Snapdragons
Dannette Hunnel
Step into any Phoenix nursery right now and notice an abundance of snapdragons. Snapdragons are easily grown in Sun Lakes from seeds or a starter plant. The time to plant is now. With seeds, place thinly in a shallow pan of soil, keep damp using a spray bottle, cover with a plastic bag, and place in a sunny location. Seeds will sprout in 14 days. Transfer seeds and surrounding soil to a planter or to the garden, where they will not get trampled or receive a heavy rain or too much sun. Lightly fertilize when flowers appear. For starter plants, dig holes large enough to accommodate the root ball at about 8 to 10 inches apart. Cover with soil to the top of the root ball. Press down around the plant, forming a small dent. Water thoroughly so that a little puddle will form around. This will get rid of any air pockets. Let them have full sun during the early day. Use a name-brand balanced fertilizer sparingly about two weeks after planting. This gives them a boost as the temperature rises.
The price for a two-gallon starter plant is approximately $2.99. They will spread into clusters. Pinch dried blooms to encourage new growth and thickening.
The plant name is derived from the flower head’s resemblance to a dragon. If you hold the dragon’s mouth open and click together, it makes a snapping sound.
With daily watering, snapdragons hold up to the desert sun from late February through mid-May. If planting a grouping in full sun, have a taller plant or shrub on their western side to shield them from our intense sunsets. Snapdragons are primarily pollinated by bumblebees, are pestered by aphids, and attract hummingbirds. Snapdragons are considered annuals, but I’ve had them return in late October in the damp and shady areas of our garden. They can grow through mid-December.
These plants give a shot of bright color to any bland space. Place them in a large pot next to the front door as your “Welcome Spring” statement to all who enter.
Snaps come in different sizes: dwarf, medium, tall, and trailing. After the plant reaches 1.5 foot tall, cut them and place in a vase at your Easter dinner or spring cook-outs. Enjoy these colorful flowers in your yard or planters for up to three months or in a vase for up to 12 days.