Growing Guide • Stock

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on growing snapdragons (Antirrhinum majus)! Snapdragons are a fantastic choice for adding vibrant color and unique texture to your bouquets. Known for their tall spikes of blooms in a variety of striking colors, snapdragons are a favorite among florists and gardeners alike. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about planting, caring for, and harvesting snapdragons to create stunning floral arrangements. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, you’ll find the tips and techniques here will help you grow healthy, beautiful snapdragons for your bouquets.

plant life cycle

Lifecycle

Annual

planting season

Planting Season

Succession Planting, Spring

plating depth

Planting Depth

¼ inch

germination time

Germination

7-14 days at 65-75°F

water needs

Water Needs

Average

light needs

Light Needs

Full Sun

Time to Bloom

60 to 90 Days

Harvest Season

Late Spring - Fall

  • Early Spring (Late February)

    • Indoor Sowing with Grow Lights: Start the first batch of stock seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost (late February). Place under grow lights, maintaining a temperature of around 60-65°F.

    • Transplanting to Unheated Greenhouse: Once seedlings have 4-6 true leaves, move them to an unheated greenhouse in early April to harden off. This transition will prepare them for cooler outdoor conditions.

    • Bloom Time: Expect blooms in mid to late spring (late May to early June).

  • Early Spring (Mid to Late March)

    • Second Indoor Sowing: Sow the second batch of seeds indoors in mid to late March.

    • Transplanting to Greenhouse/Outdoors: Move these seedlings to the unheated greenhouse in late April or transplant directly outdoors after the last frost (typically early to mid-May).

    • Bloom Time: This batch will bloom from early to mid-summer (June to July).

  • Late Spring (Late April)

    • Direct Sowing in Unheated Greenhouse or Outdoors: Sow the third batch of seeds directly in the greenhouse or outdoor beds in late April.

    • Bloom Time: Expect blooms from mid to late summer (July to August).

  • Early Summer (Late May to Early June)

    • Direct Sowing Outdoors: Sow the fourth batch of stock seeds directly outdoors in late May or early June as the weather warms.

    • Bloom Time: This batch will bloom in late summer (August to September).

  • Midsummer (Late June to Early July)

    • Final Direct Sowing: Direct sow the last batch of seeds outdoors in late June or early July to extend the blooming season.

    • Bloom Time: Expect late summer to early fall blooms (September to October), until the first frost.

    • Hardening Off: Ensure seedlings are gradually exposed to outdoor conditions when moving from indoor grow lights to the greenhouse or outdoor space.

    • Spacing: Provide adequate space between plants for air circulation to prevent fungal issues, especially when growing in the greenhouse.

    • Cool Weather Tolerance: Stock thrives in cooler temperatures, making it ideal for early spring and fall planting in Zone 5.

Summary of Staggered Bloom Plan

First Planting (Late February): Indoors → Greenhouse in April → Blooms May-June.

Second Planting (Mid March): Indoors → Outdoors in May → Blooms June-July.

Third Planting (Late April): Direct in Greenhouse/Outdoors → Blooms July-August.

Fourth Planting (Late May): Direct Outdoors → Blooms August-September.

Fifth Planting (Late June): Direct Outdoors → Blooms September-October.