Snap Dragon Tom Thumb
$4.49
Antirrhinum Majus
- Seed Count 1000
- Short Variety
- Annual
- Height 20 cm
In stock
Description
Snap Dragon Tom Thumb is a short, compact, bushy perennial in a wide range of vibrant colours. This plant will look amazing potted on your patio or in the garden. The bees and butterflies really love these plants also. Regular deadheading helps them bloom again and again.
Snapdragons are often thought of as old-fashioned flowers, evoking childhood memories of a grandparents’ garden. The snapdragon gets its common name from its flower shape, which (if you use a little imagination) resembles a dragon’s head, and its mouth opens and closes when you squeeze it.
Snapdragons are short-lived perennial plants that survive well in cold seasons but are often replanted each spring. They do best in partial sun in well composted, well-drained soil, since their roots are susceptible to rotting, although they do require regular watering.
They can be planted in autumn and late winter/spring in most regions except the tropics where they are a winter plant. This variety grows to around 18cm tall, and are perfect plants for use in a border or pots.
You can propagate snapdragons either by seed or cuttings, but if growing from seed, keep in mind that they’re very slow to germinate.
Collecting snapdragon seeds is fun and easy – make sure the pods are dry, then pinch them from the plant and shake the seeds into your hand or a small bowl. If you can’t hear the seeds rattling in the pods, let them dry for a few more days before harvesting.
| Method: Sow direct or seedlings | Soil Temp:8°C - 24°C |
| Cool Mountain: Feb - Apr / Sep - Dec | Position: Part sun |
| Arid: Apr - Sep | Row Spacing: 50 cm |
| Temperate: Feb - May / Set - Oct | Planting Depth 1 mm |
| Sub Tropical: Feb - Sep | Harvest: 115 Days |
| Tropical: Mar - Sep | Plant Height: 40 cm |
Climate and Growing Conditions
Temperature:
- Snapdragons grow best in temperatures between 10°C and 21°C.
- They can tolerate light frosts but may struggle in extreme heat.
Sunlight:
- Plant in a location that receives full sun to partial shade (at least 6 hours of sunlight per day). In hotter regions, provide afternoon shade to protect them from scorching.
Soil:
- Well-draining, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0 is ideal.
- Amend heavy clay soils with compost or organic matter to improve drainage.
Planting Snapdragons
- Sow seeds 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost or directly into the garden in autumn or early spring. See product description for more details.
- Lightly press seeds into the soil (they need light to germinate) and keep the soil moist.
- Germination takes 714 days at temperatures of 8 – 24°C.
- Space plants 50 cm apart.
Watering and Feeding
Watering:
- Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
- Water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to fungal diseases.
- Reduce watering in cooler months.
Feeding:
- Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at planting time.
- Feed every 4-6 weeks with a liquid fertilizer high in phosphorus to encourage blooming.
Pruning and Maintenance
Deadheading:
- Remove spent flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooming and prevent the plant from going to seed.
Pinching:
- Pinch back young plants when they are about 10-15 cm tall to promote bushier growth and more flowers.
Staking:
- Tall varieties may require staking to prevent them from toppling over in windy conditions.
Pests and Diseases
Snapdragons are generally low maintenance but can be affected by a few common issues:
- Aphids: Spray with a strong jet of water or use insecticidal soap.
Rust:
- A fungal disease that causes orange spots on leaves.
- Remove affected leaves and avoid overhead watering.
Powdery Mildew:
- Improve air circulation and avoid overcrowding plants.
- Treat with a fungicide if necessary.
Snails and Slugs:
- Use organic slug pellets or beer traps to protect young plants.
Harvesting
Cut Flowers:
- Snapdragons make excellent cut flowers.
- Harvest when about 1/3 of the flowers on the stem are open.
Overwintering
- In cooler regions, snapdragons may die back in winter but can regrow in spring if the roots are protected with mulch. In warmer regions, they may continue to bloom throughout the winter.
Tips for Success
- Rotate planting locations each year to prevent soilborne diseases.
- Mulch around plants to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
- Avoid overwatering, as snapdragons are susceptible to root rot.
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