaptable and will still do quite well in partial shade.
Getting the Soil Just Right
One of the best things about snapdragons is that they aren’t too picky; they can grow in almost any type of soil, even if it’s a bit low on nutrients. However, if you really want them to thrive and produce a spectacular bloom season, giving them nutrient-rich soil is the way to go.
Ideally, you’re looking for a soil pH between 5.5 and 6.5. Good drainage is also key. While snapdragons like their soil to stay consistently moist, they hate “wet feet” (standing water). If you’re dealing with heavy clay soil, try mixing in some sand and mature compost to help loosen things up and improve drainage.
Tips for Snapdragons Care
To keep those flowers coming all season long, you’ll want to stay on top of deadheading. By quickly removing wilted flowers, you tell the plant to stop focusing on making seeds and instead put all its energy into growing new blooms.
Beyond deadheading, there are a few other reasons to grab your garden shears, such as cutting fresh flowers for a vase or clearing out dead stems in the spring. To give your plants an extra boost, a little fertilizer goes a long way. Here are a few great options:
- Garden compost
- Liquid fertilizer for flowering plants
- Horn shavings or organic meal-based fertilizers
