Are Snapdragons Cut and Come Again: A Guide
Are Snapdragons Cut and Come Again?
Yes, snapdragons are cut and come again flowers.
This means that when you cut the flowers for floral arrangements, new flowers will continue to grow.
They can be cut throughout the blooming season, which usually ranges from June to October.
Key Points:
- Snapdragons are cut and come again flowers
- Cutting the flowers for floral arrangements does not prevent new flowers from growing
- Snapdragons can be cut throughout the blooming season
- The blooming season for snapdragons typically lasts from June to October
Did You Know?
1. Snapdragons have a fascinating folklore associated with them. In ancient times, people believed that if you squeezed the throat of a snapdragon, it would open its mouth and release a tiny dragon.
2. The “Cut and Come Again” variety of snapdragons got its name from its unique ability to produce new flower stalks after the main stem has been cut. This means you can enjoy the beauty of snapdragons throughout the season by simply cutting the flowers.
3. If you spend some time observing snapdragons closely, you might notice that their blossoms resemble the faces of whimsical creatures. This is why in some cultures, snapdragons are known as “lion’s mouth” or “toad’s mouth.”
4. Snapdragons come in a vast array of colors, from the traditional pink, red, and white to vibrant shades of yellow, orange, and even multicolored varieties. These flowers offer a delightful range of choices for gardeners and floral enthusiasts.
5. The scientific name for snapdragons is Antirrhinum majus, with “antirrhinum” derived from Greek meaning “like a snout.” This name alludes to the flower’s distinctive shape, which resembles a dragon’s snout or a dog’s mouth when gently squeezed.
Snapdragons: A Brief Overview
Snapdragons (Antirrhinum) are vibrant and versatile flowers that bloom from June to October. They can be both annuals and perennials, providing beauty and color to gardens for several months. These charming flowers originated in southern Europe and have since become popular in gardens around the world.
With around 40 species to choose from, snapdragons offer a wide range of options in terms of color, fragrance, and height. While some varieties of snapdragons have a light fragrance, others are unscented. Height ranges from dwarf to tall varieties, with the taller ones requiring staking to support their growth.
Snapdragons are commonly grown from seeds, which take approximately 21 days to germinate and grow into seedlings. To grow snapdragons from seed, you will need a covered seed tray, peat-free seed compost, pots for potting on the seedlings, liquid feed, stakes, and twine for taller varieties. They prefer a temperature of 16-18°C and can be planted indoors in February/March or in late autumn for earlier flowering.
Growing Snapdragons From Seed
To successfully grow snapdragons from seed, it is important to provide the right conditions and care.
- Start by filling trays with pre-moistened seed starting mix.
- Drop the snapdragon seeds on top and press them gently into the soil.
- Cover the seeds with a fine layer of vermiculite or seed starting mix.
- Water from the bottom to avoid disturbing the seeds.
Germination can take up to two weeks, so be patient.
- Once the seedlings have true leaves, pot them up into individual cells.
- Provide adequate light for their growth and fertilize them with a diluted general-purpose fertilizer.
Before transplanting the seedlings outdoors, it’s crucial to harden them off first.
- This involves gradually exposing them to the outdoor conditions over a period of time.
- Finally, plant them outdoors about two weeks before the last frost date.
Snapdragons: Care And Maintenance Tips
To ensure healthy and abundant blooms, snapdragons require proper care and maintenance. Here are some key points to keep in mind:
- Snapdragons prefer a sunny position with good quality soil. They won’t flower well in shade.
- When planting snapdragons, leave enough space between each plant to prevent mildew.
- While snapdragons can be grown in pots and containers, they need to be well watered and fed with a liquid feed.
- Snapdragons thrive in full sun and well-drained soil.
- It is recommended to feed them every couple of weeks with a plant feed or liquid seaweed feed.
- Watering is critical for snapdragons. Water around their crown, allowing the soil to be slightly drier on top.
- Deadheading snapdragons by removing spent flowers encourages more blooms and prolongs the flowering season.
- Snapdragons can be propagated by collecting seeds or taking cuttings.
- Keep an eye out for common diseases and pests that can affect their health.
Remember to provide adequate care and attention to your snapdragons to enjoy stunning blooms.
Common Diseases And Pests Of Snapdragons
One of the most common diseases affecting snapdragons is Antirrhinum Rust, which causes yellow spots on the leaves. To tackle this issue, it is recommended to remove the affected plants and leaves and dispose of them. Fungicides can also be employed to prevent further spread.
In addition to rust, snapdragons can be affected by various insects such as aphids, whiteflies, and mealybugs. These pests feed on the plants and can cause shriveled leaves and flowers. Thankfully, they can be eliminated by using a hosepipe to blast them off.
Snapdragons: Annuals Vs. Perennials
Snapdragons are versatile plants that can be classified as both perennial and annual. Although they are technically tender perennials, they are often treated as annuals in colder climates due to their sensitivity to cold weather. In regions with harsh winters, snapdragons may not survive. However, they have the remarkable ability to self-seed if left in the garden.
It is worth noting that hybrid snapdragons that self-seed can give rise to offspring with a variety of colors and shapes. On the other hand, open-pollinated snapdragons will retain the color patterns and size of the parent plants. If you are looking for perennial snapdragons, some options to consider are Antirrhinum braun-blanquetii, Antirrhinum hispanicum, and Antirrhinum sempervirens.
Snapdragons can be a valuable addition to any garden, as they offer months of vibrant and colorful blooms. Whether you choose to grow them from seed or as transplants, these flowers provide a beautiful range of colors and sizes that will surely enhance the aesthetic appeal of your outdoor space.
- Snapdragons can be classified as both perennial and annual plants.
- They are often grown as annuals in regions with cold weather.
- Snapdragons have the ability to self-seed.
- Hybrid snapdragons can produce offspring with different colors and shapes.
- Open-pollinated snapdragons will retain the color patterns and size of the parent plants.
- Consider Antirrhinum braun-blanquetii, Antirrhinum hispanicum, and Antirrhinum sempervirens as perennial snapdragon options.
- Snapdragons provide months of colorful blooms.
- They come in various colors and sizes.
- Growing snapdragons from seed or as transplants is a great way to enhance your outdoor space.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Will snapdragons come back?
Snapdragons have the potential to come back in the spring, particularly in warmer regions within USDA Zones 8-11. However, they might not bloom as robustly as they did in their initial year. In colder regions, snapdragons are unlikely to survive the winter, but there is a possibility of self-seeding for future growth.
Do snapdragons need to be cut back?
Snapdragons should be cut back when the flowers start to decline and become less vibrant. Trimming the entire plant will stimulate new growth and extend the blooming period. By removing spent snapdragons, you make room for new flowers to flourish and maintain the overall health and appearance of the plant.
Do snapdragons last as cut flowers?
Snapdragons make delightful and long-lasting additions to floral arrangements. Belonging to the genus Antirrhinum, these charming flowers boast a vase life of approximately 5-16 days when given the proper care. When purchasing snapdragons as cut flowers, it is important to choose stems with at least two to five open flowers per stem, as this indicates their freshness and ensures a longer lifespan in the vase. Whether displayed alone or combined with other blooms, snapdragons bring a touch of elegance to any arrangement, brightening up the space for a significant period of time.
Can you regrow snapdragons?
Yes, snapdragons have the potential to regrow under the right conditions. With their resilience and adaptable nature, snapdragons can regrow from their roots or even from scattered seeds. By providing the proper care and ensuring the seeds or roots are well-tended, gardeners can foster the regrowth of these delightful flowers. Whether it’s reseeding them after they have finished flowering or allowing the existing plant to regenerate, snapdragons have the capacity to bring their vibrant colors and wonderful presence back to the garden for another season of enjoyment.