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.
Growing Guide
Step-by-step instructions for growing Snapdragon
Planting Calendar
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Sow Seeds Indoors
Sow seeds in modules or trays around and just cover them with fine compost. Keep them at and use a bright windowsill or propagator so they germinate evenly.
Prick Out Seedlings
When seedlings are large enough to handle, move them into small pots and grow them on from . Keep the compost just moist and give them plenty of light so they do not get leggy.
Harden Off
Acclimatise the young plants outside over . 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 checking.
Plant Out
Plant into final positions from , spacing them apart. Water in thoroughly straight away and keep fleece handy if a cold snap is forecast.
Deadhead & Maintain
every 2 weeksRemove fading flowers regularly from 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.
Companion Plants
Tap a plant to see why it works (or doesn't) with Snapdragon.
Good companions
Plants to avoid
Why companion planting matters
Companion planting can deter pests, improve pollination, and make better use of space. Some plants confuse pests or attract beneficial insects; others improve soil or offer shade to neighbours that need it.
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.
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