How to Grow Snapdragons in the UK: Complete Growing Guide

Growing snapdragons in the UK is a wonderful way to fill your garden or allotment with beautiful flowers from early summer into autumn.

Snapdragons, also known as antirrhinums, are popular cottage garden flowers that produce tall spikes of colourful blooms in shades of pink, red, yellow, orange, white and purple.

They’re particularly attractive because their flowers have an unusual shape that resembles a dragon’s mouth.

When the sides of the flower are gently squeezed, the petals appear to open and close, which is where the common name snapdragon comes from.

These colourful flowers are excellent for garden borders, containers, raised beds and cutting gardens.

They’re also attractive to pollinating insects, particularly bumblebees, which are capable of entering the distinctive flowers.

One of the best things about snapdragons is their long flowering season.

With suitable growing conditions and regular deadheading, they can continue producing flowers for several months.

Here at Gardening with Ben, I love growing flowers alongside vegetables on the allotment because they bring colour into the growing space and provide useful resources for wildlife.

Snapdragons are particularly useful because there are varieties suitable for both small containers and larger flower borders.

In this complete UK growing guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about how to grow snapdragons successfully.

We’ll cover choosing varieties, sowing seeds, planting, watering, feeding, pinching out, deadheading, overwintering and collecting seeds.

We’ll also look at common growing problems and explain whether snapdragons return every year.

What Are Snapdragons?

Snapdragons belong to the genus Antirrhinum.

The species most commonly grown in UK gardens is Antirrhinum majus.

Snapdragons belong to the Plantaginaceae family.

They originate from parts of the Mediterranean region and surrounding areas.

What Colours Do Snapdragons Come In?

Snapdragons are available in a wide range of colours.

These include:

• White
• Cream
• Yellow
• Orange
• Salmon
• Pink
• Red
• Burgundy
• Purple
• Bicolour combinations

Some varieties produce particularly striking flowers with contrasting colours.

Are Snapdragons Annuals or Perennials?

Snapdragons are botanically short-lived perennials.

However, they’re commonly grown as annual bedding plants in the UK.

In mild, sheltered locations with well-drained soil, some plants may survive winter and flower again.

In colder or wetter gardens, they’re less likely to survive.

Snapdragon Growing Facts

Feature	Details
Botanical name	Antirrhinum majus
Common name	Snapdragon
Alternative name	Antirrhinum
Plant family	Plantaginaceae
Plant type	Short-lived perennial, commonly grown as an annual
Typical height	15–100cm, depending on variety
Flowering season	Usually June–October
Flower colours	White, yellow, pink, red, orange, purple and combinations
Preferred position	Full sun
Soil	Fertile, well-drained
Indoor sowing	February–April
Outdoor planting	After hard frost risk has passed
Typical spacing	15–30cm, depending on variety
Difficulty	Easy to moderate
Pollinator friendly	Yes, particularly for bumblebees

Why Grow Snapdragons in Your Garden?

Snapdragons offer several advantages.

Beautiful Summer Flowers

Their colourful flower spikes add height and interest to borders.

Long Flowering Season

Many varieties flower from summer into autumn.

Excellent for Cutting

Tall snapdragons make attractive cut flowers.

Suitable for Containers

Compact varieties are excellent for pots and patio displays.

Attractive to Bumblebees

Their flowers can provide nectar for visiting bumblebees.

Wide Range of Colours

Snapdragons are available in almost every colour except true blue.

Suitable for Cottage Gardens

Their upright flower spikes combine beautifully with other traditional cottage garden plants.

Best Snapdragon Varieties to Grow in the UK

There are many beautiful varieties available.

Snapdragon ‘Rocket Mixed’

A tall-growing mixture producing colourful flower spikes.

Best for: Cutting gardens and the back of flower borders.

Snapdragon ‘Madame Butterfly’

A distinctive series producing open, double-looking flowers.

Best for: Cut flowers and unusual displays.

Snapdragon ‘Liberty Classic’

A popular series producing colourful flowers on medium-height plants.

Best for: Borders and bedding displays.

Snapdragon ‘Twinny’

A compact series with double, butterfly-type flowers.

Best for: Containers and small gardens.

Snapdragon ‘Tom Thumb’

A traditional dwarf mixture.

Best for: Edging, pots and small borders.

Snapdragon ‘Night and Day’

A striking variety with dark foliage and contrasting flowers.

Best for: Decorative borders.

Snapdragon ‘Potomac’

A tall series commonly grown for cut flowers.

Best for: Cutting gardens and flower arrangements.

Snapdragon ‘Chantilly’

Produces attractive open-faced flowers.

Best for: Cutting gardens and unusual flower displays.

When to Sow Snapdragon Seeds in the UK

Knowing when to sow snapdragon seeds is important because seedlings grow relatively slowly during their early stages.

Best Time to Sow Indoors

February through April is a common sowing period.

Can You Sow Snapdragons in January?

Yes, with suitable warmth and strong growing lights.

However, early sowing isn’t essential for most home gardeners.

Can You Sow Snapdragons in May?

Yes.

Later sowings may still flower, although the flowering season can be shorter.

Can You Sow Snapdragons Directly Outdoors?

It’s possible, but starting seeds indoors is generally more reliable because snapdragon seeds are very small and seedlings develop slowly.

UK Snapdragon Growing Calendar

Month	Gardening activity
January	Plan varieties and prepare growing equipment
February	Begin indoor sowing
March	Continue sowing seeds
April	Pot on seedlings and continue sowing
May	Harden off plants and begin outdoor planting
June	Main planting and early flowering
July	Deadhead and enjoy flowers
August	Continue watering and deadheading
September	Enjoy late flowers and collect seeds
October	Continue flowering where conditions allow
November	Protect selected plants or remove finished annuals
December	Check overwintering plants

How to Grow Snapdragons from Seed Indoors

Snapdragons are easy to grow from seed once you understand their germination requirements.

Step 1: Prepare Seed Trays

Use clean seed trays or small pots.

Step 2: Fill with Compost

Choose suitable peat-free seed compost.

Step 3: Sow Seeds on the Surface

Snapdragon seeds are extremely small.

Scatter them thinly over the compost surface.

Step 4: Avoid Deep Covering

Snapdragon seeds benefit from light during germination.

Press seeds gently onto the compost rather than burying them deeply.

Step 5: Water Carefully

Use a fine mist or water from below.

Avoid washing seeds away.

Step 6: Provide Suitable Warmth

A temperature around 18–21°C is generally suitable for germination.

Step 7: Wait for Germination

Seeds commonly germinate within approximately 10–21 days.

Step 8: Provide Plenty of Light

Seedlings need good light to develop strong growth.

Step 9: Pot On Seedlings

When seedlings are large enough to handle, carefully transfer them into individual modules or pots.

Step 10: Grow Plants On

Keep seedlings in a bright, cool but frost-free position.

Step 11: Harden Off

Gradually acclimatise plants to outdoor conditions before planting.

Why Are Snapdragon Seeds So Small?

Snapdragon seeds are naturally tiny.

This makes them slightly more difficult to handle than larger seeds such as sunflowers or sweet peas.

Tips for Sowing Tiny Seeds

• Use a clean seed tray
• Sow thinly
• Avoid burying seeds
• Water gently
• Provide good light
• Thin overcrowded seedlings carefully

Where Is the Best Place to Grow Snapdragons?

Snapdragons generally prefer a sunny position.

Full Sun

Choose somewhere receiving plenty of direct sunlight.

Partial Shade

Snapdragons can tolerate light shade, although flowering may be reduced.

Well-Drained Soil

Good drainage is important, particularly during winter.

Sheltered Positions

Tall varieties benefit from some shelter against strong winds.

Containers

Compact varieties are excellent for patios.

Allotments

Snapdragons are suitable for flower borders and cutting areas.

Best Soil for Growing Snapdragons

Snapdragons prefer fertile, well-drained soil.

Clay Soil

Snapdragons can grow in clay soil if drainage is adequate.

Sandy Soil

Sandy soil may need additional organic matter to improve moisture retention.

Compost

Well-rotted compost can improve soil structure.

Avoid Waterlogging

Persistently wet soil can cause root problems.

Soil pH

Snapdragons generally grow well in neutral to slightly alkaline soil, although they tolerate a reasonably broad range.

When to Plant Snapdragons Outside in the UK

Snapdragons are more tolerant of cool weather than many summer bedding plants, but young plants can still suffer damage from severe frost.

Southern England

Hardened-off plants may be planted during April or May in suitable conditions.

Northern England

May is often a safer planting period.

Scotland and Exposed Gardens

Planting may need to wait until late May or June.

Should You Wait Until After the Last Frost?

For tender young plants raised indoors, waiting until the risk of hard frost has passed is generally the safest approach.

Established snapdragons may tolerate light frost, but newly planted seedlings are more vulnerable.

How to Plant Snapdragons Step by Step

Step 1: Harden Off Plants

Gradually introduce seedlings to outdoor conditions over approximately one to two weeks.

Step 2: Prepare the Soil

Remove weeds and improve drainage where necessary.

Step 3: Water Plants

Water potted plants before planting.

Step 4: Dig Planting Holes

Make holes large enough for the root balls.

Step 5: Position Plants

Plant at approximately the same depth as they were growing in their pots.

Step 6: Space Correctly

Allow suitable spacing according to variety.

Step 7: Firm the Soil

Gently firm around the roots.

Step 8: Water Thoroughly

Water immediately after planting.

Step 9: Provide Supports

Tall varieties may benefit from support.

How Far Apart Should You Plant Snapdragons?

Spacing depends on the variety.

Dwarf Snapdragons

Approximately 15–20cm apart.

Medium-Height Snapdragons

Approximately 20–30cm apart.

Tall Snapdragons

Approximately 25–35cm apart, depending on variety and growing conditions.

Why Does Spacing Matter?

Adequate spacing improves airflow and reduces competition.

How to Grow Snapdragons in Pots

Snapdragons are excellent container flowers.

Choosing a Container

Select a pot with drainage holes.

Compact varieties can grow well in containers approximately 20–30cm across, depending on plant number and variety.

Best Compost

Use suitable peat-free multipurpose compost.

Position

Place containers in a sunny location.

Watering

Check compost regularly during warm weather.

Feeding

Container-grown plants may benefit from a suitable liquid fertiliser during the flowering season.

Deadheading

Remove faded flower spikes regularly.

How Often Should You Water Snapdragons?

Snapdragons prefer reasonably consistent moisture during active growth.

Newly Planted Snapdragons

Water regularly while roots establish.

Established Border Plants

Water during prolonged dry spells.

Container-Grown Snapdragons

Pots may need frequent watering during hot weather.

Avoid Overwatering

Waterlogged soil can damage roots.

Best Watering Method

Water around the base of plants rather than repeatedly soaking foliage.

Do Snapdragons Need Feeding?

Snapdragons generally benefit from moderate fertility.

Garden Soil

Plants growing in reasonably fertile soil may need little additional fertiliser.

Containers

Container-grown snapdragons may benefit from modest liquid feeding.

Avoid Excess Nitrogen

Too much nitrogen can encourage leafy growth at the expense of flowers.

Best Approach

Follow fertiliser instructions and avoid excessive feeding.

Should You Pinch Out Snapdragons?

Pinching out can encourage bushier growth.

What Is Pinching Out?

Removing the main growing tip of a young plant.

When to Pinch Out

Pinch out once plants have developed several sets of true leaves and are growing strongly.

How to Pinch Out

1. Identify the main growing tip.
2. Use clean fingers or snips.
3. Remove the tip above a pair of leaves.
4. Allow side shoots to develop.

Benefits

• Encourages branching
• Produces bushier plants
• Can increase the number of flowering stems
• Helps control plant height

Is Pinching Essential?

No.

Some varieties naturally branch well.

For tall cut-flower varieties, growers may choose not to pinch plants when they want long, strong main stems.

How to Deadhead Snapdragons

Deadheading is one of the most useful tasks for maintaining a long flowering season.

What Is Deadheading?

Removing faded flowers or flower spikes.

Why Deadhead Snapdragons?

Deadheading encourages plants to direct energy towards further growth and flowering rather than seed production.

How to Deadhead

1. Identify a flower spike that has finished blooming.
2. Follow the stem down to a suitable leaf joint or side shoot.
3. Cut above that point.
4. Remove damaged or unhealthy growth.

How Often Should You Deadhead?

Check plants regularly during the flowering season.

What Happens If You Don’t Deadhead?

Plants may produce seeds and flowering can gradually decline.

How to Get More Flowers on Snapdragons

For a long-lasting display, follow these tips.

1. Provide Plenty of Sunshine

Snapdragons flower best in sunny conditions.

2. Deadhead Regularly

Remove faded flower spikes.

3. Avoid Excessive Fertiliser

Too much nitrogen can reduce flowering.

4. Water During Dry Weather

Severe drought can affect flower production.

5. Pinch Out Suitable Varieties

Pinching can encourage branching.

6. Remove Damaged Growth

Keep plants healthy.

7. Choose Suitable Varieties

Some varieties naturally produce more flowering stems than others.

When Do Snapdragons Flower in the UK?

Snapdragons generally begin flowering during late spring or early summer.

Early Indoor Sowing

Plants started in February or March may begin flowering during May or June in favourable conditions.

Later Sowing

Plants started in April may flower later.

How Long Do Snapdragons Flower?

Many varieties can flower throughout summer and into autumn.

Do Snapdragons Flower Until October?

Yes.

In favourable conditions, snapdragons can continue flowering during October and sometimes later.

Are Snapdragons Good for Bees?

Yes.

Snapdragons are particularly attractive to bumblebees.

Why Bumblebees Like Snapdragons

The flowers have a distinctive shape.

Bumblebees are strong enough to push open the flower’s lips to reach nectar.

Other Pollinators

Some other insects may also visit snapdragons.

Best Planting Approach

Combine snapdragons with a range of other flowering plants to support pollinators throughout the growing season.

Are Snapdragons Good Cut Flowers?

Yes.

Tall snapdragon varieties are popular for cutting gardens.

Best Varieties for Cutting

• Rocket
• Potomac
• Chantilly
• Madame Butterfly

When to Cut Snapdragon Flowers

Cut stems when the lower flowers are open and upper buds remain.

How to Cut

Use clean, sharp secateurs.

Preparing for a Vase

Remove leaves below the waterline.

Place stems into clean water promptly.

How Long Do Cut Snapdragons Last?

Vase life varies, but suitable varieties can last approximately one to two weeks under good conditions.

Do Snapdragons Need Staking?

Tall varieties may need support.

Why Support Snapdragons?

Strong winds and heavy rain can cause tall stems to lean or break.

Suitable Supports

• Bamboo canes
• Plant rings
• Twiggy supports
• Suitable garden netting

When to Install Supports

Install supports before plants become too tall.

Dwarf Varieties

Compact varieties generally need little support.

Do Snapdragons Come Back Every Year?

This is one of the most common questions about snapdragons.

Are Snapdragons Perennials?

Botanically, snapdragons are short-lived perennials.

Why Are They Grown as Annuals?

Cold and wet winter conditions can damage plants.

Can They Survive UK Winters?

Some plants survive in mild, sheltered locations with good drainage.

Will They Flower Again?

Surviving plants may produce new growth and flowers the following season.

Are They Reliable Perennials?

Not in every UK garden.

For reliable summer displays, many gardeners grow fresh plants each year.

How to Overwinter Snapdragons in the UK

If you want to try keeping snapdragons through winter, there are several approaches.

Choose Healthy Plants

Select strong, disease-free plants.

Improve Drainage

Avoid persistently wet soil.

Choose a Sheltered Position

Protect plants from severe wind and frost.

Reduce Watering

Avoid keeping plants excessively wet during winter.

Protect Containers

Move pots into a sheltered, frost-protected position during severe weather.

Use a Greenhouse

A cool, frost-free greenhouse can help protect container-grown plants.

Prune Carefully

Remove damaged growth, but avoid unnecessarily cutting back healthy plants before severe winter weather.

How to Collect Snapdragon Seeds

Collecting seeds is useful if you want to grow more plants the following year.

Step 1: Leave Selected Flowers

Stop deadheading some flower spikes towards the end of the season.

Step 2: Allow Seed Pods to Develop

Wait until pods mature.

Step 3: Look for Dry Pods

Mature pods become dry and brown.

Step 4: Collect in Dry Weather

Cut seed-bearing stems carefully.

Step 5: Dry Thoroughly

Allow pods to dry in a well-ventilated location.

Step 6: Remove Seeds

Carefully open the pods.

Step 7: Store Correctly

Place dry seeds in labelled paper packets.

Step 8: Keep Cool and Dry

Store until the next sowing season.

Will Saved Snapdragon Seeds Grow True to Type?

Not always.

Open-pollinated varieties may resemble their parents, but cross-pollination can introduce variation.

Seeds saved from F1 hybrids may produce different characteristics.

Do Snapdragons Self-Seed in the UK?

Yes.

Snapdragons can self-seed in suitable conditions.

How Does Self-Seeding Work?

Mature seed pods release seeds onto surrounding soil.

Some seeds may germinate when conditions become suitable.

How to Encourage Self-Seeding

Allow selected flower spikes to develop mature seeds.

Avoid disturbing suitable areas of soil unnecessarily.

Will Self-Seeded Plants Be Identical?

Not necessarily.

Flower colours and growth habits may vary.

Common Problems When Growing Snapdragons

Although snapdragons are relatively easy to grow, some problems can occur.

Snapdragon Seeds Not Germinating

Possible causes include:

• Seeds buried too deeply
• Compost too cold
• Compost drying out
• Excessive moisture
• Old seed

Leggy Snapdragon Seedlings

Insufficient light is a common cause.

Provide brighter growing conditions.

Snapdragons Not Flowering

Possible causes include:

• Insufficient sunlight
• Excessive nitrogen
• Immature plants
• Environmental stress

Yellowing Leaves

Possible causes include:

• Waterlogging
• Drought
• Nutrient imbalance
• Root problems
• Natural ageing

Snapdragon Rust

Snapdragon rust is a fungal disease that can produce orange-brown pustules on leaves.

Remove badly affected material and avoid overcrowding.

Aphids

Aphids may gather around tender shoots.

Slugs and Snails

Young plants can suffer damage.

Root Rot

Persistently wet soil can damage roots.

Powdery Mildew

White powdery growth can develop on foliage.

Good airflow can help reduce problems.

Best Companion Flowers for Snapdragons

Snapdragons combine beautifully with many summer flowers.

Cosmos

Cosmos provides airy flowers and delicate foliage.

Marigolds

Marigolds add bright yellow and orange colour.

Zinnias

Zinnias complement snapdragons with bold summer flowers.

Dahlias

Dahlias provide larger flowers and late-summer colour.

Salvias

Salvias create attractive contrasting flower shapes.

Sweet Peas

Sweet peas complement snapdragons in cutting gardens.

Rudbeckia

Rudbeckia adds strong yellow tones.

Verbena bonariensis

Verbena provides airy purple flowers.

Can You Grow Snapdragons in Raised Beds?

Yes.

Snapdragons can grow successfully in raised beds.

Advantages

• Defined growing space
• Convenient access
• Potentially improved drainage
• Easy integration with other flowers

Important Considerations

Tall varieties may shade smaller plants.

Allow suitable spacing.

Can You Grow Snapdragons on an Allotment?

Yes.

Snapdragons are excellent for allotment flower borders and cutting areas.

Suitable Locations

• Flower borders
• Raised beds
• Cutting gardens
• Containers
• Pathway edges

Benefits

They provide colour and can attract bumblebees.

Choosing Varieties

Compact varieties are useful around edges.

Tall varieties are excellent for cutting.

Are Snapdragons Suitable for Small Gardens?

Yes.

Choose dwarf or compact varieties.

These are suitable for:

• Patio containers
• Window boxes
• Small borders
• Courtyard gardens
• Raised beds

Frequently Asked Questions About Growing Snapdragons

Are Snapdragons Easy to Grow in the UK?

Yes. Snapdragons are relatively easy to grow from seed with suitable light and warmth.

When Should You Sow Snapdragon Seeds?

Usually February through April indoors.

Can You Sow Snapdragons in January?

Yes, with suitable warmth and growing lights.

Do Snapdragon Seeds Need Light to Germinate?

Yes. Surface sowing is generally recommended.

How Long Do Snapdragon Seeds Take to Germinate?

Usually approximately 10–21 days in suitable conditions.

Can You Sow Snapdragons Directly Outside?

Yes, but indoor sowing is often more reliable.

When Can Snapdragons Go Outside?

After hard frost risk has passed and plants have been hardened off.

Do Snapdragons Need Full Sun?

They flower best in full sun.

Can Snapdragons Grow in Shade?

They tolerate light shade, but flowering may be reduced.

How Far Apart Should You Plant Snapdragons?

Approximately 15–35cm, depending on variety.

Can You Grow Snapdragons in Pots?

Yes. Compact varieties are excellent for containers.

How Often Should You Water Snapdragons?

Water according to soil and weather conditions.

Do Snapdragons Need Feeding?

Moderate feeding may help, particularly in containers.

Should You Pinch Out Snapdragons?

Pinching can encourage bushier plants, but isn’t always necessary.

How Do You Deadhead Snapdragons?

Remove faded flower spikes by cutting back to a suitable leaf joint or side shoot.

How Do You Get More Flowers on Snapdragons?

Provide full sun, deadhead regularly and avoid excessive nitrogen.

When Do Snapdragons Flower?

Usually from late spring or early summer into autumn.

Do Snapdragons Flower Until October?

Yes, in favourable conditions.

Are Snapdragons Good for Bees?

Yes. Bumblebees are particularly well suited to their flowers.

Do Snapdragons Need Staking?

Tall varieties may need support.

Are Snapdragons Good Cut Flowers?

Yes. Tall varieties are popular for flower arrangements.

Do Snapdragons Come Back Every Year?

Some survive as short-lived perennials, but many are grown as annuals.

Can Snapdragons Survive Frost?

Established plants may tolerate light frost, but severe cold can damage them.

Can You Overwinter Snapdragons?

Yes, especially in sheltered or frost-protected conditions.

Can You Collect Snapdragon Seeds?

Yes. Allow seed pods to mature and dry.

Do Snapdragons Self-Seed?

Yes, in suitable conditions.

Why Are My Snapdragons Not Flowering?

Insufficient sunlight, excessive nitrogen or plant immaturity may be responsible.

Why Are My Snapdragon Leaves Turning Yellow?

Possible causes include overwatering, drought or root problems.

Can You Grow Snapdragons on an Allotment?

Yes. They’re excellent for flower borders and cutting gardens.

Final Thoughts: Growing Snapdragons Successfully in the UK

Growing snapdragons is a fantastic way to add beautiful colour and height to your garden or allotment.

They’re available in a wonderful range of colours, can be grown from seed and are capable of flowering for several months.

For the best results, sow seeds indoors during late winter or spring and provide plenty of light during germination and early growth.

Plant outside once conditions are suitable, choosing a sunny position with fertile, well-drained soil.

Regular deadheading will help maintain a long flowering season, while pinching out suitable varieties can encourage bushier growth.

Compact snapdragons are excellent for containers and small gardens, while taller varieties create beautiful flower borders and make wonderful cut flowers.

And if you have a sheltered garden, you may even find that some snapdragons survive winter and flower again the following year.

Whether you’re growing snapdragons for the first time or adding more varieties to your allotment, they’re a wonderful flower to include in your planting plans.

Keep smiling, keep shining, keep gardening with Ben!