How to grow snapdragons in pots so they bloom? Detailed pruning methods

Because the flowers of snapdragons resemble goldfish and the blooms are brightly colored, symbolizing prosperity, many people choose snapdragons for potted growing. So how do you grow potted snapdragons so they bloom? Do they need pruning?

1. Care of snapdragons

1. Choosing the soil. If you want snapdragons to produce brightly colored flowers, choosing the soil is very important. Snapdragons are suited to loose, breathable, well-draining, slightly acidic soil. You can mix black soil, coarse sand, and horse manure soil in a 4:2:2 ratio to make soil for snapdragons.

2. Reasonable watering. In spring and autumn, snapdragons need watering two to three times a week; in summer, water once a day; in winter, water once a week. Be careful that the potting soil does not become waterlogged, otherwise the snapdragons will develop root rot.

3. Appropriate fertilizing. Snapdragons only need fertilizing once every half month during the growing period, and that is enough. Snapdragons bloom from June to July, or from September to October, and during this blooming period they need fertilizing once every ten days.

4. Suitable light. In an environment with sufficient light, snapdragons will grow beautifully and neatly, and the flowers will be more vivid, so they are generally placed on a balcony. But snapdragons cannot take harsh sun exposure, otherwise they will wither and die.

5. Suitable temperature. Snapdragons are suited to growing in an environment of 12 to 20 degrees, the temperature cannot be lower than 0 degrees, and in winter they need to be cared for indoors; in summer the temperature cannot exceed 30 degrees, and the blooming temperature is 15 to 16°C.

6. Pest and disease control. Leaf blight is the most common disease of snapdragons. After discovering it, you need to cut off the branches and leaves and burn them, and spray Bordeaux mixture or 65% zineb wettable powder at 600 times dilution for control, spraying once every five days, for three consecutive sprayings. If aphids are found, you can use Wanling at 600-800 times dilution, spraying once a week, for three consecutive sprayings.

2. Pruning snapdragons

Pruning snapdragons is something many people overlook. If snapdragons are not pruned, it will affect blooming. The pruning of snapdragons is mainly of two kinds: pinching and topping, and pruning after flowering. If dead branches or diseased branches are found at ordinary times, they should also be pruned in time.

1. Pinching and topping. This is done when snapdragons have grown to about 10 cm, to control the height of the plant. This can promote the differentiation of branches and leaves in snapdragons and make snapdragons bloom more.

2. Pruning after flowering. After snapdragons bloom, all the flowering branches need to be cut off, that is, cut off the part above the ground level with the soil. After pruning, water thoroughly, and new branches and leaves will grow in a week.

If you want snapdragons to produce beautiful flowers, careful daily care and pruning are indispensable. By following these methods, snapdragons will surely produce delicate, vivid flowers and add much color to offices and balconies.