Snapdragon
Grown as an annual; plants in sheltered spots sometimes survive winter and flower early the following year.
Care
Full sun.
Medium — water in dry spells; avoid wetting the leaves late in the day.
Well-drained, reasonably fertile soil; happy on chalk.
Pinch young plants for bushiness and deadhead faded spikes; cutting the main spike encourages side spikes.
A balanced liquid feed every two weeks in pots; in the ground only on poor soil.
Seed is dust-fine: sow on the surface under cover in late winter and don't cover. It often self-seeds into walls and gravel, and those plants may overwinter in mild gardens.
Month by month
Months change with the climate: in southern Italy tomatoes go out two months earlier than in England.
- FebruarySow on the surface of compost under cover, without covering the seed. how ›
- MayHarden off and plant out after the last frost. how ›
- JulyRemove faded spikes to encourage side shoots to flower. how ›
Months based on climate: UK. Your choice stays on this device.
- FebruarySow on the surface of compost under cover, without covering the seed. how ›
- AprilHarden off and plant out after the last frost. how ›
- JulyRemove faded spikes to encourage side shoots to flower. how ›
Months based on climate: Northern Italy. Your choice stays on this device.
Common problems
How to spot it. Brown pustules under leaves; plants weaken and die.
What to do. Remove affected plants, avoid overhead watering, grow rust-resistant varieties.
How to spot it. Stunted plants with grey growth under leaves.
What to do. Remove affected plants; don't replant in the same spot.
Questions
Snapdragon: is it hardy?
H2: Tender. It survives down to 1 °C.
Can it grow in a pot?
Yes — dwarf and trailing types especially.
Snapdragon: when do you prune it?
Pinch young plants for bushiness and deadhead faded spikes; cutting the main spike encourages side spikes.
Snapdragon: when does it flower?
In the climate of UK it flowers in June–October.
When do you feed it?
A balanced liquid feed every two weeks in pots; in the ground only on poor soil. Feeding months, UK: June–August.