Opus III Lavender Snapdragon is an F1 hybrid that brings early summer color to gardens across hardiness zones 2 through 11. This compact snapdragon produces lavender blooms on plants bred for reliable, uniform growth and quick flowering in about 105 to 115 days from seed. Its edible flowers make it a dual-purpose choice for gardeners seeking both ornamental impact and culinary interest, while its tolerance for partial shade opens up garden spaces that other snapdragons might struggle in.
Partial Shade
Moderate
2-11
?in H x ?in W
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Moderate
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The Opus III series represents snapdragon breeding focused on speed and uniformity, and this lavender variety delivers both. Early summer flowering means you'll see blooms faster than standard snapdragons, while the compact growth habit keeps plants tidy and well-branched without aggressive pruning. The edible flowers bridge the gap between cutting garden and kitchen garden, letting you harvest blooms for arrangements, dried flowers, or fresh garnish.
Opus III Lavender excels as a cut flower; the blooms hold well in water and flower early enough to extend your cutting season into summer. The edible flowers work as fresh garnish or dried decoration, adding visual interest and a subtle floral note to plates without the flavor intensity of some culinary flowers.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Start seeds indoors 8 to 10 weeks before your last frost date. Sow seeds on the surface of moist seed-starting mix in 128-cell flats or preferred containers; light is required for germination, so cover seeds just enough with a fine layer of vermiculite to hold them in place and prevent algae growth without blocking light. Bottom water or mist lightly to avoid displacing seeds. Maintain soil temperature around 65 to 75°F. Germination typically occurs within 7 to 14 days.
Transplant seedlings to cell packs once they've developed true leaves. Harden off transplants by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over 7 to 10 days before moving them to the garden. Plant out after your last frost date when soil has warmed; Opus III Lavender is half-hardy and can tolerate light frost but shouldn't go into the ground too early in spring.
Cut stems for arrangements once flowers are fully open but still fresh, ideally in the early morning when stems are fully hydrated. For edible flowers, harvest individual blooms at peak color; they're most flavorful and visually appealing when fully open. Snap or cut flowers just above the base. Harvest regularly to encourage continued blooming rather than seed set.
Pinching is recommended early in the plant's development if you want fuller branching and more flower stems. Remove the top 1/4 to 1/2 inch of the central leader when plants are 3 to 4 inches tall; this encourages the plant to branch from the sides rather than grow as a single tall stem. The compact growth habit means aggressive pruning isn't necessary, but deadheading spent flowers extends the blooming period throughout the season.
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