Snapdragon Seeds

the magic of snapdragon seeds

A flower with a long and storied history, the snapdragon has been cultivated since ancient times, when the Greeks and Romans believed a necklace of snapdragon blossoms could guard against witchcraft. While this is likely not true, snapdragons are deer resistant, and planting them in or along the borders of your vegetable garden can offer a little protection to tender greens and young seedlings.

where and where to plant snapdragons

Snapdragons prefer rich, moist soil in full sun or part shade. Clip the top stem and side shoots for fuller plants and more blooms, and deadhead regularly. Though hardy in USDA zones 7 through 11, the snapdragon does not tolerate summer heat well, and will do better with a little afternoon shelter from the sun in places where the season is long and hot. Flowers appear March through June and—if the plant is kept watered and not allowed to wilt—may bloom again in the fall. They make an excellent food source for pollinators when most other annuals have yet to rise above the soil. Germination takes two to three months, so plant as soon as possible in spring, or in mild climates sow seeds in late fall or winter for the earliest blooms.

Although generally low maintenance, snapdragons are prone to a fungus called snapdragon rust. To avoid this, ensure that there is room for air circulation between plants, using stakes to keep taller varieties upright if necessary, and do not water at night.

choosing your snapdragon aesthetic

These garden favorites come in all kinds of colors. Mix and match varieties for a rainbow of color, or try Eden Brothers' Snowflake Snapdragon Seeds for beds of elegant white blooms. Sow with low-growing companion plants like sweet alyssum or Eden Brothers' Blue Carpet Lobelia Seeds to show off the long, straight stems and clusters of dragon snout-shaped flowers. Kids will love the way a little pinch to the sides of the flowers will open jaws that then "snap" shut. Bumble bees, strong enough to push through those snapping jaws and get to the sweet, dragon-guarded nectar inside, can often be found blundering around the blossoms.

Snapdragons can be propagated from stem cuttings and by root division as well as grown from seed, meaning you'll have a chance to love these striking annuals for years to come.

For more information about planting, growing, and caring for snapdragon flower seed, see our Snapdragon Seeds Planting Guide.