Snapdragon Flowers

One of the most dramatic illustrations of color and beauty is the snapdragon.

Rows of flawlessly shaped, snapdragons decorate many stems. Snapdragons come in a large range of colors and varieties. Most annuals are not available in as many colors as the snapdragon. Various shades of white, red, yellow, purple, pink, and peach blooms are available. Two-colored snapdragons are above all wonderfully flashy.

This marvelously scented flower comes in different sizes, ranging from dwarf varieties to some that can reach a height of four feet. Tall assortments make great backdrops for smaller plants, and shorter to medium varieties make lovely borders. Snapdragons are also great for hanging baskets if you buy the cascading variety. For window boxes, the dwarf variety is a wonderful idea. Plant low varieties for ground cover. One such variety is the Floral Carpet Hybrid. Snapdragons also make a superb flower for a border or window box.

Snapdragons produce more blooms when temperatures are cool. Snapdragons are sold in garden centers and greenhouses, and they can be bought as a fully developed plant. If starting snapdragons from seed, they should be planted indoors approximately two to three months before spring planting. Snapdragons require light to begin sprouting. The seeds should be sprinkled on top of the soil in peat pots, trays, or containers. Covering the peat pots, trays, or containers with clear plastic will help keep in moisture during germination. Pinching off tops of snapdragons that are about four inches tall will push the plant to branch out. Then sit back and enjoy the spectacular beauty of the snapdragon.