How to grow snapdragons? Seed propagation and care management methods
Snapdragon is a plant with high ornamental value, with many and very vivid flower colors. Growing a pot of snapdragons can bring color to a sunny windowsill, balcony, porch or patio. Let's take a look below at the method of propagating snapdragons from seed
Snapdragon is a plant with high ornamental value, with many and very vivid flower colors. Growing a pot of snapdragons can bring color to a sunny windowsill, balcony, porch or patio. Let's take a look below at the method of propagating snapdragons from seed.
Grow snapdragon seeds indoors in peat pots. Fill the container or tray three-quarters full with sterile soil. Place the seeds on top of the soil. Do not cover the seeds with soil. Mist lightly with a water spray bottle to keep the seeds moist.
Place the peat pots in a clear plastic bag. Keep the room temperature at 18.3°C to promote germination. Snapdragon seeds will germinate in about 10 days.
Once the growing stage begins, place the growing peat pots in a sunny window. A south-facing window is ideal. Once germination begins, remove the peat pots from the plastic bag.
When the snapdragon seedlings are two to three weeks old, transplant them into the final pot. Fill the pot with soil. Dig a small hole in the soil. Place the peat pot into the soil, or remove the seedling from the peat pot, as the peat pot will decompose and does not need to be removed from the snapdragon's root system. Surround the snapdragon or pot with soil. The snapdragon should be at the same soil depth as it was in the starting pot or container.
Dwarf or small snapdragon varieties should be spaced 15 cm to 20.3 cm apart in pots. Larger snapdragon varieties should be spaced 30.5 cm apart between plants.
Place the pot in a sunny spot. Do not place snapdragons in temperatures that are too low.
Water snapdragons regularly. This plant needs moist soil and cannot tolerate drought. Avoid getting the snapdragon leaves wet, otherwise rust may develop.
Prune snapdragon flowers from the plant. In midsummer, snapdragons can be pruned to 15 cm high to encourage more flowers.
If freezing is expected, move the snapdragon pots indoors. Snapdragons will thrive in indoor sunlight.
Warm tips:
When the temperature rises to 26.7°C, snapdragons stop growing.
If tall snapdragons begin to fall over, place them in a container, and you can gently tie the snapdragon to a wooden stake with cotton thread to prevent it from breaking.
Water:Water evenly; do not let the pot surface become too dry or too wet. Remove the glass at night to allow ventilation, and cover it again during the day to prevent water evaporation. After sowing, the seeds will sprout and emerge in 7 or 8 days. After the seedlings emerge, the glass can be removed to let them receive light.
Humidity:Snapdragons are relatively cold-tolerant and also tolerate partial shade. They can withstand low temperatures above -5°C, but below -5°C they are easily frozen to death. Snapdragons tolerate moisture and are afraid of drought. During care management, watering must follow the principle of "dry then wet", spraying water once about every 2 days.
Fertilizing:Strengthen fertilizer and water management. Fertilizing should pay attention to the balance of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Snapdragons have rhizobia and can fix nitrogen themselves, so generally no nitrogen fertilizer is needed; appropriately increasing phosphorus and potassium fertilizer is sufficient.
Pruning:When snapdragon seedlings grow to about 10 cm, pinching can be done to shorten plant height, increase the number of side branches, and increase flowers. When pruning, cut off diseased and weak branches, dead old branches and overly dense branches. After each flowering, cut off the branches that have flowered to encourage new branches to sprout and continue blooming.
The price of snapdragon seeds
200 snapdragon seeds are priced at 18.80 yuan, half a jin of snapdragon seeds is priced at 260.00 yuan, and 1 jin of snapdragon seeds is priced at 480.00 yuan. Easy-to-grow flowers for all seasons for balcony and courtyard planting, potted indoor flower and plant seeds. (Prices are sourced from the internet and are for reference only.)
If you decide to grow snapdragons, the first thing is to prepare suitable soil for them. Snapdragons like loose, nutrient-rich soil, and the soil needs to be sun-dried and sterilized before planting; the second thing is of course to buy snapdragon seeds. Generally, flower markets sell snapdragon seeds, and buying a dozen or so snapdragon seeds is enough for potting; snapdragons have relatively high nutritional needs, so fertilize and water them more, and also pay attention to pruning snapdragons.
Snapdragon Amtirrhinum majus Snapdragon picture guide: how to grow snapdragons / how to propagate snapdragons
Snapdragon profileSnapdragon Amtirrhinum majus
Aliases: Longkou flower, dragon-head flower, foreign colorful sparrow, lion flower
Classification: perennial herbaceous flower
Family and genus: Plantae, Angiosperms, Dicotyledons, Tubiflorae, Scrophulariaceae, Antirrhinum
Full bloom period: spring
Snapdragon, also known as: dragon-head flower, lion flower, Longkou flower, foreign colorful sparrow, Latin name: Antirrhinum majus L. It is a perennial herbaceous plant of the Scrophulariaceae family and the genus Antirrhinum. It is often cultivated as a biennial or annual, with a plant height of 20-70 cm and oblong-lanceolate leaves. Raceme, corolla tubular and bilabiate, base swollen into a sac shape, upper lip upright, 2-lobed, lower lip 3-lobed, spreading and curved outward. It has colors such as white, light red, deep red, flesh color, deep yellow, light yellow, and yellow-orange. It can be potted, and because its flower colors are gorgeous, it is very suitable for ornamental use. Native to the Mediterranean; introduced and cultivated in Nanning, Guangxi. Native to the Mediterranean region, divided...
Snapdragon cultivation methods and precautions Introduction to snapdragons
Snapdragon, also known as: dragon-head flower, lion flower, Longkou flower, foreign colorful sparrow, Latin name: Antirrhinum majus L. It is a perennial herbaceous plant of the Scrophulariaceae family and the genus Antirrhinum. It is often cultivated as a biennial or annual, with a plant height of 20-70 cm and oblong-lanceolate leaves. Raceme, corolla tubular and bilabiate, base swollen into a sac shape, upper lip upright, 2-lobed, lower lip 3-lobed, spreading and curved outward. It has colors such as white, light red, deep red, flesh color, deep yellow, light yellow, and yellow-orange. It can be potted, and because its flower colors are gorgeous, it is very suitable for ornamental use. Native to the Mediterranean; introduced and cultivated in Nanning, Guangxi. Native to the Mediterranean region, its distribution area extends north to Morocco and Portugal, south to France, and east to Turkey and Syria. Southern China [Snapdragon is named for its flower shape resembling a goldfish, its Latin scientific name "Antirrhinum" means "shaped like a nose", and "majus" means "blooms in May". At the same time, it is also a traditional Chinese medicine, with the effects of clearing heat and detoxifying, cooling blood and reducing swelling. It can also be pressed for oil for consumption, nutritious and healthy.
Morphological characteristics of snapdragons
It is a perennial herbaceous flower, often cultivated as a biennial, with a plant height of 30-50 cm. The stem is upright, and the leaves are oblong-lanceolate. The raceme is terminal, the corolla is tubular and bilabiate, covered with fine hairs on the outside. Commonly cultivated varieties include red, purple, yellow and white, with a flowering period from May to June. The capsule is dark brown, with a fruiting period from July to August.
Perennial upright herb, the stem base is sometimes woody, up to 80 cm tall. The stem base is hairless, the middle and upper parts are covered with glandular hairs, and the base is sometimes branched. The lower leaves are opposite, the upper leaves are often alternate, with short petioles; the leaf blades are hairless, lanceolate to oblong-lanceolate, 2-6 cm long, with entire margins. The raceme is terminal, densely covered with glandular hairs; the pedicel is 5-7 mm long; the calyx is nearly as long as the pedicel, deeply 5-parted, the lobes ovate, obtuse or acute; the corolla varies in color, from red, purple to white, 3-5 cm long, the base extends downward in front into a pouch shape, the upper lip is upright, broad, 2-parted, the lower lip is 3-lobed, bulging upward toward the upper lip in the middle, closing the throat and making the corolla mask-like; stamens 4, didynamous. The capsule is ovate, about 15 mm long, the base strongly extends forward, covered with glandular hairs, dehiscing by pores at the apex. Native to southern Europe. Cultivated in gardens in various places, sometimes escaping to the wild.
Snapdragon is a perennial herb, often cultivated as an annual or biennial flower. Plant height 20-70 cm, leaves oblong-lanceolate. Raceme, corolla tubular and bilabiate, base swollen into a sac shape, upper lip upright, 2-lobed, lower lip 3-lobed, spreading and curved outward, with colors such as white, light red, deep red, flesh color, deep yellow, light yellow, and yellow-orange. Its growth habit is relatively cold-tolerant, not heat-tolerant, likes sunlight, and also tolerates partial shade.
Snapdragon is a perennial herbaceous plant, with upright plants, plant height 0.5-1 m, up to 2 m at the highest. The upper leaves are spirally alternate, lanceolate, the basal leaves are opposite, 1-7 cm long, 2-2.5 cm wide. The flowers form a terminal raceme on the flower stalk, each flower 3.5-4.5 cm long, bilabiate and bilaterally symmetrical. Wild plants have flower colors from pink to purple, and the two lips are often yellow; stem color is also related to flower color. The flowering period is very long, from March to June. The fruit is an ovate capsule, 10-14 mm in diameter, containing a large number of seeds.
Ecological habits of snapdragons
Native to the Mediterranean coast of southern Europe and North Africa. Cold-tolerant, not tolerant of severe heat, able to tolerate partial shade. Likes loose, fertile, well-drained soil, requiring pH 5.5-7.0. It is a relatively long-day plant; late-maturing varieties are sensitive to long days, and long days clearly promote flower bud differentiation, but have little effect on flower bud development. Temperature has no direct relationship with flower bud differentiation, but has a clear effect on plant height, flower spikes and flower number. The suitable growth temperature is 15-20°C, and the night temperature should not be lower than 5°C. If lower temperatures occur after budding, larger flower buds will suffer cold damage. It is a perennial herbaceous flower, often cultivated as a biennial.
Native to the Mediterranean region, its distribution area extends north to Morocco and Portugal, south to France, and east to Turkey and Syria. Cultivated in gardens in various places, sometimes escaping to the wild.
Snapdragon is a light-loving herb. Under sufficient sunlight, plants are short, compact in clumps, neat in growth, uniform in height, neat in flowering, and vivid in flower color. Under partial shade, plants grow taller, inflorescences elongate, and flower color is lighter. It is not sensitive to day length, for example, the Huayu series snapdragon is almost insensitive to day length. During the vernalization stage, high temperature is unfavorable to the growth and development of snapdragons. The suitable flowering temperature is 15°C to 16°C. For some varieties, when the temperature exceeds 15°C, no branches appear, affecting plant form. Snapdragons are relatively sensitive to water and cannot have water accumulation, otherwise the root system rots and the stems and leaves turn yellow and wilt. Snapdragon is a light-loving herb; under sufficient sunlight, plants are short, compact in clumps, neat in growth, uniform in height, neat in flowering, and vivid in flower color; under partial shade, plants grow taller, inflorescences elongate, and flower color is lighter. It is not sensitive to day length, for example, the Huayu series snapdragon is almost insensitive to day length. It likes well-drained, humus-rich, fertile, slightly heavy soil, with neutral or alkaline soil being especially good.
Snapdragon cultivation techniques: timely sowing
Snapdragons can be propagated by sowing and cuttings, but sowing propagation is mainly used, and sowing is usually best in mid-September. The sowing substrate is sterilized humus soil or peat soil, generally using a shallow pot with a 30 cm diameter. Before sowing, fill the pot with soil, leaving 1-2 cm at the rim. Then gently press the pot soil flat and sow. After sowing, cover with a thin layer of fine soil, then gently compact with a wooden board so that the seeds and soil are closely combined. After sowing, place the pot in a water basin and let water seep upward from the bottom until the entire soil surface is moist, then cover the pot surface with glass to reduce water evaporation, and finally place the pot in a cool place.
Post-sowing management of snapdragons
Post-sowing management is mainly water management. Watering should be even; do not let the pot surface become too dry or too wet. Remove the glass at night to allow ventilation, and cover it again during the day to prevent water evaporation. After sowing, the seeds will sprout and emerge in 7 or 8 days. After the seedlings emerge, the glass can be removed to let them receive light.
Snapdragon transplanting
When the seedlings grow 4-5 true leaves, they can be moved into flower pots with a diameter of 8-12 cm. The pot soil should be a mix of 7 parts humus soil and 3 parts garden soil. When watering the seedlings, use a watering can and water until thoroughly soaked. As the seedlings gradually grow, change the container again and plant them in flower pots with a diameter of 20-24 cm.
Temperature and humidity
Snapdragons are relatively cold-tolerant and also tolerate partial shade. They can withstand low temperatures above -5°C, but below -5°C they are easily frozen to death. Snapdragons tolerate moisture and are afraid of drought. During care management, watering must follow the principle of "dry then wet", spraying water once about every 2 days.
Reasonable fertilizing should strengthen fertilizer and water management. Fertilizing should pay attention to the balance of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Snapdragons have rhizobia and can fix nitrogen themselves, so generally no nitrogen fertilizer is needed; appropriately increasing phosphorus and potassium fertilizer is sufficient. During the growing period, apply fermented oil residue water once every half month together with watering. When flower buds appear, spraying with 1.2% potassium dihydrogen phosphate solution is even better. Before each fertilizing, loosen the soil and remove weeds.
Suitable pruning: when snapdragon seedlings grow to about 10 cm, pinching can be done to shorten plant height, increase the number of side branches, and increase flowers. When pruning, cut off diseased and weak branches, dead old branches and overly dense branches. After each flowering, cut off the branches that have flowered to encourage new branches to sprout and continue blooming.
Open-field cultivation
Snapdragons like sunlight and also tolerate partial shade, avoid high temperatures and are slightly cold-tolerant. When cultivating in the open field, note:
Timely pinching: in order to increase branching, pinching must be done in time during cultivation, especially important for medium and tall varieties. Generally pinch when the seedlings are about 12 cm high, and pinch again when the plants grow to 20 cm. This can promote side branch growth and dwarf the plants. Varieties used for cut flowers should not be pinched; instead, side buds should be removed so that nutrients concentrate on the main branch, but as the flower branches grow, they must be tied with thin bamboo in time to keep them straight.
Planting in sunny spots: because snapdragons like sunlight, when planting, choose a place with sufficient sunlight, loose, fertile soil and good drainage. Usually pay attention to removing weeds, which is beneficial to the growth and flowering of snapdragons.
Reasonable fertilizing and watering: snapdragon is a flowering plant that likes fertilizer, and seedlings grow slowly. Before planting, plow the land first and apply base fertilizer. After planting, water thoroughly once, and afterward decide based on weather conditions, preventing the soil from being too dry or too wet. For fertilizing, during the growing period apply 2 times a thin cake fertilizer water or liquid fertilizer mainly based on nitrogen fertilizer to promote the growth of branches and leaves, but note that too much fertilizer should not be applied, otherwise it will cause excessive growth and affect flowering. During the bud stage, apply 1-2 times a thin liquid fertilizer mainly based on phosphorus and potassium, which is beneficial to vivid flower color. After rain, pay attention to drainage. After flowering, the aboveground part can be cut off level with the ground, water thoroughly once, and then pay attention to fertilizer and water management; in summer, provide appropriate shading and cooling, so it can bloom again in autumn.
Timely seed collection: snapdragons can self-sow and reproduce. When the fruit matures from June to July, collect it in time. It can be cut off together with the pedicel and placed on a bamboo mat to dry, then shake out the seeds and store them in a dry place, sowing in September. Snapdragon varieties are very easily mixed, so mother plants for seed collection need to be isolated during planting to avoid producing hybrids.
Management and precautions
Potted snapdragons commonly use 10 cm pots, and sown seedlings can be transplanted into pots 6 weeks after germination. During the growing period, keep the temperature at 16°C, keep the pot soil moist and provide sufficient sunlight. Some dwarf varieties can bloom 60-0 days after sowing. Tall and medium-stalk varieties are pinched to promote more branching and more flowering. To date, growth regulators are more often used to dwarf plants and regulate the flowering period. Spraying 0.05%-0.1% daminozide 10 days after pinching has a significant dwarfing effect. Spraying 0.25%-0.4% daminozide at the seedling stage can advance flowering and make the flowers compact. If 0.4%-0.8% daminozide is sprayed 2-4 times, flowering can be delayed.
During the growing period, fertilize once every half month, or use "Huiyou" 15-15-30 special fertilizer for pot flowers. After flowering, promptly top and increase fertilizer. At a temperature of 13-16°C, it can continue to bloom continuously. Snapdragons easily cross naturally. In order to keep varieties pure, mother plants kept for seed must be isolated for seed collection. Of course, many double-flowered and F1 hybrid snapdragons are difficult to collect seeds from.
Sowing: it is generally considered that the suitable germination temperature is 15-20°C, with about 10°C at night, so sow from late September to early October. Because the seeds are small, to avoid sowing too thickly, mix with sand or dry soil and then broadcast or drill, without covering with soil, absorbing water from the bottom of the flower pot. They germinate after 7-10 days. The soil used is an equal mix of akadama soil and leaf mold. After growing 2-3 true leaves, transplant into No. 2.5-3 pots. The best soil for planting is sandy loam. Before planting, apply sufficient base fertilizer, applying 600 kg of fully decomposed farmyard manure per 100 sq m, evenly turned into the plow layer. Snapdragons are usually ready for planting when the seedlings are 10-12 cm high. When planting, lay a 15 x 15 cm support net flat on the bed surface, and plant 1 plant in each mesh. In the initial planting stage, the seedlings should be appropriately shaded. During the entire growth process of snapdragons, generally three layers of netting are set up to prevent the flower stems from bending or lodging.
Fertilizer and water: during the growth process of snapdragons, topdressing is usually done once about every 10 days. Snapdragons avoid soil water accumulation, otherwise the root system rots and the stems and leaves turn yellow and wilt. But insufficient watering will affect their growth and development. The soil should be kept moist regularly, and it is better to let it dry slightly between two irrigations. In addition, when watering, try to avoid watering from above the plants, to reduce leaf surface humidity and prevent water droplets from splashing and spreading diseases.
Light: under sufficient sunlight, snapdragon plants grow neatly, are uniform in height, bloom neatly, and have vivid flower colors. Under partial shade, plants grow taller, inflorescences elongate, and flower color is lighter. Snapdragons are long-day plants. Although there are now many neutral varieties, providing 4 hours of supplemental light in winter to extend the day length can advance flowering.
Temperature: in greenhouse cultivation, maintain a night temperature of 15°C and a day temperature of about 22-28°C. If the temperature is too low, dropping to 2-3°C, the plants will not be harmed, but the flowering period will be delayed, blind flowers will increase, and cut flower quality will decline.
Cultivation notes
Variety selection: potted snapdragons should choose varieties with short plants and abundant flowers to improve the ornamental value of the pot. Pot and pot soil selection. The potted container should preferably be a clay pot or plastic pot with a diameter of about 15 cm, but with good air permeability. The cultivation substrate should be loose, fertile, well-drained culture soil, or an even mix of leaf mold, peat, and plant ash. Before planting, apply some dried livestock manure or cake fertilizer powder, and add a little bone meal or superphosphate as base fertilizer.
Watering and fertilizing: after planting, water thoroughly, and afterward water whenever the pot soil becomes dry. During the growing period, apply a thin liquid fertilizer mainly based on nitrogen and potassium fertilizer once every 10 days. During the bud stage, spray 0.1% potassium dihydrogen phosphate to make the flower color vivid. Usually prevent water accumulation in the pot soil and pay attention to loosening the soil regularly.
Pruning: after flowering, the aboveground part can be cut off level with the soil, water thoroughly once, and after about a week new branches can sprout. Then apply a thin liquid fertilizer once about every 10 days until flower buds form. Usually pay attention to appropriate watering, and in summer provide appropriate shading and cooling, so it can bloom again in autumn.
Snapdragon propagation methods
Mainly by seed propagation and cutting propagation.
Seed propagation: In Guangdong, sowing is generally suitable after autumn, preferably from October to November. Snapdragon seeds are tiny, about 6,500-7,000 seeds per gram. Sow within a temperature range of 18°C-21°C, and seedlings emerge after 1 week. Before sowing, soak the seeds in a potassium permanganate solution of about 0.5% concentration for 1-2 hours. After disinfection, it can kill pathogenic bacteria carried on the seed surface, and is also beneficial to seed germination, promoting rapid seed germination and neat, robust seedling growth. Sowing can generally use seedbed sowing or plug tray sowing.
Seedbed sowing: The seedbed should preferably choose sandy loam with a loose soil structure, low groundwater level, good drainage, and rich organic matter. The seedbed requires fine, level soil particles. To prevent pests and diseases, about 25 days before sowing, sun-dry and turn the sowing field 2-3 times, and disinfect the soil with carbofuran before sowing. When sowing, water the seedbed thoroughly, mix the seeds with fine sand at 1:4, and evenly broadcast them on the seedbed, then cover with a thin layer of plant ash after sowing. After watering, cover with a 50% shade net, and strictly avoid direct sunlight exposure. Seedlings can be transplanted 5-6 weeks after emergence.
Plug tray sowing: Disinfection of seeds and medium is very important. Before sowing, soak the seeds in a potassium permanganate solution of about 0.5% concentration for 1-2 hours. Add 150-200 g of thiophanate-methyl powder per cubic meter of medium (about 20 bags), stir 2-3 times so that the medicine and medium are fully mixed, then stir while spraying water, adjusting until the medium "holds together in the hand but falls apart when released". Cover with plastic film and pile for 8-10 hours, then put into plug trays. Each plug tray can sow 200 seeds, placing one seed per cell. After sowing, gently press with your hand so that the seeds adhere to the medium, then spray thoroughly with a sprayer and cover with newspaper or plastic film. If the nursery can control dryness, moisture and temperature, covering is unnecessary. Keep the newspaper moist for a long time, and uncover the newspaper after the seeds germinate.
Cutting propagation: For cuttings, you can use the axillary buds of robust young seedlings sown the same year, or cut the terminal buds of robust young seedlings of the current year (combined with pinching) for cuttings. You can also, after flowering, choose robust plants, cut off old branches, keep 2-3 m of the main stem above ground, apply compound fertilizer mainly based on nitrogen after cutting, and cut shoots for cuttings after buds emerge. The cutting length is about 3-4 nodes; cut as much as possible below a node, remove the lower leaves, and keep 1-2 upper leaves. Then use a 400-fold dilution of "Root Sun" rooting agent mixed with yellow mud into a slurry, dip the cut end of the cutting into the slurry, and after the slurry dries, insert it into the nursery pond. The nursery pond should be covered with a 70% shade net. The nursery pond medium can directly use fresh river sand or fresh yellow mud. Use a thin bamboo stick to make holes in the substrate in advance, insert the cuttings while making holes, and gently compact the culture soil at the base of the cuttings with two fingers so that the cuttings and medium combine. The cutting density is about 2.5 cm x 3.0, with the standard that the leaves of the cuttings touch each other but do not overlap. The insertion depth should be controlled so that one node is in the soil. After insertion, water thoroughly, and afterward spray the leaf surface once a day with a sprayer. For the treatment method of snapdragon cuttings using "Root Sun" rooting agent, see the attached table. From the attached table, it can be seen that cutting propagation with "Root Sun" rooting agent has a remarkable effect, and they can be transplanted 8 days after cutting. Management is convenient and can save manpower and material resources.
Sow in open-field seedbeds from August to September, and transplant at 4 cm x 4 cm intervals when true leaves appear. Spring-sown seedlings have their vigorous growth period during the high temperatures of summer, grow poorly, and are prone to pests and diseases. Seed germination is photoblastic, so do not cover with soil after sowing.
The suitable germination temperature is 18-20°C, and seedlings emerge in 5-7 days. The sowing substrate can be a mix of 5 parts garden soil, 3 parts leaf mold, and 2 parts sand, or an equal mix of peat, perlite and vermiculite.
For cut flowers, when carrying out multi-branch cultivation, timely pinching and netting are needed. The first pinching can be done at 4 true leaves, keeping 1-2 nodes. When the plant height is 15-20 cm, set up the first layer of netting; at 30-40 cm, set up the second layer of netting. As the plant grows taller, the net position is gradually raised.
Snapdragons like fertilizer, and base fertilizer should be applied 20 days before planting. Commonly used fertilizers include compost, chicken manure and cake fertilizer, which are rich in nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Topdressing depends on the growth situation, generally applying 3 kg of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium compound fertilizer per 100 sq m each time.
To make the stems sturdy, potassium fertilizer should be applied appropriately in the later stage.
Snapdragons are propagated by seed and can also be propagated by cuttings. In production there are two types: autumn sowing and spring sowing. Generally, autumn sowing is used in warm regions and spring sowing in cold northern regions, with autumn sowing flowering better. Snapdragon seeds are tiny; add a small amount of fine sand when sowing, broadcast evenly, and do not cover with soil. At about 15°C, seedlings emerge in about 10 days. Pay attention to thinning, and transplant once when there are 4-5 true leaves. For open-field ornamental use, appropriate pinching can promote side branch germination and increase the ornamental effect. To prolong the flowering period, promptly cut off spent flowers after flowering so that new flowers can continue to open. If cultivated as cut flowers, pinching is not allowed, and side buds must be removed in time. Pay attention to fertilizing; nitrogen fertilizer has a relatively good effect on snapdragons. For seed collection, cut off the entire fruit branch, dry it and thresh it. Seed viability can be maintained for 3-4 years.
Snapdragon disease control
Damping-off is the main disease occurring at the snapdragon seedling stage, and captan can be used for drenching.
Leaf blight, bacterial leaf spot, anthracnose and other diseases infect leaves and stems, and can be controlled with Bordeaux mixture or a 400-fold dilution of ethyl parathion. Sclerotinia disease can be sprayed with a 1000-fold dilution of thiophanate-methyl. For aphids and cutworms, a 1000-fold dilution of 40% omethoate emulsifiable concentrate can be used.
Phytophthora blight
Phytophthora blight, also called stem rot, mainly harms stems and roots. After the pathogen invades the stem base, light brown lesions form. The lesions are water-soaked, constricted and rotting, and often cause plant death in severe cases. When air humidity is high, white filamentous material can grow on the lesions.
Control methods:
a. Strengthen cultivation management, avoid continuous cropping; promptly pull out diseased plants and burn them, reducing sources of infection and lowering the incidence rate. 2-3 weeks before planting, disinfect the soil with formalin, spraying the soil with 30 ml of the medicine diluted 50 times with water, then cover with plastic film. Remove the covering after 5 days, and use it only after 1-2 weeks when the medicinal smell has dissipated.
b. Chemical control: in the early stage of disease, spray with a 300-fold dilution of 40% fosetyl-aluminum wettable powder; you can also drench the root and stem area of the plant with an 800-fold solution of 50% captafol wettable powder, using 4 L of the medicine.
Seedling rot
It is a serious seedling-stage disease, which can occur from after seed germination through the entire seedling stage. The stem or root of the seedling near the soil surface begins to become water-soaked, then gradually turns brown and constricted. In severe cases, the diseased part rots, causing the whole plant to lodge or wilt and die.
Control methods:
a. At the seedling stage, control the amount of watering; the soil should not be too wet; sow at the right time to avoid seedlings being affected by unsuitable temperatures; seedlings should not be planted too densely, and thin them in time; keep the greenhouse ventilated and light-transmitting, reduce the temperature between plants, and control the conditions for disease development. In addition, 70% quintozene powder can be used to disinfect the soil, at a rate of 5-8 g per sq m, mixed evenly with an appropriate amount of fine sand and then broadcast.
b. Chemical control. In the early stage of disease, promptly spray the young stems of the seedlings and the nearby soil with an 800-1000-fold dilution of 50% carbendazim wettable powder, or spray with an 800-1000-fold dilution of chlorothalonil wettable powder.
Rust
It mainly harms the leaves, young stems and calyx of snapdragons. Diseased leaves show yellow-green blister-like water spots, which gradually expand. After the blister-like spots rupture, reddish-brown urediniospore masses are exposed, and the leaf tissue around the lesions turns light yellow. The symptoms on young stems and calyx are similar to those on the leaves. Affected plants grow weakly, and in severe cases the leaves scorch and die.
Control methods:
a. Promptly remove and burn diseased leaves when found, to prevent spread; pay attention to ventilation and light transmission, and plants should not be planted too densely;
b. Chemical control. In the early stage of disease, spray with a 200-fold dilution of 15% triadimefon wettable powder, or a 400-fold dilution of 65% zineb wettable powder.
Leaf blight
It mainly occurs on leaves and stems. When leaves are infected, small water-soaked spots first appear at the leaf tip or leaf margin, then become pale white, and gradually expand into round or irregular brown lesions. In the center of the lesions there are brown irregular concentric rings, and many small black dots are scattered. Infected young leaves become distorted; in severe cases the leaves shrink and die, hanging on the stem without falling off. Stem lesions are elongated or encircle the stem, water-soaked, slightly sunken, gray-white in the center, dark brown at the edges. The diseased part often cracks and bears many small black dots, which are sometimes arranged in concentric rings. When the stem is affected at the seedling stage, it often causes the seedlings to lodge.
Control methods:
a. Strengthen cultivation management, promptly remove diseased leaves or pull out diseased plants and burn them, to reduce the primary infection source; the greenhouse should be ventilated and aired, plants should not be too dense, and do not apply nitrogen fertilizer alone.
b. Chemical control. In the early stage of disease, spray with Bordeaux mixture or a 600-fold dilution of 65% zineb wettable powder.
Gray mold
It can harm the stems, leaves and flowers of the plant, mainly the flowers. The pathogen invades through weakened host tissues. When leaves are affected, it often first occurs at the leaf tip or leaf margin. In the early stage of disease, water-soaked spots appear on the diseased part, then gradually expand, and the diseased tissue turns black-brown and rots. After the pathogen invades, it can also cause infection of the pedicel and stem, producing canker spots. When the lesions encircle the pedicel or stem, they can cause the flower spike to wither. Under humid conditions, the affected parts are covered by a gray-brown mold layer and often produce small black granular sclerotia.
Control methods:
a. Promptly remove diseased flowers and leaves and burn them centrally, to reduce the infection source. The greenhouse should be well ventilated, watering should not be excessive, and the temperature and humidity in the room should be controlled. Apply nitrogen fertilizer reasonably and appropriately increase phosphorus and potassium fertilizer to improve the plant's disease resistance. During flower management, try to avoid causing wounds to the plants and reduce opportunities for pathogen infection.
b. Chemical control. In the early stage of disease, choose an 800-1000-fold dilution of 70% thiophanate-methyl wettable powder, or an 800-1000-fold dilution of 50% carbendazim wettable powder for spray control. Spray once a week, for 2-3 consecutive sprays.
Aphids
They usually gather on tender buds, tender leaves and tender branches to pierce and suck sap, causing the affected parts of the plant to shrink and deform. Aphids also secrete honeydew that contaminates the plant and induces diseases such as sooty mold. They can be killed by spraying with a 600-800-fold dilution of methomyl or an 800-fold dilution of 25% derris, or by spraying with an 800-1000-fold dilution of 40% profenofos emulsifiable concentrate. Profenofos is a broad-spectrum organophosphorus scale insecticide with contact, stomach and strong penetrant effects. It can penetrate into plant tissues and has a very good control effect on chewing and piercing-sucking mouthpart pests. Spray once a week for 2-3 consecutive times, with special effects on scale insects and aphids.
Red spider mites
They mostly pierce and suck leaf sap on the underside of leaves, causing leaves to discolor and even curl. They can be killed by spraying with a 1000-fold dilution of 40% dicofol in water.
Whitefly
Sucking plant sap causes leaves to fade, curl and shrivel, and it also often acts as a vector for various toxins. It can be controlled by spraying with a 0.01% solution of Decis.
Thrips
Adults or nymphs infest plants and feed on young buds, tender leaves, flowers and young fruit. Tender leaves curl after being fed upon, and shoot tips and flowers wilt and become diseased. In the early stage, spray with a 400-500 times dilution of 25% derris or 40% dimethoate.
Snapdragon cultivar classification
Common cultivars include the Floral Showers series, a tetraploid type, plant height 15-20 cm, with good branching; the bicolor types are especially attractive, and the apricot-yellow/white bicolor is the newest cultivar. The Chimes series, a tetraploid type, plant height 15-20 cm, with strong branching. Tahiti, plant height 20-25 cm, with rich colors, including 5 bicolor types; the well-known purple/white and rose-red/white bicolors are the earliest flowering of the dwarf types, flowering 10 days earlier. Sweetheart, plant height 15 cm, a dwarf F1 hybrid, double flowers, azalea type, with rich colors. Little Darling, plant height 30 cm, strongly branching, azalea type. Bells, plant height 20-25 cm, butterfly type; among these, Red Bells is a new cultivar and sells very well on the international flower market. In addition, new cultivars include La Bella, plant height 45-50 cm, strongly branching, with beautiful flower form and bright colors. Black Prince, plant height 40-45 cm, brown leaves, deep red flowers. Madame Butterfly, double azalea type, with flower colors including pink, deep red, golden yellow, yellow, rose red and so on.
Superior cultivars should belong to the early-maturing line, with excellent quality, and should be able to keep the flower color bright for a long time after cutting; strong cold resistance, with few "blind flowers"; tall and thick plants, with hard, straight-growing flower stems. Cutting usually begins in December, and a second cut can be made in March-April of the following year, with the second cut also of fairly good quality. First-generation hybrids utilizing heterosis have become the main cultivars for commercial cut-flower cultivation.
(1) F1 hybrids: Zaotome (Early Maiden): red; Honglong (Red Dragon): velvet deep red
Xianqu (Pioneer): deep purplish red
Hongji (Red Princess): peach; Yinv (Maiden): bright peach
Mianlong (Cotton Dragon), Xiying (Evening Glow): crimson orange
Wangcuan (Crown), Huanglong (Yellow Dragon): yellow; Bailong (White Dragon), Bailing (White Ridge), Xinxue (New Snow), Baiguanglong (White Light Dragon): white.
(2) Original species
Moli (Magic): deep peach
White Miracle: pure white
Peace: pure white
Xiangzhu (Falling Pearl): milky white, etc.
Distribution range of snapdragon
Native to the Mediterranean coast of southern Europe and North Africa. It is cultivated in parks and courtyards throughout China.
Medicinal or dietary value of snapdragon
The medical information and health dietary information on Huhuawang are for reference only and cannot be used as a basis for diagnosis or medical treatment. For any health problem, consult professional medical personnel, and for the treatment of any disease, follow doctor's advice.
Ultimate flower-protecting mission: Love yourself, start from reality, and strictly follow doctor's advice. Toward illness, do not be careless, do not delay, do not give up hope; face it bravely, warm the silent world with love, and care for the flower field within your heart with care.
Medicinal value
The whole plant of snapdragon can also be used as medicine, with the effects of clearing heat and detoxifying, cooling blood and reducing swelling. Snapdragon is a traditional Chinese medicine in China; its taste is slightly bitter, and its entire herb can be used as medicine. It is a cooling-natured traditional Chinese medicine. The medicinal properties of snapdragon include clearing deficiency heat, removing toxins, activating blood circulation and relieving swelling and pain. It can treat symptoms of summer heat common cold and headache with feverish restlessness, and can also treat conditions such as fractures, sprains and skin abscesses. It can be taken internally or applied externally; for internal use, grind snapdragon and decoct it. However, because snapdragon has a certain toxicity, when consuming it you must follow the doctor's instructions and take it according to dosage and method. For external application, apply the ground snapdragon powder to the suppurating area. The whole herb is bitter in taste and cool in nature. It has the functions of clearing heat and detoxifying, cooling blood and reducing swelling. For external use, it is used for traumatic sprains, sores, ulcers, swelling and toxic swelling.
1. Medicinal scope
[Drug name]: Snapdragon
[Source]: The whole herb of the dicotyledonous plant drug Snapdragon, a plant of the Scrophulariaceae family.
2. Plant effects
[Effects]: Clearing heat and detoxifying. Indications: used for traumatic sprains, sores, ulcers, swelling and toxic swelling.
[Nature, flavor and meridian entry]: Bitter, cool. Enters the liver meridian.
[Usage and dosage]: Internal use: decoct in water, 9-15 grams. External use: appropriate amount, grind into powder and sprinkle on the affected area.
[Aliases]: Longtoucai, Yangcaique ("Guangxi Medicinal Plant List") [Textual research]: First recorded in "Iconographia Cormophytorum Sinicorum".
3. Plant toxicity
【Warning]: This plant is toxic; accidental ingestion may cause swelling and pain of the throat and tongue, difficulty breathing and stomach pain; skin allergy is possible, and contact may cause itching. Therefore, medicinal use must follow doctor's advice.
Edible value
It is also a very good oil crop. The oil pressed from snapdragon can be eaten by humans, and it is very healthy and nutritious.
The uses and application value of snapdragon
Snapdragon is actually a flower. As its name suggests, each of its small petals is like a shining fish scale, and its many brightly colored flowers form a large cluster of snapdragons, giving it high ornamental value. Snapdragon flowers come in many colors, including white, pink, deep red, flesh color, orange and so on. What is most surprising is that a single flower branch of snapdragon can produce flowers of two different colors; the bicolor flowers are very surprising, making it a plant of extremely high ornamental value. Because snapdragon flowers are large and beautiful, many countries attach great importance to using snapdragons to beautify the environment and decorate courtyards. Generally, snapdragons are planted in flower beds, outside windows, or placed indoors as potted landscapes, or a single snapdragon flower branch is taken to make flower arrangements and other crafts. In recent years, snapdragon has risen to fame in the cut-flower and flower-arrangement world and has won the affection of many flower enthusiasts.
Internationally, snapdragon is widely used for potted plants, flower beds, windowsills, planting troughs and indoor landscape arrangements, and in recent years it has also been used for cut-flower appreciation. Therefore, progress in snapdragon cultivar improvement has been very rapid, especially in Western Europe. The Dutch company S&G Seeds has made great achievements in snapdragon breeding. To date, besides dwarf types, semi-dwarf types and tall-stemmed types, snapdragon also includes ultra-dwarf types with a plant height of 10 cm, and many are tetraploid cultivars. Recently, new cultivars of double azalea type and butterfly type have also been bred. In snapdragon production, in European countries such as the Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Belgium, potted plants and flower bed plants are mainly produced, and cut flowers are also produced. In Japan, mainly potted flowers are produced, with a small amount of cut flowers. Cultivation of snapdragon in China began in the 1930s, mainly for potted flowers, flower beds and flower borders, in small quantities. After the founding of New China, although development was rapid, it was mainly arranged in park flower beds and flower borders, with aging cultivars and monotonous colors. After the 1980s, dwarf snapdragon cultivars were introduced and widely used for potted plants and flower bed arrangements.
Dwarf and ultra-dwarf snapdragon cultivars are used for potted flower cultivation, embellishing windowsills, balconies and entrance courtyards; especially the double and azalea-type cultivars are highly ornamental. Placed in masses in city squares to form scenic spots, the decorative effect is remarkable. Medium-stemmed and tall-stemmed cultivars are arranged in flower borders and beside buildings, and their landscape effect is very attractive. Of course, they are also good cut-flower material; using them to make flower baskets or vase arrangements heightens a joyful and happy atmosphere.
Snapdragon is an excellent material for flower beds and flower borders. Tall cultivars can be used as cut flowers and background material; dwarf cultivars can be used for potted appreciation and as flower bed edging; medium cultivars combine the uses of both tall and dwarf cultivars.
Snapdragon has many flower colors, beautiful and bright. Tall and medium types can be used for flower clumps, flower groups and cut flowers. Medium and dwarf types are suitable for various flower beds, ornamental potted flowers and so on.
Cultural background and legends of snapdragon
The flower of Saint John Calbbert, who went from nobleman to monk in the 11th century
Since ancient times, Christianity has had the custom of linking saints with specific flowers. This came about because when the church commemorated saints, it often decorated altars with blooming flowers! In medieval Catholic monasteries, various flowers were planted almost like gardening centers. Over time, the church combined the 366 days' saints with different flowers respectively, forming the so-called flower calendar. At that time, most monasteries were located in southern Europe, and southern Europe has a Mediterranean climate, extremely suitable for growing flowers and plants. Snapdragon was chosen as the flower to honor the 11th-century nobleman of Florence, Saint John Calbbert, who later became a monk. The place of origin of snapdragon is southern Europe, and it is a perennial herbaceous plant of the Scrophulariaceae family. Although its lifespan is not long, its blooming flowers are large and beautiful, and it is quite favored by horticulturists.
Snapdragon is a rather interesting plant. In Europe, the shape of this flower closely resembles a boxer dog; in Japan, it grows to look like a goldfish. However, this plant does not only have value for people to admire; the oil produced after its seeds are pressed is as useful as olive oil. Therefore its flower language is "possessing usefulness." People blessed by this flower, even if they appear carefree on the surface, are in fact intellectuals with inner substance. In matters of love, timely initiative can make a rival retreat in the face of difficulties and understand that you are not to be trifled with.
It carries the meanings of "arrogance" and "showing off." Red flowers represent "fortune coming," yellow flowers represent "gold and jade filling the hall," white flowers represent "kindheartedness," pink flowers represent "dragons flying and phoenixes dancing," and purple flowers represent "flowers and moon in perfect harmony." It is the lucky flower of Aquarius and people born in the Year of the Dragon, and also the birthday flower of those born on July 2.
1. Snapdragon - gold and silver filling the hall
Legend has it that a goldfish fell in love with a boy. The boy came to the lake to fish every day, and the goldfish would punctually watch the boy underwater whenever he came. One day the goldfish waited for the boy, but the boy never appeared again. After a long time, a flower like a fish grew by the lake, gazing at the lakeside and waiting for the boy to appear.
2. Red snapdragon - fortune coming
Caesar, leader of the Roman Republic, wore a wreath of fiery red snapdragons before every expedition and after every victory. Caesar believed this flower could bring courage and victory to him and his soldiers.
3. White snapdragon - lively and bustling
It is said that Princess Elisabeth of the Bourbon dynasty loved horticulture and cultivation from childhood and was proficient in the art of flower arrangement. After the French Revolution broke out, the princess still went her own way. Even when she was executed by the revolutionaries, she still had her garden on her mind and calmly said to the executioner, "Would you like to go see my garden? It is much more beautiful than this world." The board beneath the princess's feet was withdrawn, yet not a trace of pain could be seen on her face.
Character experiences
Other characters in "Hozuki's Coolheadedness." An ornamental pet improved from a cultivar by Hozuki. It is classified as an "animal-plant" and differs from the "snapdragon" that exists in the human world; its flowers grow to look just like goldfish. The longest-lived cultivar can exceed 3 m in height. Every autumn the flowers' appearance turns red, and the middle also becomes red-purple (Karakasa says "it looks like cyanosis"). Among collectors it seems to have the name "messy turquoise" and is quite highly priced. It has many enthusiasts, so a selection fair is held every autumn. In addition, different individuals seem to have different calls, and it can also be used to communicate. In addition, the cultivar cultivated by Hozuki also has the ability to walk on its own. It is not only edible (in the work it is made into sashimi, and can also become grilled fish); Hakutaku also sells a vitality agent made by boiling 100 withered snapdragons into liquid. Momotaro, on the other hand, says "although it can make you stronger, won't it make people strange?" and feels uneasy, but Hakutaku says "there are completely no side effects."
The flower language of snapdragon
Snapdragon: pure heart
White snapdragon: kindheartedness
Red snapdragon: fortune coming
Pink snapdragon: dragons flying and phoenixes dancing, good fortune and auspiciousness
Yellow snapdragon: gold and silver filling the hall
Purple snapdragon: flowers and moon in perfect harmony
Variegated snapdragon: huge profits
Birthday flower: snapdragon; flower language: possessing usefulness
Snapdragon pictures
How to grow snapdragon, snapdragon planting methods
Every plant has its own unique value of existence, and their forms are all different. They can not only be appreciated by people, but can also purify people's air, and have gradually become an indispensable part of people's lives, enriching people's leisure life as good friends and broadening people's horizons. Snapdragon is also a flowering plant, and its ornamental value is very high. When its flowers are in full bloom, they are very beautiful, and it is a perennial herbaceous plant, especially loved by people. Below let us take a look at what snapdragon is like, and the planting methods for snapdragon.
Introduction to snapdragon
Snapdragon belongs to a perennial herbaceous flowering plant, and it is also known by people as Longtouhua, Shizihua, Longkouhua, Yangcaique and other names. Its plant height is 20-70 cm, and the shape of its leaves is oblong-lanceolate. Its inflorescence is a raceme type, and its corolla is tubular and labiate, with the base somewhat swollen into a sac shape. Its upper lip is upright and two-lobed, and its lower lip is three-lobed, curving outward when in full bloom. The colors are very numerous, with white, pale red, flesh color, deep red, deep yellow, yellow-orange, light yellow and many other colors for people to appreciate. The colorful flowers broaden people's horizons and have won the affection of many, many people.
The growing environment of snapdragon
Snapdragon is relatively cold-resistant, not heat-tolerant, likes to grow in an environment with sufficient sunlight, and is tolerant of partial shade. During the seedling stage it is suitable to grow at a temperature of 5°C; it is not suitable for growing in a high-temperature environment. During the flowering period it is suitable to grow in an environment of 15-16°C; if it exceeds 15°C, branching will not occur, greatly affecting the plant form. Snapdragon is also very sensitive to water; the soil should be kept moist. When raising seedlings in pots, water sufficiently, and the soil's drainage must be very good, with no water accumulation, otherwise it will cause root rot and yellowing, wilting stems and leaves. Use fertile, loose, very well-drained, slightly acidic sandy soil.
Planting methods for snapdragon
Snapdragon can be propagated by sowing and cuttings; under normal circumstances, the sowing propagation method is used. Sowing in September is most suitable, and using sterilized humus soil or peat soil is best. Using a 30 cm shallow pot is best; then fill it with soil, leave 1-2 cm at the edge of the pot, smooth the soil and sow. After sowing, cover with a thin layer of fine soil, and use a wooden stick to press it firm so that the seeds and soil are in close contact. Then place the pot in water, allowing water to slowly seep into the soil until the soil becomes moist; then seal the pot surface, preferably with glass, which can reduce water evaporation, and place the pot in a cool place.
1. Snapdragon planting methods — management: when planting snapdragon, water evenly and keep the soil moist. At night the glass can be removed to let it ventilate and get air, but during the day it needs to be covered well to effectively prevent water evaporation. About one week after sowing, the seeds begin to sprout; at this time the glass can be removed to let them carry out photosynthesis.
2. Snapdragon planting methods — transplanting: when the seedlings grow 4-5 leaves, they can be transplanted. After transplanting, spray water, and be sure to spray thoroughly; repot according to the growth of the seedlings.
3. Snapdragon planting methods — temperature: snapdragon is relatively cold-resistant and tolerant of partial shade, able to withstand a low temperature of -5°C; below that it may freeze to death. It is relatively moisture-tolerant. If drought occurs, water when dry and let dry when wet, spraying water once every two days.
4. Snapdragon planting methods — fertilizing: during the planting process, strengthen the management of fertilizer and water, and pay attention to the combined use of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. During the growing period, water once every half month with fermented oil residue water; during the flowering period, spraying with potassium dihydrogen phosphate solution is best; when fertilizing, also mainly remove weeds.
5. Snapdragon planting methods — pruning: when the seedlings are 10 cm tall, pinch them to promote the number of side branches and make the flowers more luxuriant. Cut off diseased and weak branches and tips, dead branches and dense branches, and cut off branches that have already flowered to promote new branch sprouting and then continue flowering.
Summary: The above is what the editor has introduced about how to grow snapdragon, as well as snapdragon planting methods. I hope it will be of some help to you in the process of growing snapdragon. Thank you for reading.
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