Planting Time for Snapdragons

Climate Zones for Snapdragons

• Snapdragons grow in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 7 through 11. In zones 7 and 8, snapdragons die back each year in the fall with the first frosts. In the spring, new foliage and flowers grow from the hardy root systems. In some mild areas of zone 8b and into zones 9 through 11, snapdragons remain green all year and bloom time extends into the fall and winter.

Zones 7 and 8

• In zones 7 and 8, plant snapdragons in the spring. Set new plants in the ground after the last frosts leave the area. Flowers begin to emerge in the spring and continue to bloom through the summer and into the warm months of fall. Cut back foliage at the soil line in the fall when the first frosts arrive. Mulch the area over the roots with 4 to 6 inches of straw, sawdust, compost or other organic mulch material.

Zones 9 through 11

• In zones 9 through 11, plant snapdragons early in the fall. Fall planting in mild frost-free climates is ideal for snapdragons. In the fall, the weather is cool and rain is more likely, diminishing transplant stress and encouraging rapid growth and winter flowers. Prune the snapdragons back when flowers begin to fade. Count six leaf nodes from the bottom of each stem and make the cut straight across each branch.

Soil Amendment and Planting

• Amend the soil by digging in 2 to 4 inches of compost or manure before planting snapdragons. Snapdragons thrive in slightly acidic soil; add pine needles, peat moss or sawdust to make soil more acidic. Plant snapdragons in a sunny spot or an area that gets some filtered shade throughout the day. Space snapdragons 6 to 12 inches apart to create a mass planting, a colorful border area or addition to a perennial flowerbed or shrub garden.