Costa II Snapdragon is an exclusive early-season mix developed for rapid spring and fall production, hitting bloom in just 100 to 110 days from transplant. This F1 hybrid grows as a compact bush reaching just 4 inches in spacing, making it equally at home in garden beds or as a cut flower for arrangements. The variety thrives in partial shade and produces flowers ideal for both vase work and edible garnishing, offering gardeners a versatile option that bridges ornamental and culinary uses.
Partial Shade
Moderate
2-11
?in H x ?in W
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Moderate
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This early-maturing F1 hybrid delivers flowers in under 110 days, a significant advantage for spring and fall gardeners who want blooms before season's end. The compact bush habit and partial shade tolerance make it adaptable to varied garden conditions, while its dual purpose as both a cut flower and edible flower opens creative possibilities beyond typical snapdragon uses. Surface-sown seeds require only light for germination, and pinching encourages the branching that produces fuller, more abundant flower displays.
Costa II serves double duty in the garden and kitchen. As a cut flower, its sturdy stems and reliable branching habit when pinched make it excellent for fresh arrangements and floral designs. The edible flowers work as delicate garnishes for salads, desserts, and plated dishes, adding visual interest and a subtle floral note to culinary presentations.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Surface-sow seeds into 128-cell flats or preferred seedling container 8 to 10 weeks before planting outdoors. Light is required for germination; cover seeds just enough with a fine layer of vermiculite to hold them in place and maintain moisture without smothering them. Bottom water or mist lightly to avoid displacing soil over the seeds. Maintain warm conditions (65 to 75°F) until germination occurs, typically within 7 to 10 days.
Transplant seedlings to cell packs once true leaves appear, and harden off over 7 to 10 days by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions. Move to the garden after frost danger has passed and soil has warmed to at least 60°F. Space plants 4 inches apart in partial shade.
For cut flowers, harvest stems in the early morning when flowers are fully open but still firm. Cut just above a leaf node to encourage additional branching from below. For edible flowers, harvest individual blooms or entire flower spikes when fully open and at peak color, using them immediately or storing in a cool place for a few hours. Harvest regularly to encourage continued flowering throughout the growing season.
Pinching is recommended to encourage branching; remove the top 1/2 inch of the growing tip when seedlings reach 3 to 4 inches tall. This promotes a fuller, bushier plant with more flower stems. Additional pinching can be done on lateral branches to increase flower production.
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“Costa II Snapdragon is an exclusive hybrid offering from Johnny's Selected Seeds, developed specifically to accelerate production timelines for commercial and home growers. By engineering an F1 hybrid that matures in 100 to 110 days, breeders created a variety suited to compressed growing seasons in temperate regions where traditional snapdragons might not reach peak bloom before cold arrives.”