How to grow snapdragons in pots? Care methods and precautions

Snapdragons (Antirrhinum majus) prefer a cool climate, dislike high temperatures and high humidity, have good cold tolerance, like full light, tolerate slight semi-shade, and are fairly sensitive to water. The potting soil must stay moist. Use a fertile, loose, well-draining, slightly acidic sandy loam; they tolerate alkaline soil slightly. Let's take a look below at how to grow snapdragons in pots!

Variety selection

For potted snapdragons, choose low-growing varieties with abundant flowers, so the ornamental value of the potted plant is higher.

Pot and soil selection

For snapdragons, use a breathable clay pot or plastic pot with a diameter of about 15 cm. The growing medium should be a loose, fertile, well-draining potting soil, or an even mix of leaf mold, peat, and plant ash. Before planting, apply some dried livestock manure or cake fertilizer powder, with a little bone meal or superphosphate as a base fertilizer.

Fertilizer and water management

Snapdragons are usually given a topdressing once every 10 days. Snapdragons dislike waterlogged soil, but insufficient watering will likewise affect their growth and development. The correct approach is to keep the soil moist, and it is best to let it dry slightly between two waterings. In addition, when watering, try to avoid watering from above the plant, to reduce leaf surface moisture and the spread of disease by splashing water droplets.

Light and temperature management

Snapdragons are full-light plants. Under conditions of sufficient sunlight, snapdragons grow to a uniform height and bloom neatly and vividly. Under semi-shade conditions, they grow taller and the flower color is paler. Supplemental lighting for 4 hours in winter can make snapdragons bloom earlier. For snapdragon cultivation, maintain a night temperature of 15°C and a day temperature of about 22-28°C. At 2-3°C, the flowering period is delayed, blind flowers increase, and cut flower quality declines.

Timely pruning

After snapdragons bloom, cut off the aboveground part level with the soil, water once thoroughly, and after about a week new shoots will sprout. Then apply a diluted liquid fertilizer once about every 10 days until the flower buds form. At ordinary times, pay attention to watering moderately, and in summer provide appropriate shading and cooling, so they can bloom again in autumn.