Snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus SNAPTASTIC ORANGE FLAME) is an old garden favorite celebrated for its distinctive dragon-shaped flowers that bloom prolifically from April through October in hardiness zones 8-11. This short-lived tender perennial reaches 12-15 inches tall and 6-12 inches wide, producing showy blooms in a vibrant orange-flame color. In cool summers, snapdragons flower reliably from spring to fall, though in hot climates they may languish as the season progresses. Hardy to zone 8 (with some sources reporting cold tolerance to zone 7), it thrives in full sun with moderate water and care.
9
Full Sun
Moderate
8-11
15in H x 12in W
—
High
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The tubular, two-lipped flowers that give snapdragons their common name appear in dense terminal racemes and bloom continuously through the season when deadheaded regularly. This variety attracts butterflies and hummingbirds while remaining deer-resistant, offering color and wildlife activity without browse pressure. The edible flowers add an unexpected ornamental-meets-culinary dimension to the garden, and the showy orange-flame blooms command attention in borders, containers, and cutting gardens.
Snapdragons serve primarily as ornamental flowers for borders, containers, and cutting arrangements, where their tall spikes of colorful blooms add vertical interest and drama. The edible flowers can be used as garnishes in salads and on desserts, lending both color and a subtle flavor dimension to culinary presentations. Their continuous bloom from spring through fall and their appeal to pollinators make them valuable in gardens designed to support butterflies and hummingbirds throughout the growing season.
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Start seeds indoors 6-10 weeks before your last frost date. Sow on the soil surface or barely press into moist seed-starting mix, as seeds need light to germinate. Keep soil consistently moist and warm until seedlings emerge, then provide bright light to prevent legginess.
Set out seedlings or starter plants after the last frost date once soil has warmed. Harden off indoor-started plants gradually over 7-10 days before planting in the garden.
For cut flowers, harvest stems in early morning when blooms are fully open. For edible flowers, pick individual blooms or small sprays as needed; they are best used fresh shortly after harvest.
Pinch stem tips of young plants to promote bushiness and prevent leggy growth. Deadhead spent flowers regularly throughout the bloom season to encourage continuous flowering and extend blooms from spring through fall.
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“Antirrhinum majus has been an enduring presence in garden cultivation for centuries, earning its place as a treasured heirloom among flower gardeners. The genus encompasses many cultivars and hybrids, with A. majus as a prominent parent in modern breeding programs, yet the species itself retains the charm and reliability that made it a garden staple long before commercial hybridization. This variety carries forward that legacy while introducing the vibrant orange-flame coloring that appeals to contemporary gardeners seeking bold, long-blooming ornamentals.”