Snapdragons (or antirrhinums) are usually sown for seedlings in March-April, but the exact timing depends on the climate in your region and the time you want the plants to bloom. Keep in mind that when grown from seed indoors, it takes approximately 10 weeks from germination to flowering. They are ready for transplanting to their permanent location outdoors in 50-60 days. You should also refer to the lunar calendar, which is different this year (2024) than last year.
Planting is carried out as follows:
- Preparing the soil and seeds: soak the seeds in water or a growth stimulant solution a few hours before sowing. You can use a ready-made potting soil or mix equal parts peat, sand, and humus.
- Sowing: Fill the containers with prepared soil and distribute the seeds evenly over the surface, then lightly cover them with soil to a depth of 2-3 mm.
- Watering: Gently moisten the soil with a spray bottle to avoid washing away the seeds.
- Creating greenhouse conditions: cover the container with crops with film or glass and place it in a warm place with a temperature of 20-25 degrees Celsius.
- Seedling care: After the seedlings emerge (usually after 7-10 days), remove the cover and reduce the temperature to 16-20 degrees Celsius. Provide the seedlings with good lighting and avoid overwatering.
- Pricking out: when two true leaves appear (approximately 3-4 weeks after sowing), pick out the plants – transplant them into separate pots or into a more spacious container, keeping a distance of 4-5 cm between the plants.
- Fertilizing: 10 days after transplanting, feed the seedlings with a complete fertilizer for flowering plants. Repeat this fertilizing every 14-21 days until planting outdoors.
- Hardening: 1-2 weeks before the expected planting in open ground, begin hardening the seedlings, gradually acclimating them to lower temperatures and wind.
Planting in open ground occurs after the danger of frost has passed, usually in May or June. The distance between plants depends on the variety and ranges from 15 to 30 cm. After planting, continue caring for the plants, watering and fertilizing them regularly.
But if you are a beginner, we suggest you read the full instructions.
Lunar calendar
Table with the most favorable days for sowing.
| Month | January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December |
| Favorable days | 13-23 | 12-22 | 12-23 | 10-22 | 10-21 | 8-20 | 8-19 | 6-17 | 5-16 | 4-15 | 3-14 | 3-13 |
The most unfavorable days are:
- January: 10-12, 24-26.
- February: 9-11, 23-25.
- March: 9-11, 24-26.
- April: 7-9, 23-25.
- May: 7-9, 22-24.
- June: 5-7, 21-23.
- July: 5-7, 20-22.
- August: 3-5, 18-20.
- September: 2-4, 17-19.
- October: 1-3, 16-18, 31.
- November: 1, 2, 15-17, 30.
- December: 1, 2, 14-16, 30, 31.
All others are neutral.
By region
Snapdragon seedlings should be planted at different times in different regions:
- In the southern regions (Krasnodar Krai, North Caucasus) you can start already at the end of February - beginning of March.
- In central Russia (Moscow and the Moscow region), the optimal time is mid-March.
- Residents of the Leningrad region can begin work in early to mid-April.
- For the Urals, Siberia and the Far East, it is better to postpone planting seeds until the end of April.
Features of growing from seeds
Snapdragons are considered paradoxical plants. Growing techniques are accessible to those inexperienced, but even minor errors can lead to problems. Botanists have identified several features of growing this perennial plant from seed:
- the seeds are very small, so they are bought in small quantities;
- sowing is carried out in warm, but not hot weather;
- difficulty in determining the required level of watering and fertilizing.
Planting snapdragons according to the lunar calendar in 2020 is possible after careful preparation. Spread a layer of sifted river sand on a thick sheet of paper. Lay the seeds in two rows and mix.
Carefully remove the river sand and replace it with fertile soil. A mixture of soil and compost is poured onto a new sheet of paper. Form a cone and carefully hold it over the box. Tap the cone to distribute the seeds in an even layer.
Preparing seeds and soil
Snapdragons do not pass on genetic information to future generations. Don't use previously collected seeds. It's pointless. Buy seed from the store. First, read the manufacturer's information on the packaging. Each variety is bred for a specific climate zone and has a certain immunity. The yield is also monitored.
Purchased seeds are immersed in a saturated salt solution. After two hours, some will settle, and any remaining on the surface must be removed. Nothing will grow from it. The next water treatment is in a saturated potassium permanganate solution. This solution removes pathogens from the surface of the seed. The water treatment lasts 40 minutes.
Planting and care
This perennial plant can be sown in virtually all climate zones. A number of requirements are observed to reduce the risk of crop loss.
| Agrotechnical manipulation | Description | Note |
| Adding nutrients | 24 hours before planting, add 1.5 kg of azophoska and 0.5 kg of triple superphosphate for every 1 m². | Peat is added with caution during the first 2 months of the plant's life, otherwise a high level of moisture will form around the roots. |
| In the first ten days of June, add mineral fertilizer every 2 weeks. | The work is completed 2 days before the start of the active flowering phase. | |
| Annual varieties are fertilized throughout the growing season. | The work is completed 2 weeks before the onset of autumn cold weather. | |
| As flower buds begin to form, the composition of fertilizers is changed. | A 0.2% solution of mineral fertilizers with the addition of potassium is added | |
| Trimming | Remove the inflorescences that are finishing flowering, otherwise the nutrients are used inefficiently | The disadvantage of pruning is that after it is completed, the plant does not produce seeds for subsequent use in the following season. |
| Watering | Moisture is added throughout the growing season, after first ensuring that the soil is dry. | When watering, make sure that previously settled water at room temperature does not get on the leaves. |
Perennial varieties are prepared for winter. Four weeks before the onset of cold weather, inspect the plantings. At least one woody shoot is present. Typically, this is a stem and one lateral shoot. If any green shoots remain, they should be removed. They have no chance of surviving the winter. Other recommendations:
- the height of the earthen mound should be sufficient to cover the entire plant;
- a plant that is too tall is carefully laid down and secured along the ground;
- garden soil will reduce the likelihood of heat loss;
- First, the seedlings are covered with garden textiles, and then only with soil.
After wintering is complete, the cover is removed. Dead shoots are removed.
When can you dive?
Favorable days for picking and planting snapdragons are recorded in the lunar calendar. While the plant tolerates picking well, the seedlings' readiness is assessed first. Three to four strong seedlings are selected for transplanting into individual pots. All weak and damaged shoots are removed. Other recommendations:
- complex fertilizer and fresh soil are poured into new containers in a ratio of 1:2;
- pots with planting material are kept at a temperature of +18 °C +20 °C;
- provide a moderate level of illumination.
Watering and fertilizing are carried out simultaneously, every 7 days. First, check the soil moisture level. Excessive dryness or high humidity reduces the immunity of green plants.
Planting in open ground
Snapdragons are planted outdoors in mid-May to early June. The planting dates can be adjusted depending on temperature stability. The plant is frost-intolerant. A comfortable soil temperature is 15°C. A slight drop in temperature at night of 2-3°C is not harmful. Other recommendations:
- planted in open prepared soil in a moderately shaded and moderately lit place;
- prepare a drainage system, otherwise stagnant water will cause root rot;
- the area is dug up, adding 1.5 kg of fertile soil per 1 m²;
- loosen the soil;
- I dig it up again and add a mixture of equal parts compost, peat and river sand at a rate of 2 kg per 1 m²;
- control the acidity level, which does not exceed pH 6-8.
The holes are dug 45 cm apart. If a medium-sized variety is chosen, the distance is reduced to 30 m, and for dwarf varieties, 15 cm.
Mistakes when growing
Growing snapdragons from seeds This requires maintaining a proper temperature and monitoring humidity levels. Work begins in slightly cool and overcast weather. Bright sunlight has a negative impact on both young and mature plants.
High solar activity reduces the likelihood of survival. Another mistake is drafts. Choose a planting site in a windless corner of the garden. Greenery is sensitive to strong air currents.
Planting density is a problem that arises in small spaces. It's best avoided during the planning stage. If sufficient space is not available, snapdragons are planted in a staggered pattern. Other potential problems include:
- do not follow the nutrient application schedule (rush or do not apply enough);
- plant young plants in a too shaded place;
- excessive or insufficient watering;
- plant waste accumulates on the site;
- Weeds are not removed from the area.
The last point is the most problematic. As the plant grows, some of the green mass falls off. This must be removed promptly, otherwise it becomes a breeding ground for pests and microorganisms. Weeds are not left behind. They consume most of the water and nutrients, leaving the plant with only the crumbs.
This attractive and useful perennial plant is renowned for its aesthetic qualities. Garden designers use it to beautify spaces, and herbalists use it to prepare medicinal herbs. This easy-to-grow yet demanding plant requires balanced watering, fertilizing, and moderate light.