How to grow snapdragon

Farming methods

Variety selection

There are varieties of snapdragons that are larger plants, as well as short varieties with many flowers. For potted snapdragons, it is best to choose varieties with low plants and many flowers, so that the ornamental value of the potted plants will be higher.

Pot soil selection

It is best to plant snapdragon in a clay or plastic pot with a diameter of about 15 cm and good air permeability. The cultivation medium should be loose, fertile, well-drained culture soil, or a uniform mixture of leaf mold, peat, and food ash. Before planting, apply some dry animal manure or cake fertilizer powder, and add a little bone meal or superphosphate as base fertilizer.

Water and fertilizer management

Snapdragon is usually top-dressed once every 10 days. Snapdragons do not like waterlogging in the soil, but insufficient watering will also affect their growth and development. The correct approach is to keep the soil moist and slightly dry between waterings. In addition, when watering, try to avoid watering from above the plant to reduce leaf moisture and the spread of diseases by splashing water droplets.

Temperature and light

Snapdragon is a plant that likes full light. Under sufficient sunlight, it grows at a uniform height and blooms neatly and brightly. Under semi-shade conditions, it grows taller and the flower color is lighter. Snapdragon can bloom earlier by providing 4 hours of supplementary light in winter. The cultivation temperature of snapdragon should be kept at 15℃ at night and around 22-28℃ during the day. At 2-3℃, flowering period is delayed, blind flowers increase, and the quality of cut flowers decreases.

Reproduction method

Snapdragon is mainly propagated by sowing and tissue culture.

Precautions

prune

After the snapdragon blooms, cut off the above-ground part at the same level as the soil, water it thoroughly once, and new branches will sprout in about a week. Then apply thin liquid fertilizer once every 10 days until flower buds form.

Pest control

Common diseases of snapdragon include: stem rot, seedling rot, grass rust, leaf blight, gray mold

Common pests of snapdragon include aphids, red spiders, whiteflies, thrips, etc.