Snapdragon
Antirrhinum majus • Plantaginaceae
🌱 Seed Category
Flower
🌍 Origin Region
Mediterranean region, widely adapted across North America and Europe
📅 Days to Maturity
80-120 days from seed. Bloom window remains open until first hard frost in many regions.
🌡️ Hardiness Zones
Zones 7-10 as short-lived perennials; grown as annuals in zones 1-6.
About This Seed
Seeds are tiny (dust-like), irregular, dark brown to black, with a textured/pitted surface. Resulting plants have lance-shaped green leaves and spikes of colorful, labiate flowers that 'snap' when squeezed; height ranges 6-48 inches.
Growing Information
Growing Season
Early Spring or Fall; cool-season annual. Start indoors 8-10 weeks before last frost.
Germination
10-21 days at 65-70°F (18-21°C). Requires light to germinate; do not cover with soil. High germination rate in cool conditions.
Planting Instructions
Surface sow on top of moist starting mix. Space plants 6-12 inches apart. Prefers rich, well-draining soil with a pH of 6.2 to 7.0.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun to partial shade (at least 6 hours). Regular watering to keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Moderate drought tolerance once established.
Companion Plants
Beneficial with Sweet Alyssum, Pansies, and Petunias. Avoid planting near Black Walnut due to juglone sensitivity.
Special Characteristics
Attracts bees and butterflies, deer resistant, edible flowers (slightly bitter), excellent for cutting.