Where to plant snapdragons. Snapdragon (65 photos): types and care

If you are planning to diversify the design of your landscape with tall plants with long stems that would stand out against the background of low-growing compositions, pay attention to a flower called snapdragon. The material in this article is devoted to the issues of proper planting of these flowers and the basic rules for caring for them.

Botanical description

Snapdragon is a semi-shrub or herbaceous plant with straight, slightly branching, finely grooved stems, the length of which varies from 10 cm to 1 m. The bush of this plant is shaped like a pyramid. The leaves on top are arranged in an alternate order, and those on the bottom are opposite. Their shape is lanceolate or elongated oval, color varies from light green to deep emerald with reddish stripes.

Did you know? Snapdragon is widely used in folk medicine. Decoctions, steams, infusions and teas from it are used to treat various diseases of the liver, gastrointestinal tract and respiratory system.

The flowers have a pleasant aroma. They are quite large in size and irregular in shape, two-lipped, and can be either terry or simple. Inflorescence - spike. The color of the flowers can be white, pink, yellow, or any shade of red. There are also subspecies that can display several colors at the same time. The fruit is represented by a multi-seeded capsule, which contains an average of 6 thousand seeds.

When to plant snapdragons

In order to get the best result, you should know exactly the time of planting seedlings in open ground or correctly calculate the time of sowing seeds, depending on which planting method you prefer. More detailed information about the terms and conditions of disembarkation can be found in this section.

Sowing seeds

Using this method does not guarantee a good result, especially if you live in a cold climate. However, in the southern regions, you can try sowing the seeds directly into open ground in mid-April - early May. Snapdragon seeds are quite frost-resistant and can survive even slight night frosts.

Important! It is best to sow seeds when the average daily air temperature exceeds +7...+10°C. Compliance with this rule is an almost 100% guarantee of successful germination.

Transplanting

Planting seedlings gives more reliable results, since during the time you take care of it in greenhouse conditions, the plant manages to get a little stronger and build up vegetative mass, which will later help it strengthen and continue the process of growth and development. The optimal time for planting seedlings in open ground is considered to be mid-May - early June. The average daily temperature should be around +19...+22 °C. Seedlings that have 4-5 true (not cotyledon) leaves and a formed, strong stem are considered suitable for transplanting into open ground. A prerequisite for successful growth is the absence of signs of disease in the form of blackening of the stem or leaves, curling of leaves, rusty spots, etc. It would also be useful to harden the seedlings before planting them in a permanent place by placing them in the open air for a short period of time.

How to plant snapdragons: step-by-step instructions

In general, there is nothing unusual or specific in the process of growing seedlings and transplanting snapdragons into open ground. But there are several nuances that need to be focused on, since even experienced flower growers are sometimes unaware of them due to the relative rarity of this plant in our area. More details about them are below.

Seed selection

Choosing the right seeds is the most important aspect on which the entire success of the future enterprise largely depends. When choosing seeds, pay attention to the uniformity of their structure: they should not contain loose or dry inclusions, and their consistency should resemble poppy seeds.

Important! Snapdragon seeds remain viable for only 1–2 years after they are collected, so when purchasing seeds, pay attention to the expiration date.

Plants, until the first shoots appear, should be covered with thin glass or plastic film. Seedlings must be kept warm; the most comfortable temperature for their normal growth and development is +22...+24°C. It is advisable that the boxes with it receive as much sunlight as possible. As an alternative to natural lighting, you can use ultraviolet lamps.

Watering young seedlings should be done as the soil dries 2–3 cm deep. You can make sure that the soil is dry enough by sticking your finger or pencil into the box. When the first true leaves appear on the plant, the seedlings can be planted in separate pots. It is especially important to do this if the seedlings sprout densely and the plants do not have enough space for normal development.
After the development of 4–5 true leaves, the central shoots of each young plant will need to be pinched. The same will need to be done with the side ones if you see that they are growing too actively. Starting from the first days of May, it would be useful to harden the seedlings a little by taking them out onto the balcony or open air for 10–15 minutes.

Transplantation into open ground

An area of ​​permanent growth can be either shaded or placed in the sun. It is only important to carefully ensure that there is no excess groundwater there, since snapdragons have a tendency to develop various fungal diseases. You should not plant the plant in excessively open areas, since under the influence of winds and drafts its flowers will fall off prematurely.

Snapdragon is quite unpretentious in care and, in general, is not too different in its demands from many other representatives of its species. However, there are some subtleties that you would do well to know about if you plan to seriously start breeding it.

Soil care

The soil in which snapdragons grow needs to be regularly loosened and weeds removed. This flower competes very poorly with various weeds, so you will have to clear at least 0.5 m of space around it from unwanted plants.

Did you know? Each nation sees something different in this plant. For example, the British call it “snapdragon” because to them it looks like a dragon opening its mouth.

Loosening is best done the next day after watering and removing weeds. While performing this procedure, it would be a good idea to pull out all the roots of the weeds to prevent their further reproduction. Do not loosen the soil too deeply, as this may damage the superficial roots of the flower. Loosening 3–5 cm deep will be enough.

Watering

This flower only needs to be watered in very dry weather, and only then unless there has been rain for at least 2 weeks. Water consumption is low - only 3-5 liters for each bush. The only condition for watering is that it should not be done at night, since the fungi contained in the upper layers of the soil can become excessively active overnight in wet soil and cause the development of disease in the plant.

Disease and pest control

Among the diseases, snapdragons are most susceptible to the development of rust, septoria, blackleg and gray or root rot. The only adequate treatment for these diseases is the immediate destruction of all affected parts of the plant (if necessary, destroy even entire bushes) and subsequent treatment of the remaining flowers with a solution of some fungicide.

Snapdragons are very beautiful annual flowers that decorate not only flower beds, but balconies, loggias and terraces. Flower growers love this plant for the large number of shades of flowers and leaves. You can grow a “lion cub” from seeds in the southern regions of the country, but in all other regions they use the seedling method. Growing snapdragon seedlings is a simple process that anyone can master. We will consider in detail the step-by-step execution of all work.

Which option to choose?

You might be surprised to learn that there are four groups of snapdragon varieties. We will briefly look at each of the groups so that you can decide which flowers you will grow. Plants were classified according to their height:

1. Dwarf size - flowers no higher than 15-20 cm. They are ideal for border plantings, carpet flower beds, alpine slides, and also for growing in pots.
2. Low-growing flowers have a height of 25-40 cm. They are used for borders and flower beds.
3. Medium-sized plants grow to a size of 40-60 cm. Flower growers most often choose varieties from this group to decorate flower beds.
4. Tall crops are 60-90 cm. During their growing season they form pyramid-shaped bushes. As a rule, they are used by landscape designers when creating garden color compositions. Flower growers grow them for cutting. Such a bouquet can last in a vase for a week or longer.

Now a hanging snapdragon has appeared, which can be grown in hanging containers. The flowers of the plant are irregular in shape. They are two-lipped and really resemble the gaping mouth of a lion. All flowers grow in racemes and are very fragrant. There are varieties with both simple and double petals. The color range of snapdragon is very wide. In addition, there are varieties with two-color and even three-color flowers.

VIDEO: Secrets of growing a flower

Stages of growing lion cub seedlings

The plant blooms from June until the first frost. Seedlings can germinate within a month. Those who want to have snapdragons in their flowerbeds begin growing seedlings from late February to early March. Different containers are suitable for this, but be sure to use drainage. The flower is not very demanding on the soil.

Soil preparation

The seedlings will do well in a nutrient mixture of soil that you buy at the store. You can opt for a universal primer or for decorative flowers. It is necessary to pour drainage into the container, and soil on top, compact it a little and moisten it with a spray bottle.

To make the soil mixture you will need the following ingredients:

• garden soil - 3 parts;
• peat - 3 parts;
• turf soil - 3 parts;
• sand - 1 part.

For planting flowers and snapdragons in particular, soil from under coniferous trees is considered very useful. If possible, such soil is collected from the root ring of a spruce or pine tree and mixed with the other ingredients.

Small pebbles or walnut shells can be used as drainage. Styrofoam or broken glass should not be used, as this has a detrimental effect on the roots of the plant.

Be sure to add a few tablespoons of wood ash to the soil you prepare yourself to normalize its acidity.

How to sow seeds correctly

For ease of sowing, the seeds are mixed with sand and poured onto a sheet of thick paper. Holding the leaf over a container of soil, tap its edge with your finger. In this simple way it is possible to sow evenly over the entire area of ​​the box. The sown grains are sprinkled on top with a small amount of the same soil that is poured into the container.

Lightly trample the top layer with your fingers so that when watering the grooves do not wash out and the seeds do not float out.

Watering rules

Gently water the pot with a spray bottle and cover with glass or film. The optimal temperature for germination of grains of this crop is 20-23°C. Of course, growing snapdragon seedlings at home poses certain difficulties, and this mainly concerns temperature conditions. It is important that before germination the temperature does not drop below 18°C.

As condensation appears on the glass, it must be turned over. This is done to prevent excess moisture from causing mold. If mold does appear, then you need to carefully remove areas of contaminated soil. After this, water all the soil in the container with a solution of potassium permanganate.

In the case when the soil on top has dried, it must be moistened with a spray bottle. The main rule is not to overdo it with watering. After the first shoots have appeared, the glass or film is removed. The container is placed in a well-lit place, but not in direct sunlight.

For lighting, it is best to use phyto-lamps that produce special rays simulating the solar spectrum. In the absence of such lamps, fluorescent lamps are also suitable. Be sure to maintain 10 hours of daylight so that the seedlings have time to get stronger before transshipment.

How to care for seedlings

Experienced flower growers know that before the snapdragon crop takes off, growing seedlings takes about a month. All this time you need to very carefully monitor the soil moisture. Excessive moisture can cause seedlings to develop blackleg disease. If you find “fallen” seedlings, they must be removed immediately.

It is convenient to use tweezers for this. The place where the diseased plant grew is carefully sprinkled with crushed activated carbon. The crops are treated with a solution of potassium permanganate or Fitosporin. At the same time, overdried soil can lead to the death of tender flower sprouts. After all, they still have a very small root system.

When the plants have a pair of true leaves (except for cotyledon leaves), they are picked into separate cups or boxes. If you choose the second option, then the seedlings are planted so that they are at a distance from each other and do not interfere with free development.

VIDEO: How to pick lion cub seedlings

Boxes with seedlings are placed on a well-lit windowsill. Remember that the peculiarity of snapdragon culture is that seedlings are not grown in direct sunlight. It is necessary to gradually harden off the seedlings. To do this, open the window briefly every day, but make sure that the plants are not exposed to a draft.

When the seedlings have developed 4-5 true leaves, the central shoot is pinched. This manipulation leads to the formation of beautiful bushes. After all, by pinching the main shoot, we provoke increased tillering of the flower. If you notice that the side shoots of the seedlings have begun to grow actively, then pinch them too. This way you will be able to form a beautiful plant shape.

Secrets of planting and care

Experienced gardeners believe that snapdragon cultivation in open ground should begin no earlier than the end of May. As a rule, spring frosts are no longer expected. First, choose a place to plant seedlings. It can be either a slightly shaded or sunny area, but not in a draft. In the shade, plants will not bloom as profusely.

It is very important to plant flowers in cloudy weather. In bright sunshine, it will be difficult for plants to take root in a new place. Seedlings must be planted at a distance of 20-30 cm from each other.

Young “lion cubs” require regular “feeding” with complex fertilizers for flowering annuals. The first feeding is done after the plant takes root, and the subsequent ones every 2 weeks.

If you have organic matter and nitrophoska, then the first fertilizing can be done with them. Then water the fertilizer solution a second time after buds appear on the bushes. Prepare the following solution:

• water - 10 liters;
• potassium sulfate - 1 tbsp;
• superphosphate - 1 tbsp;
• urea solution - 1 tbsp.

The flower is not picky when it comes to care. It only needs to be watered during dry periods. After watering, the soil must be loosened and all weeds removed. Wilted flowers should be removed regularly so that the plant does not waste its resources on them. To extend the flowering period, be sure to remove the flower shoot.

Having completed all the suggested steps, your eye will be pleased with the snapdragon. Good luck!

VIDEO: Snapdragon. How best to sow, how to properly care

The snapdragon or snapdragon flower belongs to the Plantain family. The Latin name of the plant Antirrhinum, meaning “snapdragon”, is associated, according to legend, with the feat of the ancient hero Hercules. When the hero defeated the Nemean Lion, the goddess Flora (the patroness of flowers) presented Hercules with a flower, which she called “snapdragon”, in honor of the great event.

Origin

In nature, snapdragon grows in southern Europe and North America. The plant has been grown in gardens for a very long time, about 5 centuries. Thanks to the efforts of gardeners and breeders, there are almost a thousand varieties of antirrinum in modern floriculture.

Description

This is a herbaceous or semi-shrub perennial plant that can also be grown as an annual. The stems of the “dogs” are straight, often branched, from 20 cm to a meter high, covered with oval or elongated green leaves. The flowers are large, fragrant, two-lipped, can be simple or double, collected in inflorescences - spikelets. The color of the flowers can be white, yellow, pink, red; flowers are often painted in 2 - 3 colors. The plant blooms from early summer until frost. Snapdragon seeds are very small, 7000 seeds weigh only 1 g.

Antirrinum varieties

All varieties of snapdragon are bred from a single species of plant - Antirrhinum major. Varieties of “dogs” can be classified by size into: tall (over a meter high), tall (80 – 90 cm), medium-sized varieties (50 – 60 cm), low-growing plants (up to 40 cm), dwarf flowers up to 25 cm in height.
Tall varieties of snapdragons form pyramidal-shaped bushes, where the main stem rises above the rest of the branches. These varieties of snapdragon flowers are suitable for cutting; the plants retain their decorative appearance in a bouquet for a long time.

Popular varieties:

Medium-sized varieties of the flower are distinguished by branched, lush bushes. These are ideal plants for decorating flower beds, mixborders, and flowerpots. Varieties of antirrinum, 40–60 cm high:

Low-growing antirrinums grow in the form of compact spherical bushes, with medium-sized bright flowers. Suitable for creating carpet flower beds, planting along paths, and decorating flowerpots.

• Floral is a group of dwarf varieties suitable for growing in pots; there are 13 options for coloring buds in this varietal group;
• Crimson Velvet - plant, 30 cm high, velvety flowers, rich burgundy color;
• Crown - a group of snapdragon varieties with bushes up to 35 cm high, and different colors of buds (pink, light lilac, white).

You can appreciate the beauty and variety of shades of snapdragon by looking at photos of flowers.

Choosing a location and preparing the soil for antirrinum

The plant loves well-lit places and is not afraid of the hot sun. Growing it in lacy shade is also possible, although the flowering will not be as lush. It is advisable to choose areas protected from cold winds.

Snapdragon needs nutritious and loose soil, with good drainage and neutral reaction.

Preference should be given to loams, with the obligatory addition of sand, or sandy loams, with a high humus content. The plant has a taproot system, so the fertile soil layer on the site should be no thinner than 30 - 40 cm. Close groundwater in areas where antirrinum will grow is not allowed.

Sowing snapdragons

In our country, snapdragon flowers are grown by sowing seeds. This is the simplest and most accessible method of propagation, especially since the seeds in the middle zone ripen well on the plant.

In the southern regions, you can sow directly into the ground in early spring, as soon as the soil warms up. In the middle zone and Moscow region, in order to admire the flowering of the “dogs” already in June, the flower is grown through seedlings. Sowing is usually carried out in March - early April.

The soil for the snapdragon flower is prepared from a mixture of turf soil and coarse river sand, with the addition of perlite and vermiculite. You can use purchased soil “Violet”. To prevent the occurrence of diseases, the soil is spilled with a hot raspberry solution of potassium permanganate or Fitosporin. The moistened soil mixture is laid out in seedling trays or boxes and compacted.

Antirrinum seeds are very small; for uniform sowing, they are mixed with dry sand in a ratio of 1 to 3 and scattered over the surface of the ground. You can first sprinkle snow on the surface of the substrate, and then sow the seeds. Melt water is a natural growth stimulator for seeds. Crops covered with glass or film are placed in a warm place (good temperature for germination is +24 degrees).

Snapdragon shoots will appear on the 12th – 15th day, the shelter is removed within a week, gradually accustoming the seedlings to fresh air. Flower seedlings are demanding on lighting, but snapdragons must be protected from direct, burning sunlight.

Important! To prevent seedlings from getting blackleg disease, it is recommended to alternate watering with plain water and watering with a weak solution of potassium permanganate. After watering, the soil around the seedlings needs to be loosened.

In the phase of 2–3 true leaves, antirrinum seedlings are planted in separate glasses or peat pots. 10 days after picking, the snapdragon is fed with complex mineral fertilizer according to the instructions. Before planting seedlings in open ground, about a week in advance, the plants pinch the central shoot above the 5th leaf to stimulate tillering.

In May, when the threat of sharp drops in temperature has passed, antirrinum seedlings are planted in flower beds. Tall varieties are placed according to a pattern of 40 by 50 cm, medium-sized ones - 30 by 30 cm, and for short-growing varieties, gaps of 20 cm are sufficient.

Caring for snapdragons in the garden

Snapdragon is not a plant that requires frequent watering. Regularly watering flowers with warm water is necessary only after planting seedlings, and during dry periods of summer. After watering, the soil around the plants needs to be loosened, simultaneously removing weeds. Snapdragon responds positively to mulching the soil around the bushes with wood chips, pine nut shells or other decorative mulch.

Tall varieties of “dogs” need to be tied to supports so that the tall peduncles do not break and droop to the ground.

To get long-term flowering of antirrinum, and not spoil its appearance, all flower arrows with faded buds must be removed from the plant.

Fertilizing with mineral fertilizer solutions for flowering plants should be given every 2 weeks, starting from planting seedlings in open ground.

Snapdragon can be affected by the following diseases: black leg, rust, gray rot, fusarium, septoria. Affected plants are destroyed. Disease prevention consists of regular treatment of plantings with antifungal drugs, especially in rainy summers.

Among the pests that plague the plant are caterpillars. In case of severe pest damage, flowers are treated with insecticides (, IntaVir).

Snapdragon in a flower garden

The variety of sizes, shapes and shades of antirrinum has made it a popular summer plant among gardeners around the world. Large bright snapdragon candles look impressive in the center of flower beds, surrounded by low-growing pansies, and.

Fragrant “dogs” are planted along the paths, with elongated flower beds in the foreground. Dwarf varieties of plants thrive in the limited space of pots and flowerpots. They can decorate balconies, terraces, porches.

Tall antirrinums stand well when cut for up to 12–14 days, and are an important component of summer fragrant bouquets.

Watch also the video

Snapdragon (antirrhinum) is a perennial crop. However, in our regions the flower is grown as an annual plant in the warm season. The variety of varieties is amazing. They can be up to one meter or more in height, or growing along borders up to twenty centimeters high.

The plant is especially popular among gardeners for its unpretentiousness. It does not cause any difficulties during cultivation. The flower is propagated by seeds, and seedlings are planted in the ground.

Culture has a number of undeniable advantages. The first thing is the duration of flowering: from mid-summer to cold autumn. Flowers are grown in front gardens, flower beds, hills, as well as in flowerpots and hanging pots on balconies.

Snapdragon in landscape design photo

Flowers are ideal for decorating borders. They look unusual in groups on green, low lawns. Hybrid varieties help diversify the everyday interior of houses, apartments, and country houses. Hanging varieties perfectly decorate hanging flowerpots, pots on balconies and country terraces.

Nasturtiums, marigolds, and decorative foliage plants will be good flowerbed companions for low-growing and dwarf varieties. In front gardens, the flower is combined with chrysanthemums, cosmos, and lobularia. An excellent addition to the background will be low conifers with an above-ground part in the form of a ball.

How to grow Snapdragon from seeds to seedlings

The flower is propagated by vegetative and seed methods. Planting material remains in the ground for several years and can germinate. If you live in a warm area, then you can grow crops from seeds directly in the soil. In good conditions they will sprout within three weeks. However, in areas where warmth does not please with its presence, it is better to grow the flower from seeds for seedlings and only then plant the snapdragon seedlings in the ground.

Container and soil for planting

To grow seedlings from seeds, you will need any container. You can buy it or make it yourself. It all depends on the number of plants grown.

The substrate is sold ready-made in flower shops. You can also prepare the soil yourself. Note that the germination rate of seedlings is small. Therefore, the ready-made or prepared mixture for planting must be sifted. To prepare the ground yourself you will need:

• washed sand;
• peat;
• garden soil.

When to plant snapdragon seeds for seedlings

In order to obtain antirrinum seedlings on time, sowing seed material begins in March.

Planting Antirrinum seeds

To grow snapdragons, you will need containers with tight-fitting lids. You can plant seeds directly into glasses, several seeds per glass. If the seedlings are one hundred percent, there is no need to thin them out. They can grow in one container as a bush.

Before sowing, the container is filled with substrate. It is leveled and watered well. The seeds of the plant are small. For convenience, they are mixed with sand or manipulated in the snow so that they are clearly visible.

Rules for caring for snapdragon seedlings

After the material has been sown, it is covered with a small layer of soil. Water again from a sprayer, cover with cellophane and a lid to create a greenhouse effect. For sprouts to germinate, you need high humidity and a temperature of 23-25C. It is important to monitor the soil; it should not dry out.

Proper care and seeds will germinate after 10-15 days. Then the young animals are transferred to a well-lit place. If there is not enough light, they will stretch upward. The film is removed a couple of days after the seeds hatch.

At first, young shoots grow slowly. At this time, the seedlings are watered moderately. When blackleg appears, the affected plants are removed and the soil is treated with crushed coal or ash.

Picking

When the second pair of true leaves has grown on the seedlings, they begin to dive. In seedling form, antirrinum grows a strong root system. Therefore, the seedlings are transplanted into a large container.

If the snapdragon grows thickly, then sometimes the roots intertwine with each other. In this case, there is no need to separate them; plant several pieces in a glass.

The plant tolerates picking perfectly. Settles in well in the new place. Do not forget, until the seedlings begin to grow, they are kept in the shade, and transferred to the sun after transplantation a few days later.

Planting snapdragon seedlings in open ground

A flower is planted in the front garden in late spring or early summer. It all depends on the climatic conditions, air temperature and land of the region.

Hardening off seedlings

In order for the seedlings to withstand night cold snaps, before sending the crop into the ground, it is hardened off. This is done by taking containers with future flowers outside two weeks before planting.

Location on the site and soil for growing snapdragons

Plants are planted in protected places from strong winds and drafts. It can be slightly darkened or well lit. The best soil composition is a mixture of sand, compost, and peat. The substrate is thoroughly watered. Flowers are planted depending on the variety: tall ones at a distance of 40-50 cm, short ones according to the pattern 20*20 cm, medium-sized ones at a distance of 25-30 cm.

Caring for antirrinum after planting in open ground

Further care of the flower comes down to regular irrigation, fertilizing, weeding and fluffing up the soil.

Snapdragons are fertilized with minerals such as nitroammophoska, nitrophoska, ammophoska.

The culture is demanding on moisture. It recovers quickly after generous watering. If you forget about hydration, the flower will not open well or even drop its inflorescences. Do not allow the soil to dry out. It is optimal to water in the morning.

It is advisable to water the flower under the root. If this is done superficially, the buds will accumulate water and begin to droop. Some may even fall off.

The plant blooms in waves. Don't worry if there is a sudden delay in flowering. Similar waves continue until the first frost. As soon as the flowers have faded, they are recommended to be removed.

How to collect snapdragon seeds

In order for the crop to form full-fledged seeds, which next year will bloom beautifully in the front garden, the brightest ones are chosen among the flowers in the summer. Their inflorescences are shortened by one third, making it possible to form boxes with seed material in place of large flowers. They bloom at the bottom of the inflorescences.

The inflorescences are cut off without waiting for the boxes to open and turn yellow. They are ripened in the house.

Diseases and pests of antirrinum

With the arrival of rain and cold weather, red spots form on the leaves of the plant. If this happens, the culture is treated with Zircon according to the manufacturer's instructions. For preventive purposes, the flower is sprayed with the same drug in a smaller dosage. Severely affected plants are removed from the garden completely.

Snapdragons are often attacked by mosaic disease, characterized by mottling of leaves. Diseased plants are immediately removed and burned.

Blackleg disease affects young growth due to waterlogged soil. The stems of the snapdragon will become thin and darken. Affected flowers die. They fight the disease by reducing and normalizing watering. Sick crops are destroyed. The soil is treated with potassium permanganate or formaldehyde.

If the flower begins to turn yellow and dry, it means that it has been attacked by fusarium disease. In this case, the stem rots. They fight the disease by timely removal of plants and disinfection of the soil with special preparations.

Snapdragon varieties with photos and names

Antirrinum was first selected by scientists from Germany in the nineteenth century. Today, a huge number of flower varieties have been bred for cultivation in the garden, differing mainly in the height of the crop:

1. Tall or sharp (from 80 cm). These are varieties of snapdragon with large flowers on long stalks. This includes giant, tall varieties.

« RocketOrchid" Grows up to a meter tall. Characterized by the rare coloring of the inflorescences in a lavender tone.

« VelvetGiant" Elegant and slim. It has reddish leaves, spectacular dark purple, blackish-red inflorescences.

« TheRose" The flowers are of a regular shape with smooth, pink inflorescences. They are filled with beauty and sublimity.

1. Medium-sized varieties or universal (40-60 cm). Snapdragons are bred for cutting and grown in front gardens. These flowers combine a small form with voluminous inflorescences.

« Wildrose" It grows to a height of 40 cm. Pedicels grow up to 20 cm. They have a loose structure. The flowers are massive with a bright, medium pink color.

« RedChif" Characterized by lush, massive greenery. The pedicels are large, red in color.

« BlackPrince" The stems are dark green and appear black. The color of the inflorescences is dark burgundy. Grows up to half a meter.

1. Low-growing, dwarf or casing antirrinums (25-40 cm). This variety of snapdragon is distinguished by its flowering duration and small size.

« Schneeflocke" Grows up to 25 cm. It is distinguished by elongated leaves and small whitish flowers in lacy inflorescences.

« Tom-Tumb" Grows up to 20 cm. It has a spherical bush shape with thin stems. The leaves are short and large. Pedicels are dense. The color is rich lemon with dark spots on each individual flower.

« Crown" On average it grows up to 35 cm tall. Suitable for growing in the foreground of a flower garden. Characterized by a short growing season.

Many gardeners are familiar with the snapdragon plant. Growing a crop from seeds is not difficult for gardeners. The plant is attractive because it does not create problems during planting and care. With a minimum of effort, a wonderful flower will appear in a flowerbed, in the front garden and even on the balcony in a flowerpot, with a variety of colors and density of buds, pleasing to the eye.

Annual flowering crops are the easiest and cheapest way to decorate your garden plot. Snapdragon (Antirrhinum) is essentially a perennial plant, but due to its lack of frost resistance, it is grown in most regions of our country as an annual. Of great importance when growing snapdragons from seeds is when to plant seedlings - the sooner this is done, the more magnificent the flowering will please the summer plant. But it's not that simple. Sowing too early leads to the exact opposite result. In this article we will figure out when to plant snapdragons in 2018 when grown from seeds using seedlings. simple rules will tell you how to care for seedlings and adult flowering plants.

The material contains advice from experienced gardeners. All agricultural techniques for growing snapdragons from seeds are also presented so that the antirrinum will delight with lush flowering all summer and until frost. Pay special attention to the planting dates according to the lunar calendar - on these days, carrying out the recommended agrotechnical operations gives the maximum effect. Do not forget that caring for seedlings and adult plants in the garden should be regular and carried out according to all recommendations. Only in this case can you grow a beautiful flower garden, which will be a source of pride for the owner of a house or summer cottage.

Look at the photo of snapdragons grown from seeds by seedlings - these are the flowering specimens you should get if you follow all our tips:

Growing snapdragons from seedlings produces magnificent flowers

Botanical characteristics

The presented botanical characteristics of snapdragon will be brief - solely for reference or to provide a general idea of ​​the culture. It belongs to the herbaceous perennials, is a relative of the plantain, but with less resistance to frost in winter.

For the first time, selection as a cultivated plant began in the territory of modern Germany at the beginning of the 19th century. Before this, the flower grew wild for at least 5 centuries. But only after the work of breeders began, more than 50 new species appeared. They are available for sale in 150 varieties of seeds.

Antirrinum seeds are very small, more like dust. Therefore, sowing them is very difficult for beginning gardeners. We will reveal the secret of simple and easy planting. If you follow this method, the seedlings will delight you with their activity.

The inflorescences are collected in a panicle and are presented in a huge number of shades. So far, only blue, violet and dark blue buds have not been released. Stems can be tall, medium-sized or miniature (dwarf). Depending on this botanical characteristic, snapdragon can be used for bouquet arrangements (for cutting), flower beds or border groups. Hanging varieties perfectly decorate balconies, gazebos, and hanging flowerpots on terraces.

Varieties and species groups of antirrinum

Existing species groups of antirrinum make it possible to form plantings in accordance with the assigned tasks. They are divided according to the type of bud structure, plant height, color, flowering period, etc. The most popular types of buds are bell-shaped and two-lipped - they create the effect of lush flowering. But the nonmesioid and penstemonoid forms have restrained sophistication and severity of outline. The terry or azalea-shaped form of snapdragon inflorescence can be represented by numerous varieties, including those with two-color colors.

Low-growing (dwarf, miniature, border) varieties

Miniature varieties have a stem height of 10–25 cm. Low-growing bushes are used as casings for decorating paths in the garden, fencing flower beds and creating borders. Dwarf snapdragons come in many varieties. It is necessary to pinch the main stem during the phase of growing seedlings from seeds. This will allow you to get active branching in internodes of the third, fourth and even fifth order.

The most popular border varieties of antirrinum are the following:

• suitable for hanging compositions “Candy Showers” ​​- grows in cascading waves;
• "Tom Thumb" with erect stems and varied bud colors;
• “Lampion” is another interesting hybrid with an ampelous type of bush growth with graceful white, yellow and red cascading inflorescences;
• “Sakura Blossom” is intended for lovers of pink vanilla, as its buds are delicately colored in white and pink tones;
• “Pixie” with increased bushiness and unusually bright inflorescences of orange tones;
• “Magic Carpet”, “Madama Butterfly”, “Kimozu”, “Wunderteppich”, “The Hobbit” and many others.

These are not all varieties available for cultivation; the choice in flower shops is huge.

Medium-growing varietal group

Antirrinums, universal in their purpose, can be found among the varieties of the medium-growing group. A distinctive feature of these types is their compactness, low tendency to branch and an expressive, well-designed pyramidal inflorescence. Hybrids grow to a height of up to 70 cm. Suitable for decorating flower beds and flower beds. Designed for bouquet cutting. They retain their freshness in vases for a long time.

Basically, the medium-sized universal varietal group of snapdragons is represented by the following hybrids:

• "Golden Monarch" - with exquisite buds of rich yellow color;
• “Scarlet Monarch” - for lovers of red flowers with amazing depth of shades;
• “Lipstick Silver” - decorates the flower garden with a vanilla pink cloud of blooms;
• 'Bizari F1' has a bushy form with many side shoots topped with bright yellow and orange inflorescences;
• 'Ruby' also features pink petals;
• "Day and Night" is a mixture of colors for sunny areas.

“Twinnie” and other varieties are intended for bouquet arrangements and garden decoration. The choice of varieties is rich.

Gigantic and tall varieties

Gigantic antirrinums can reach a height of up to one and a half meters. These tall varieties are intended mainly for decorating those areas of the garden where you need to create a natural curtain for an untidy wall or fence. In group plantings they can play the role of background plants. Can be used as a large cut for bouquets with stems longer than 1 meter.

The pink color of the buds is represented by the sutras “Brilliantrose”, “Anna German”, “F1 Pink XL”, “Start F1”. For lovers of red tones, the varieties “Swallowtail”, “Rubin”, “Julaiva”, “F1 Red XL”, “University of California” have been developed. “Canary” has a yellow color, “F1 Rocket Lemon” has a lemon tint, “Alaska” has a white tint, and “F1 Goshenka” has an orange tint.

Growing snapdragon seedlings from seeds (with photo)

Flower growers practice two types of propagation of this plant. One of them is not suitable for regions with cold climates. In Siberia and the Far East, in most regions of the Urals, this crop does not survive frosty winters. Therefore, it is unlikely that it will be possible to propagate antirrinums here by dividing the bush. What remains is the time-tested cultivation of snapdragon seedlings by sowing seeds and then planting them in separate containers.

Strong and healthy snapdragon flower seedlings produce the most magnificent flowering in the first year after planting. With the correct sowing timing, budding begins already in early May. Usually, seedlings are planted in open ground already in bloom.

Snapdragon seedlings planted from seeds in early February bloom in late April. These terms are suitable for ampelous and miniature varieties used to decorate balconies, loggias, terraces and verandas. And the cultivation of snapdragon seedlings of medium-sized and tall varietal groups should begin at the end of February. The optimal planting time is early to mid-March. The seeds sprout very quickly in a friendly “brush”; with proper care, they actively develop and begin to bud 90 days after sowing.

Look at the photo of snapdragon seedlings and continue the fascinating story about how to sow, determine the optimal timing for your climate zone and provide proper care:

Dates for sowing snapdragon seedlings according to the lunar calendar

The answer to the question of when to sow snapdragon seedlings depends on many determining factors. The sowing dates according to the lunar calendar in 2018 are as follows:

• February 21 – 27;
• March 3-8 and 21 – 24;
• April 15 – 20.

It is also worth understanding that the timing of when to plant snapdragon seedlings depends on the climatic zone of its cultivation in open ground conditions. The sooner it becomes possible to plant plants in the ground in a region, the earlier sowing can be done at home. But here it is necessary to understand that the duration of daylight hours in all regions of our country is the same. And if the seedlings appear in early February, they will need to be provided with lighting for 5 hours every day. Can you provide such conditions? Then get busy with your crops. And if it is not possible to illuminate the seedlings, then you can immediately throw away the packets of seeds. early sowing will not give anything good. The seedlings will stretch out, and since they are very thin, mass mortality will occur. Take your time.

Calmly sow snapdragon seedlings in early March and enjoy strong and healthy seedlings without much hassle. When exactly to plant snapdragon seedlings in the Urals, Siberia and some regions of the Far East depends on the approximate timing of the melting of the snow cover. Remember a simple rule: it is advisable to plant seedlings in a permanent place of growth at an age not exceeding 90 days. Therefore, if such an opportunity appears only at the beginning of June, then it is better not to start planting until the beginning of March 2018.

How to plant seeds correctly?

Very often, inexperienced gardeners receive complaints about the low germination of sown antirrinum seeds. But it’s worth knowing that proper planting of snapdragons on seedlings gives almost 100% germination. These seeds, although very small, have excellent growth and survival potential even in unfavorable environmental conditions.

There can be two errors:

• lack of sunlight necessary to activate growth and germination when the seeds are sprinkled with soil;
• pre-soaking, leading to rotting of the thin seed coat.

Before you plant snapdragon seedlings, place the seed packet in the bottom of your refrigerator for a few weeks. No mixing with sand is required before the sowing procedure. Just pour the seeds into a dry saucer.

Take a shallow plastic container. Place a non-woven cloth with good water permeability on its bottom. You can use ordinary toilet paper. Spread in several layers (3-4) and moisten the surface with a spray bottle with water to which “Epin” has been added. Spread the snapdragon seeds evenly on this napkin (or paper). Gently spray the tops with a spray bottle so that they are thoroughly wetted. Cover with a tightly translucent material (plastic film or glass). Place in a bright place on the windowsill.

Shoots will appear in 5-7 days. Don't miss this important moment. Immediately after the emergence of seedlings, it is necessary to sprinkle them with a thin layer of earth. For this it is better to use a strainer. The filling should reach the cotyledon leaves.

Picking and aftercare

Plant picking begins 3 weeks after germination. You can transplant snapdragon seedlings in bunches or one plant at a time. For picking, take peat pots with a volume of 200 - 250 ml.

Subsequent care consists of regular watering and application of mineral fertilizers. Once a week, spray and water with a solution of succinic acid. This substance has stimulating properties and ensures the formation of a large number of flower buds.

Soil and suitable containers for seedlings

You can prepare the soil for growing snapdragon seedlings yourself. It is better to do this in the fall, when all components are in the public domain. Take peat or compost, turf soil, sand and wood ash one part at a time. Mix everything, add 20 g. complex mineral fertilizer for every 5 liters of soil mixture. Before planting, pour boiling water with added manganese.

Suitable containers for growing antirrinum seedlings from seeds are wooden boxes, plastic containers, trays and peat tablets. All of them must be thoroughly sterilized before sowing.

Transplantation into open ground and subsequent care

Transplanting snapdragon seedlings into open ground is possible only after the average daily temperature has established a positive range. This could be the end of May - beginning of June. Take your time, seedlings cannot withstand even a short-term drop in temperature below +5 degrees Celsius. If possible, you can transfer containers with seedlings to greenhouses or greenhouses for hardening. If this is not possible, then this procedure should be carried out gradually. First, the containers are taken out into fresh air for 30 minutes. The next day the time is increased by 30 minutes. Gradually, over 10 days, the duration of the “walk” should be increased to 8 hours. After this, you can plant snapdragon seedlings in a permanent place.

The planting scheme depends on the height of adult plants:

• dwarf varieties are planted at a distance of 15–20 cm from each other;
• the medium-sized group requires a distance between plantings of up to 50 cm;
• Tall antirrinums should be planted at a distance of 70 cm from each other.

Subsequent care consists of regular watering, application of mineral fertilizers, and weeding. It is also important to regularly form the bush. pinch off any excess side shoots. Too much thickening of the bush leads to the fact that the flowers become small and weakly colored (pale). Plants lose their decorative properties.

With proper care, snapdragons, when grown from seeds, begin to bloom 100 days after the appearance of the first shoots. The flowering period stops only after the first frost.

Seed collection

In order to collect seeds, it is necessary to isolate the mother plant in advance. You need to leave a few buds on them, which will fade on their own and set a seed basket. Wait for it to dry completely and move it to a warm and dry place for ripening. The germination rate of such planting material is very high and lasts for 5 years.

Snapdragon diseases and pests

Fungal and bacterial diseases of snapdragon mainly affect flower crops under unfavorable climatic conditions. This is high humidity at low temperatures. Pests often include colonies of aphids, damage by caterpillars (cutworms), thrips, miners, slugs and mites. Sparse plantings and regular weed removal help prevent pest damage. Against slugs, you must use traps and scatter metaldehyde.

Regular spraying with Zircon helps prevent the development of bacterial and fungal infections. If signs of a nematode appear, then you need to remove the damaged parts of the plant and spray the bushes with a solution of Bordeaux mixture.

Look at the video of how to plant snapdragon seedlings with seeds at home: