Cut Flower
Potomac Orange Snapdragon is a vibrant cultivar that brings bold orange blooms to gardens from spring through fall, reaching 30-48 inches tall with a refined, columnar form. This variety takes 98-112 days from seed to first flower, rewarding patient gardeners with weeks of continuous color that deer leave untouched and pollinators adore. Growing best in full sun with moderate water needs, it's a reliable performer for both cutting gardens and landscape color.
Full Sun
Moderate
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48in H x 12in W
Annual
High
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What sets Potomac Orange Snapdragon apart is its extended bloom window spanning nine months, from March through November in many regions, and its natural resistance to deer browsing, a trait many ornamentals lack. The plants reach substantial height (up to four feet) while maintaining a narrow footprint of just 8-12 inches wide, making them ideal for vertical accents, borders, or cutting. Its pollinator magnetism combined with deer avoidance creates a rare combination: you get constant garden activity without the constant garden frustration.
Potomac Orange Snapdragon is primarily grown as a cut flower and garden ornamental. The tall stems and long vase life make it a favorite for fresh arrangements, while its height and narrow growth habit make it excellent for creating vertical focal points in borders, cottage gardens, or cottage-style containers. The bright orange color works particularly well in warm-season color schemes and pairs beautifully with complementary blue or purple flowering plants in garden compositions.
Start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before your last spring frost in containers filled with a seed germination mix amended with vermiculite to prevent fungal problems. Chill seeds in the refrigerator for 2 days before sowing. Sow seeds thinly on the surface and lightly press them in, as snapdragon seeds require light to germinate. Maintain temperatures around 60-70°F and water from below by setting containers in a tray rather than watering from above, which reduces fungal issues. Seeds typically sprout within 5-14 days.
Transplant seedlings outdoors after your last spring frost once they've hardened off gradually to outdoor conditions. Space plants 8 inches apart in full sun. Ensure soil has good drainage and air circulation around plants.
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