Dwarf Snapdragon
Antirrhinum majus • Plantaginaceae
🌱 Seed Category
Flower
🌍 Origin Region
Mediterranean region and Southern Europe
📅 Days to Maturity
80 to 100 days from seed to bloom; best started indoors 8-10 weeks before last frost.
🌡️ Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 7-10 (as short-lived perennials) or USDA Zones 3-6 (as annuals).
About This Seed
Extremely tiny, dust-like seeds that are dark brown to black with a rough, pitted surface. The resulting plant is a low-growing, mound-forming herb with vibrant, tubular, two-lipped flowers in shades of red, pink, yellow, and white.
Growing Information
Growing Season
Spring and Fall; frost-tolerant, cool-weather biennial or annual
Germination
7 to 14 days at 65-70°F (18-21°C). Light is required for germination; do not cover seeds. Pre-chilling for 48 hours can improve rates.
Planting Instructions
Surface sow or barely cover (1/16 inch) due to light requirement. Space 6-8 inches apart in well-draining, rich soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. Pinch back young plants to encourage bushiness.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun to partial shade (at least 6 hours of light). Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; moderate drought tolerance once established.
Companion Plants
Grows well with Pansies, Petunias, and Sweet Alyssum. Avoid planting near aggressive runners like invasive mints that may shade out the dwarf habit.
Special Characteristics
Deer and rabbit resistant. Highly attractive to bumblebees and other pollinators. Edible flowers often used as garnishes. High heat tolerance for a snapdragon variety.