When to plant Snapdragons in Leeds

Antirrhinum majus

Snapdragon
Snapdragon · Antirrhinum majus

A half-hardy bedding flower for a bright, long-running display in a sheltered UK border or container. Start seeds under cover, then plant out after frost risk has passed and keep deadheading for a long flowering season.

60 cm · Full Sun · Moderate Water

Add to garden

Calibrated to Leeds · last frost ≈ 24 Apr

Sow indoors February to March, plant out May. Frost risk November to April.
ActivityJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Sow indoorsNoYesYesNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNo
Plant outNoNoNoNoYesNoNoNoNoNoNoNo

Growing guide

What to do through the growing season

  1. 01

    Sow Seeds Indoors

    13 Feb to 20 Mar

    Sow seeds thinly on the surface of moist compost in modules or trays around 13th February - 20th March. Do not cover them, as light helps germination. Keep them at in a bright place and water gently from below.

  2. 02

    Prick Out Seedlings

    27 Feb to 17 Apr Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    When seedlings are large enough to handle, move them into small pots and grow them on from 27th February. Keep the compost just moist and give them plenty of light so they do not get leggy.

  3. 03

    Harden Off

    24 Apr to 22 May Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    Acclimatise the young plants outside over 24th April - 22nd May. Put them out for a few hours at first, then leave them out longer each day so they can handle cooler air and sun without a setback.

  4. 04

    Plant Out

    8 May to 22 May

    Plant into final positions from 8th May, spacing them apart. Water in thoroughly straight away and keep fleece handy if a cold snap is forecast.

  5. 05

    Deadhead & Maintain

    7 Jun to 2 Nov Dates as each sowing reaches this stage Optional · repeat every 2 weeks

    Remove fading flowers regularly from 7th June so the plants keep flowering rather than putting energy into seed. Water during dry spells and feed lightly every 14 days to keep growth steady through the season.

Suggested varieties

Popular varieties of Snapdragon to consider

Rocket F1

Tall, upright plants with strong stems and good weather tolerance.

Sonnet Mixed

A reliable half-hardy group with a wide colour range and neat growth.

Madame Butterfly

Double-flowered blooms on branching plants, good for cutting and borders.

Twinny Mix

Compact, double-flowered plants suited to pots and the front of borders.

Snapdragon guides by town

See how Snapdragon timing shifts in other towns with different frost dates.