How to Propagate Snapdragons? Detailed Methods and Tips

Snapdragons (Antirrhinum majus) are plants with extremely high ornamental value thanks to their brilliant flower colors, and they are also a traditional Chinese medicine with the effects of clearing heat and detoxifying, cooling the blood and reducing swelling. Currently, there are two propagation methods when growing them: seeds and cuttings. Follow along with the editor below to take a look at the propagation methods for snapdragons.

1. Seed Propagation

Since it is both a plant with extremely high ornamental value, often grown as a few pots 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 a loose, fertile sandy loam with a low groundwater table, good drainage and rich organic matter. Before sowing, break up and finely prepare 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 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 failed emergence caused by exposed sun. After 5-6 weeks of emergence, they can be transplanted.

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 square meter, 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 loosens without falling apart. After blending, cover it with plastic film 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 by hand, spray a mist of water, then cover with plastic film to keep it moist. Once the seedlings emerge, tear off the film.

2. Cutting Propagation

For cuttings, first select the cuttings. You can choose the terminal buds of robust young 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 cutting, remove the lower leaves, keep 1-2 upper leaves, then soak in rooting agent for 5 minutes to promote rooting and survival. For the seedling medium, you can choose river sand or loose yellow soil. 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 cutting, water thoroughly once and mist the leaves. They can generally be transplanted in 7-10 days.

The above is an introduction to how to propagate snapdragons. We hope it helps you. To learn more related knowledge, please stay tuned to us.