Antirrhinum majus

Sowing and growing guidance

Antirrhinum majus seeds thrive in full sun to light shade and prefer well-drained, moderately fertile soil. Start indoors well before the last frost, sowing on the surface and pressing lightly, as light aids germination; keep evenly moist, not waterlogged. Harden off and transplant only after the danger of frost, or direct sow outside once frost has passed; in mild-winter climates, autumn sowing can bring earlier blooms. Space plants to promote airflow, following packet guidance, and water at the base to reduce foliar issues. Height varies by strain, from compact to tall; stake taller types and deadhead to extend flowering. Avoid overly rich soil that encourages soft growth.

• Start Antirrhinum majus seeds indoors before last frost; direct sow after frost; autumn sowing may suit mild-winter climates.
• Grow in full sun to light shade and well-drained, moderately fertile soil; avoid overwatering and excess feed.
• Space well for airflow; harden off before planting out; support taller strains.
• Suitable for containers.
• Attractive to pollinators when in bloom.
• Ornamental flowers in a range of heights and colours.

How do I grow Antirrhinum majus from seed?

Sow Antirrhinum majus seeds on the surface of moist, fine seed compost, as they benefit from light to germinate. Start indoors well before the last frost under bright light, keeping temperatures cool to mild and moisture even but not waterlogged. When seedlings have a couple of true leaves, prick out into modules and grow on in full sun to light shade. Harden off gradually, then transplant to well-drained, moderately fertile soil after all danger of frost has passed. Regular deadheading encourages a longer display, and taller strains may need light support in breezy sites.

When should I sow snapdragon seeds after frost?

For outdoor sowings, wait until the danger of frost has passed and the soil is workable, then direct sow shallowly or transplant indoor-raised seedlings. In many areas, starting seeds indoors well before the last frost provides a head start and earlier blooms once transplanted. In mild-winter climates, autumn sowing is possible; seedlings can establish through the cool season and flower earlier the following spring. Avoid exposing young plants to freezing temperatures—snapdragon seedlings prefer cool growing conditions but are not frost-hardy at the earliest stages.

What are reliable snapdragon seed germination tips?

Surface-sow seeds and press them in gently without burying; light helps trigger germination. Use a fine, well-drained seed mix and bottom-water or mist to avoid displacing tiny seeds. Maintain consistent moisture and good air circulation to reduce damping-off. Cool-to-moderate temperatures are ideal; avoid excessive heat during germination. Provide bright, indirect light as soon as seeds are sown, then increase light intensity after germination to keep seedlings compact. Prick out early into individual cells to protect delicate roots and continue to grow on in bright, cool conditions.

What is the best soil for Antirrhinum majus?

Antirrhinum majus thrives in well-drained, moderately fertile soil in full sun to light shade. Improve heavy ground with grit or coarse sand and incorporate compost to enhance structure and drainage; avoid areas that remain waterlogged after rain. Excessively rich soils can produce lush, floppy growth, so aim for balanced fertility rather than heavy feeding. A neutral garden soil works well; add organic matter annually to maintain resilience through the flowering season. In containers, use a high-quality, free-draining potting mix and ensure containers have ample drainage holes.

How far apart should I space snapdragon plants, and how tall will they grow?

Spacing depends on the strain: compact types are usually set 15–20 cm apart, medium varieties about 20–25 cm, and tall strains 25–30 cm to maintain good air flow. Height varies widely by cultivar—dwarf forms remain compact, mid-height selections reach around knee to mid-thigh, and tall cutting types can approach waist height. Check packet guidance for the specific series you’re growing. In windy or exposed sites, give tall plants a little extra room and provide discreet support to keep stems upright and flower spikes pristine.

Do snapdragons attract bees and other pollinators?

Yes. Snapdragons offer nectar and pollen that are accessible to stronger bees, including bumblebee types, which readily open the flower “mouth.” Single and open-flowered forms tend to be easiest for pollinators, while very double blooms can be less accessible. Planting a mix of heights and colours extends the flowering season and supports a wider range of beneficial insects. Avoid broad-spectrum insecticides during bloom, and deadhead spent spikes to prolong flowering while leaving a few to set seed if you welcome occasional self-sown seedlings.

Growing information provided here is general and may need adjustment for your microclimate, soil type, drainage, and exposure. Timing suggestions reference seasonal cues (e.g., after last frost or when soil is workable) and may vary with local weather patterns. For accurate sowing depths, spacing, days to maturity, and any seed-treatment details, please refer to the product page, which provides the most current instructions specific to the item.

Guidance and reliable seed sourcing

Antirrhinum majus seeds benefit from surface sowing as they need light to germinate. Start under cover when outdoor soil remains cold; transplant sturdy seedlings after last frost. In mild climates, autumn sowing may be possible for an early display. Provide a free-draining, moderately fertile mix and bright light; maintain gentle moisture without waterlogging. Cool conditions after germination encourage stocky growth. Space plants according to variety, typically 20–30 cm, allowing airflow that helps limit common issues. Full sun supports compact plants and abundant spikes, though light afternoon shade in very hot spells can be beneficial. Pinching young growth encourages branching, and removing spent blooms can extend the flowering window. Antirrhinum forms range from dwarf edging types to taller cuts; check the habit listed for each strain to match borders, containers, or cutting rows. A dependable source of fresh seed lots and clear strain descriptions is SeedsChoice.