Plant Snapdragons In The Fall

Snapdragons are beautiful and they love the cooler weather. We have a huge selection of colors and styles and fall is the perfect time to plant them! 

Are you looking to add a pop of color to your garden next spring? Planting Snapdragon seeds in the fall is a great way to ensure beautiful blooms in the upcoming season. Let's explore the benefits and steps to successfully plant Snapdragon seeds in the fall.

Why plant Snapdragon seeds in the fall?

Planting Snapdragon seeds in the fall allows them to go through a natural stratification process. This process involves exposing the seeds to cold and moist conditions, which helps break seed dormancy and promotes germination. By planting in the fall, you are giving the seeds ample time to establish strong root systems before the harsh winter sets in.

When is the best time to plant Snapdragon seeds in the fall?

The best time to plant Snapdragon seeds in the fall is typically 6-8 weeks before the first frost date in your area. This timing allows the seeds to germinate and develop before the cold weather arrives. Be sure to check your local frost dates to determine the ideal planting window. If you live in a warm climate, your snapdragons will bloom long before it gets cold.

How to plant Snapdragon seeds in the fall

Start by preparing a well-draining garden bed. Place the Snapdragon seeds on top of the soil and lightly press them down, but do not cover them with soil as they require light to germinate. Water the seeds gently to ensure the soil is moist but not waterlogged. If you prefer, you can plant them in small pots until they germinate but we just put them directly in the ground in the fall since the ground is super warm here in Texas with highs in the 90s into October.

Next, place the trays or pots in a cool location with temperatures around 60-70°F (15-21°C). Keep the soil consistently moist and provide ample sunlight or artificial light to encourage germination. Once the seedlings have developed a few sets of true leaves, they can be transplanted into the garden if you started them in pots.

Additional tips for success

It's important to keep the soil consistently moist during the germination and early growth stages. Avoid over watering, as this can lead to damping off and other issues. Additionally, providing a light fertilizer once the seedlings are established can help promote healthy growth.

Remember to protect your young Snapdragon plants from frost by covering them with a light fabric or bringing them indoors during particularly cold nights. With proper care and attention, your fall-planted Snapdragon seeds will bloom in late fall and should stay around until the heat hits hard in spring.

In February of 2021 here in South Central Texas we experienced what I call Snowpocalypse. We normally don't get those ice storms here. My snapdragons that I planted in October from seed were blooming and we got an awful cold snap with ice and snow, a rarity here. I covered my beautiful snapdragons with one layer of white garden cloth. The snow stayed all week long and when it finally melted and it warmed back up the next week, my blooms were perfect. They lasted until May when the heat started getting up to 100° Fahrenheit every day. 

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