Snapdragons are a classic and cheerful garden flower that can brighten up any outdoor space With their spikes of vibrant bell-shaped blooms in shades of white, pink, red, yellow and more, it’s easy to see why they are so popular But did you know snapdragons also make fantastic container plants?
Growing snapdragons in pots opens up their versatility, allowing you to decorate decks, patios, window boxes, and more with these colorful charmers. With the right care and preparation, container grown snapdragons can thrive and put on a spectacular floral show
In this complete guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about successfully planting and growing snapdragons in pots.
An Overview of Growing Snapdragons in Containers
Snapdragons are native to tropical and subtropical regions, but they have been popular garden flowers for centuries in temperate climates as well. Most types will bloom throughout cool weather in spring, and again in fall until frost.
While often grown in flower beds, snapdragons are also one of the best choices for containers. Their vertically oriented flower spikes provide great height and visual interest in pots and planters. Snapdragons come in a range of sizes from dwarf types under 12 inches, to mid-size varieties reaching 2 feet tall, up to giant snapdragons over 3 feet in height.
When choosing snapdragons for containers, stick with compact, bushy plants under 2 feet tall. Taller types meant for cut flowers may get floppy and sparse when confined to a pot. Look for vigorous varieties marketed specifically for container gardening or patio planters.
Key Advantages of Growing Snapdragons in Pots
Beyond their bright blossoms, snapdragons offer many benefits that make them ideal for potted plantings:
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Adaptability – Snapdragons tolerate partial shade and can thrive in pots that are moved to follow the sun.
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Long bloom time – Flowering often lasts from early spring into fall with proper care.
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Self-cleaning – Spent blooms drop off naturally, reducing maintenance.
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Fragrance – Many new snapdragon varieties are deliciously scented.
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Versatility – Use snapdragons in window boxes, mix with other plants, or solo as a specimen.
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Compact size – Many modern snapdragons stay under 12 inches, perfect for containers.
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Easy care – Snapdragons are not fussy once established and don’t require much upkeep.
With the right variety and proper care, container grown snapdragons will reward you with months of vivid color and beauty.
Choosing the Best Snapdragons for Pots
To get the most out of growing snapdragons in containers, select compact, free-flowering varieties suited to life in a pot. The best choices include:
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Dwarf and mini snapdragons – Under 12 inches, these work perfectly solo or in groups in small pots. Look for the Snapshot, Chantilly, or Rocket series.
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Medium snapdragons – 1 to 2 foot types like the Madame Butterfly and Montego offer great height for larger containers.
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Trailing types – Cascading and trailing varieties are ideal for window boxes and hanging baskets. Try Snapetta or trailing Snapshot.
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Heat tolerant – Newer heat resistant snapdragons like Snaptini and Snapshot Excel can better withstand warm summers in pots.
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Prolific bloomers – Look for advertised “extra-flowering” or “non-stop” varieties primed for maximum blooms.
Match your snapdragons to the size and scale of the pot for the most pleasing aesthetic effect.
Providing Optimal Growing Conditions
Like any plant, snapdragons need the right care and environment to reach their full potential for healthy growth and prolific flowering. Here are the ideal growing conditions to provide for container grown snapdragons:
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Sunlight – Snapdragons thrive best in full sun. Give them at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
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Soil – Good drainage is essential. Use a quality potting mix, not regular garden soil which stays too wet.
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Pot size – Allow at least 8-10 inches depth and diameter for root growth.
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Water – Keep soil evenly moist but not saturated. Take care not to overwater.
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Fertilizer – Feed monthly with a water soluble bloom-boosting plant food.
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Temperature – Cool weather brings the most flowers. Hot weather above 85°F can inhibit blooms.
Meeting snapdragons’ preferences for sun exposure, rich soil, adequate space and moderate water will keep them blooming happily in containers.
Step-By-Step Guide to Planting Snapdragons in Pots
With the right preparation and care, growing snapdragons in containers is easy and rewarding. Follow these steps for potting up perfect snapdragons:
1. Select Your Pot
Choose a container at least 8-10 inches wide and deep with drainage holes. Durable plastic, ceramic, or resin works better than fragile terra cotta.
2. Add Potting Mix
Fill your container about 3/4 full with store-bought potting soil or homemade mix amended with compost for nutrients.
3. Plant Snapdragons
Carefully remove snapdragons from their nursery pots, gently loosen tangled roots, and plant at the same level as they were growing before. Place 3-5 plants in one pot for fullness.
4. Water Well
Water thoroughly after planting to settle the mix and eliminate any air pockets around roots.
5. Apply Fertilizer
Feed with liquid bloom booster or slow release granules to support growth and flowering.
6. Monitor Watering
Check soil moisture frequently and water when the top inch feels dry. Take care not to over-saturate the soil.
With this easy 6 step process, you’ll have vibrant, long-blooming snapdragons growing happily in containers in no time!
Ongoing Care for Potted Snapdragons
Snapdragons are relatively low maintenance once established, but they do need some simple care to keep them looking their best in containers:
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Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Take care not to overwater.
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Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-4 weeks during the active growing season.
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Prune off spent blooms to encourage continuous new flower spikes.
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Monitor for common snapdragon pests like aphids, thrips and spider mites.
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Move pots to a sheltered location or indoors over winter in cold climates.
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Replace snapdragons each year for best performance. Take cuttings in fall to propagate new plants.
With proper siting, watering, fertilizing and pruning your container snapdragons will thrive and flower prolifically all season long.
Troubleshooting Common Snapdragons Problems
Growing snapdragons in pots comes with relatively few issues, but watch for these potential problems:
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Leggy growth – Insufficient sunlight, overcrowding, or excessive heat can cause legginess. Pinch back stems or move to a sunnier spot.
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Sparse blooms – Extreme temps, overwatering, or lack of nutrients can limit flowering. Adjust care accordingly.
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Yellow leaves – Usually signals overwatering or saturated soil. Allow soil to dry out between waterings.
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Drooping – Can indicate too little water, disease or root rot issues. Improve drainage and cut back on watering.
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Pests – Aphids, thrips and spider mites suck juices from leaves and flowers. Use horticultural oils or insecticidal soap sprays.
Catching problems early allows you to take corrective care and get your container snapdragons back to health.
Creative and Fun Uses for Potted Snapdragons
Beyond traditional flower pots, consider displaying container grown snapdragons in these fun ways:
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Window boxes and rail planters to decorate patios, balconies and decks
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Hanging baskets for vertical color and interest
-Grouped in colorful glazed ceramic or metal pots for a whimsical accent
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Planted in watering cans, buckets, crates or other unexpected vessels
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As edging around yard art, statuary or water features
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Mixed with cool season annuals like pansies, violas and ornamental kale
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Added to dish gardens, fairy gardens or miniature landscapes
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Arranged on stair risers or columns for a cascade of color
With their vibrant hues and lasting blooms, snapdragons in pots allow you to add a punch of color anywhere you want it!
With their spires of cheerful flowers and versatility for pots and planters, snapdragons are one of the best cool weather annuals you can grow in containers. By selecting compact varieties suited to life in a pot, providing optimal growing conditions and proper care, your container grown snapdragons will thrive and flower abundantly for months on end.
Be sure to give them full sun, rich soil, moderate water and regular feeding to see these stunning blooms at their best. Add snapdragons in pots to instantly elevate your patio, entryway or any space needing a burst of vibrant charm!
Preparation & Planting in the garden
Snapdragons prefer a full sun spot in a well drained soil thats been enriched with plenty of compost.
Prepare the site for planting snapdragons by mixing a little Scotts Osmocote Compost Premium Soil Improver through the original soil – use a garden shovel to turn it through the top 10cm. Gently remove the snapdragon from the nursery pot or punnet and tease the roots lightly if they are compact. Snapdragon in punnets may contain multiple seedlings, so separate out the individual plants before planting. Plant your snapdragons into the prepared soil at the recommended spacing and backfill around each. Water in well and mulch to suppress weeds and retain moisture.
Snapdragons can be grown from seeds sown directly or in punnets. As snapdragon seeds can be slow to germinate (2 weeks or more) – starting them indoors in punnets can help.
To start snapdragons from seeds indoors – sparingly sow seed into pots or punnets filled with Scotts Osmocote Seed & Cutting Potting Mix. Lightly cover with more potting mix and keep the soil moist and warm while they germinate.
Germination can take up to 2 weeks. Thin out and remove any weak seedlings and once they reach 5-10cm tall they can be transplanted into larger pots to grow on or planted into your garden.
Snapdragons can be grown in small to medium pots or planters (at least 20cm wide and deep) with good drainage.
Fill your pot or planter with Scotts Osmocote Premium Potting Mix. Gently remove the snapdragon from the nursery pot and tease the roots lightly if they are compact or separate out the individual plants if they are growing in punnets. Plant the snapdragons – as per the labels recommended spacing – into the potting mix and backfill around the plant. Water in well and top the soil with mulch to retain moisture.
Deadhead snapdragons during their flowering period to encourage bushy plants and more flowers.
Aphids can sometimes cause a problem on snapdragons new growth – spray any infestations with Defender Pyrethrum Insect Spray if needed.
Slugs and Snails can cause significant damage to young snapdragon seedlings. Protect young plants by setting beer traps (saucers filled with beer) amongst seedlings or use Defender Snail & Slug Pellets. When to Plant Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Want to learn more? Discover tips and tricks for your favourite plants Choose a plant
Top 5 steps to growing snapdragons
- Choose a full sun spot in a rich, free draining soil
- Snapdragons can be grown from seeds or potted plants easily
- Snapdragons dislike heavy frosts and continually warm, wet weather. If your region experiences these conditions grow snapdragons as annuals in your mildest months.
- Fertilise with Scotts Osmocote All Purpose Controlled Release Fertiliser in spring
- Pinch off dead flowers to encourage a bushy plant and more blooms
SNAPDRAGON GROWING GUIDE: 5 Essential Tips
FAQ
Do snapdragons do well in a pot?
They can also be grown in containers and moved outdoors in the spring. Snapdragons prefer cool temperatures, so they bloom heavily in spring and early summer and slow down in the heat of late summer.
Do snapdragons like full sun or shade?
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Ideal Conditions:Snapdragons bloom most profusely in full sun, which helps them develop strong stems and vibrant flowers.
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Hot Climates:In areas with intense heat, snapdragons may benefit from some afternoon shade to prevent them from becoming stressed or stopping blooming altogether.
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Partial Shade:If you don’t have a spot with full sun, snapdragons can still grow and bloom in partial shade, but they might not flower as abundantly.
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Signs of Overexposure:Watch for signs of leaf damage, like crispy or faded leaves, which indicate the plant is getting too much sun.
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Mitigation:If your snapdragons are showing signs of distress, move them to a slightly shadier location or use sheer curtains to filter the light.
Will snapdragons come back every year?
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Annual vs. Perennial:Some snapdragon varieties are true annuals, meaning they grow, flower, and die within one growing season. Others are considered short-lived perennials, hardy in zones 7-11, but are often grown as annuals due to their tendency to not survive harsh winters.
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Self-Seeding:In areas with milder winters, snapdragons can self-seed, meaning they will naturally spread and new plants can emerge from seeds in the spring.
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Zone Considerations:
- Zones 7-11: Snapdragons can often survive the winter and return the following season, though they may not bloom as vigorously as in their first year.
- Colder Zones: Snapdragons are unlikely to survive harsh winters and are typically grown as annuals, but they may self-seed in some areas.
- Zones 7-11: Snapdragons can often survive the winter and return the following season, though they may not bloom as vigorously as in their first year.
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Snapdragons in Los Angeles:Given that Los Angeles is in a mild climate (Zone 9), snapdragons can often be grown as perennials and may return the following year, though they may not bloom as vigorously as in their first year.