Rocket F1
Tall, upright plants with strong stems and good weather tolerance.
When to plant Snapdragons in London
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
Calibrated to London · average last frost around 4 Apr
| Activity | January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sow indoors | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Plant out | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | No | No | No | No |
Growing guide
What to do through the growing season
01
Sow Seeds Indoors
24 Jan to 28 FebSow seeds thinly on the surface of moist compost in modules or trays around 24th January - 28th February. Do not cover them, as light helps germination. Keep them at in a bright place and water gently from below.
02
Prick Out Seedlings
7 Feb to 28 Mar Dates as each sowing reaches this stageWhen seedlings are large enough to handle, move them into small pots and grow them on from 7th February. Keep the compost just moist and give them plenty of light so they do not get leggy.
03
Harden Off
4 Apr to 2 May Dates as each sowing reaches this stageAcclimatise the young plants outside over 4th April - 2nd 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.
04
Plant Out
18 Apr to 2 MayPlant into final positions from 18th April, spacing them apart. Water in thoroughly straight away and keep fleece handy if a cold snap is forecast.
05
Deadhead & Maintain
18 May to 10 Nov Dates as each sowing reaches this stage Optional · repeat every 2 weeksRemove fading flowers regularly from 18th May 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
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.
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Calabrese
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Snapdragon guides by town
See how Snapdragon timing shifts in other towns with different frost dates.