Snapdragon
Antirrhinum majus “Tetra Mix”

Snapdragon is a delightful, old fashioned performer.  It produces upright racemes with tubular flowers located along a stem and appears in delicate shades of pink, yellow, white, and reddish purple.  Preferring cool weather, it is best to start indoors or install outside in mid to late summer for a fall display.  Snapdragon can tolerate some light frost.

When to Plant Outdoors
For a fall display, install in a shaded nursery bed in August or September, then move to desired sunny location when plants are well established and weather begins to cool. 

Moisten prepared soil thoroughly.  Using scissors, cut seed mats as desired.  Each mat can yield 2, 3, 6, or 12 sections depending on your needs.  Now, place each section where desired on the moistened soil and water thoroughly.  Seed in a Blanket® is designed to hug the ground when moistened so it will stay in place.  At this point, it cannot be lifted up in one piece.  Do not cover mat with soil.

Water frequently to keep seed mat moist until the second set of leaves are fully extended.  Do not let the mat dry out.  Germination should occur within 1 to 2 weeks depending upon weather and soil conditions. 

When to Start Indoors
Start in late winter so that established plants can be planted outside as soon as the soil can be worked. (This means that the soil, when squeezed in the hand and then released, will lightly crumble and not stick together in a clump.)

Select a warm, well-lit location.  Using scissors cut each mat into 6 to 12 sections as desired.  Place sections on well moistened soil-less potting mix in containers that allow good drainage.  Water until the mat is thoroughly moistened and hugs the planting medium.  Water evenly and do not let the mat dry out.  Expect germination within 1 to 2 weeks.

After the second set of leaves are fully extended, transplant seedlings into individual pots.  When soil can be worked (see above) move to a shady and protected area outside for one week before installing in its intended position in the garden.   This is an important step that will allow the seedlings to adjust to conditions outside.

Tip – Keep planting area weed-free. Cut flowers for your enjoyment frequently.  Strip off leaves before placing in water.

See Garden Basics for more helpful tips and techniques.