How to Grow Snapdragons in Minnesota

Snapdragons, known for their vibrant colors and unique flower shapes, are a popular choice for many gardeners. These charming plants thrive in cooler climates, making Minnesota an ideal location for snapdragon cultivation. In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about growing snapdragons in Minnesota, from selecting the right variety to planting, caring for, and harvesting these delightful flowers.

Understanding Snapdragons

Snapdragons (Antirrhinum majus) are annual or perennial plants that belong to the plantain family. They come in a variety of colors, including pink, yellow, red, white, and purple. The name “snapdragon” comes from the flower’s distinctive shape; when squeezed, the flower resembles a dragon’s mouth that opens and closes.

Choosing the Right Variety

In Minnesota’s climate, it’s essential to choose the right variety of snapdragon that suits your garden. There are several types available:

Tall Snapdragons: These can grow up to 3 feet tall and are great for back borders or as cut flowers.
Medium Snapdragons: Typically reaching 1-2 feet in height, these varieties work well in mixed flower beds.
Dwarf Snapdragons: Ranging from 6 to 12 inches tall, they are perfect for container gardening or as edging plants.

When selecting snapdragon varieties, consider your garden’s layout and the specific microclimate of your area.

When to Plant Snapdragons in Minnesota

Timing is crucial when it comes to planting snapdragons. Ideally, snapdragons should be seeded indoors 8 to 10 weeks before the last expected frost date in your area. In Minnesota, this date typically falls between mid-April and early May. Therefore, starting seeds indoors in late February or early March will give them ample time to mature before being transplanted outdoors.

Starting Seeds Indoors

Gather Supplies: You’ll need seed trays or small pots, quality seed starting mix, plastic wrap or humidity domes, and grow lights or a sunny windowsill.
Sow Seeds: Fill your trays with seed starting mix and lightly moisten it. Sow seeds on the surface and cover them with a thin layer of soil (about 1/8 inch deep).
Provide Warmth: Snapdragons germinate best at temperatures between 65°F and 70°F. Use a heat mat if necessary.
Watering: Mist the soil lightly with water to keep it moist but not soggy.
Light Requirements: Once seedlings emerge (usually within 14-21 days), provide at least 12 hours of light daily using grow lights or a bright window.

Transplanting Outdoors

Once the seedlings have grown strong enough and the risk of frost has passed (around mid-May), they can be transplanted outdoors.

Choose a Location: Snapdragons prefer full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Select a site with well-draining soil rich in organic matter.
Prepare Your Soil: Amend your soil with compost to improve fertility and drainage. Aim for a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
Transplanting Process:
Harden off seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over a week.
Dig holes spaced about 6-12 inches apart, depending on the variety.
Gently remove seedlings from their containers and place them in the holes at the same depth they were growing indoors.
Backfill with soil and water thoroughly.

Caring for Snapdragons

Proper care will ensure healthy growth and abundant blooms throughout the summer.

Watering

Snapdragons prefer evenly moist soil but do not like soggy conditions. Water them deeply once a week during dry spells—more frequently during extreme heat—to keep them hydrated without waterlogging their roots.

Fertilizing

Applying fertilizer can enhance your snapdragon’s growth and flowering:

Initial Fertilization: Use a balanced fertilizer (such as 10-10-10) at the time of planting.
Midseason Boost: Fertilize again every four to six weeks with a diluted liquid fertilizer during peak growing season for more abundant blooms.

Pruning and Deadheading

To promote continuous blooming:

Deadheading: Regularly remove spent flowers by pinching them off at their base. This encourages plant energy to go into producing new blooms instead of seed production.
Pruning: Cutting back leggy plants by one-third after flowering can help rejuvenate growth.

Pest and Disease Management

Snapdragons are relatively hardy but can fall victim to pests like aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. Monitor your plants regularly:

Aphids: Treat infestations with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Fungal Diseases: Ensure adequate spacing between plants for air circulation, avoid overhead watering, and use fungicides if necessary.

Harvesting Snapdragons

If you intend to use snapdragons as cut flowers:

Harvest stems when they are just beginning to open; this will ensure longer vase life.
Cut stems early in the morning or late afternoon when temperatures are cooler.
Use sharp shears and place cut flowers immediately in water.

Overwintering Snapdragons

In Minnesota’s harsh winters, many gardeners treat snapdragons as annuals since they may not survive freezing temperatures outdoors. However, if you desire to attempt overwintering:

Mulch around the base of the plants after frost has hit but before heavy snow covers them.
Consider bringing containers inside if you’ve planted dwarf varieties—these can often be overwintered successfully in cooler indoor areas with adequate light.

Conclusion

Growing snapdragons in Minnesota can be incredibly rewarding with their bold colors and unique shapes adorning your garden throughout the summer months. By following these guidelines—selecting appropriate varieties, timing your planting correctly, providing proper care, managing pests effectively, and harvesting wisely—you’ll enjoy beautiful blooms that add charm to any landscape or floral arrangement.

With a little effort and attention to detail, you’ll find that snapdragons will thrive beautifully in Minnesota’s diverse climates! Whether you’re an experienced gardener or just starting out, these flowers offer both beauty and satisfaction as they grace your gardens year after year. Happy gardening!