Snapdragon – “Antirrhinum Majus”

🌸 Snapdragons

Antirrhinum majus

Produces tall, strong stems topped with striking deep pink blooms. This variety was bred to perform in warmer weather and is ideal for growing through spring and summer in most parts of South Africa.

📦 Quick Info:

• Height: 90–110 cm

• Spacing: 15–20 cm

• Days to flower: ± 100–120 days from sowing

• Best for: Cut flowers, flower farmers

• Flowering season: Spring into summer

• Sunlight: Full sun

🌱 How to Grow:

Sowing:

• Sow indoors or under cover 8–10 weeks before your last frost (late June to August in cold areas).

• Press seeds onto the surface of moist seedling mix – do not cover, as they need light to germinate.

• Keep at ± 18–21°C for germination.

• Germinates in 10–14 days.

Planting Out:

• Transplant when seedlings are strong and the risk of frost has passed.

• Choose a spot in full sun with well-draining soil.

• Space plants 15–20 cm apart.

Care:

• Water regularly – don’t let the soil dry out, especially during flowering.

• Feed with a balanced organic fertiliser every few weeks.

• Tall stems may need support if you’re in a windy area.

Harvesting:

• Pick when the first few bottom florets are open.

• Best harvested early in the morning.

• Vase life: ± 7–10 days.

🌿 Extra Tips:

• Snapdragons are long-day bloomers – they flower best when days are 14+ hours long, so they’re perfect for late spring and summer.

• Great choice for florists, market growers, or home cutting gardens.

• Attracts pollinators and adds vertical drama to garden beds or bouquet mixes.