How to Propagate Snapdragons? A Detailed Guide to the Latest Methods

Because of its brilliant flower colors, the snapdragon is a plant with extremely high ornamental value, and it is also a traditional Chinese medicine with the effects of clearing heat and detoxifying, cooling the blood and reducing swelling. At present, there are two propagation methods when planting it: seed propagation and cuttings propagation. Below, follow the editor to take a look at the propagation methods of snapdragons.

1. Seed propagation

Because it is both a plant with extremely high ornamental value, with many people growing a few pots of it in daily life, and also a traditional Chinese medicine, its sowing methods can be divided into two types: seedbed sowing and plug tray sowing.

Seedbed sowing

For the seedbed soil, it is best to choose loose, fertile sandy loam with a low groundwater level, good drainage and rich organic matter. Before sowing, break up and finely level the seedbed soil, requiring fine, level soil particles. To prevent pests and diseases, plow it several times one month before sowing and use the sun to kill the sources of pests and diseases; you can also disinfect and sterilize it before sowing. When sowing, water the seedbed thoroughly, mix the seeds with fine sand at a ratio of 1:4, stir, and then evenly broadcast them on the seedbed. After sowing, cover with a layer of plant ash, which should not be too thick. Water once more and provide shade from sunlight to avoid failure of seedling emergence caused by exposure to strong sunlight. Transplanting can be carried out 5-6 weeks after emergence.

Plug tray sowing

For plug tray sowing, first disinfect the seeds and the medium. Before sowing, soak the seeds in a low-concentration potassium permanganate solution for 1-2 hours. For the culture medium, use 150-200 grams of thiophanate-methyl powder per sq m, stir it evenly so it is fully mixed, then spray water and stir until the medium forms a ball when held in the hand and stays loose rather than falling apart. After mixing, cover and pile it for 10 hours, then put it into disinfected plug trays. Place one seed in each cell, gently press it into the medium with your hand, then spray a fine mist of water and cover with plastic film to keep it moist. Once seedlings emerge, tear off the film.

2. Cuttings propagation

For cuttings, first select the cuttings. You can choose the terminal buds of robust seedlings of the current year as cuttings, or choose new branches growing from old plants as cuttings. The cuttings should be 3-4 nodes long. When taking cuttings, remove the lower leaves and keep 1-2 upper leaves, then soak them in rooting agent for 5 minutes to promote rooting and survival. For the seedling medium, river sand or loose yellow soil can be chosen. First make holes with a stick about the same diameter as the cutting, then insert the cuttings along the holes, and press the medium with your hand so it fits tightly around the cuttings. The insertion depth is about one node. After inserting, water thoroughly once and spray the leaves. Generally, they can be transplanted in 7-10 days.

The above is an introduction to how to propagate snapdragons. We hope it can help you. If you want to learn more related knowledge, please stay tuned to us.