Snapdragons are one of the most delightful flowers to have in your garden. Their bright colors, dragon-shaped blooms, and sweet fragrance make them a favorite among gardeners. Flowerbeds and pots explode with color when they bloom, making them a welcome addition to any garden. You may be wondering, ‘do snapdragons bloom all summer?’
As unique plants as these are, snapdragons have very specific blooming needs. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about when snapdragons bloom and how to keep them blooming all summer.
Prized for its versatility and wide range of colors, the snapdragon is a mainstay in many gardens.
Generally speaking, these flowers thrive and show their vibrance in cooler weather. In the spring and early summer, snapdragons are often some of the first flowers to bloom. They’re also one of the last to fade come autumn.
If you live in an area with a long growing season, you can enjoy snapdragons from early spring until late fall. But if you The snapdragon blooms best in cool weather and can be one of the last annuals to blossom in the spring.
Do Snapdragons Bloom All Summer?
The bright blooms of snapdragons add a splash of color to any garden, and their extended flowering season makes them a favorite among gardeners. But do these popular flowers bloom all summer?
In cool weather climates, snapdragons can bloom as early as spring, throughout summer, and even show off their beauty until late in the fall. However, in warmer areas, snapdragons may only bloom during the cooler months of spring and fall in warmer temperatures.
This doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy these flowers all summer long, though. You can do a few things to encourage your snapdragons to keep blooming, even in the summer heat. Read on to learn how.
How to Keep Snapdragons Blooming All Summer Long
One of the best things about summer is the abundance of colorful flowers in bloom. Snapdragons are a particular favorite, with their beautiful colors in pink, purple, and white shades.
While snapdragons are typically annuals, it’s possible to keep them blooming throughout summer with care and effort. Here are some tips:
Choose the Right Variety
Gardeners in colder parts of the region won’t have problems with their snapdragons getting too much heat. As a result, their flowers will naturally bloom and show off their colors all summer long.
But if you live in a warmer climate, it’s critical to choose a snapdragon variety that is heat tolerant. Look for varieties such as ‘Angelface Brilliant Yellow,’ ‘Flamenco Mix,’ and ‘Liberty Classic Lavender.’ These snapdragons are bred to withstand higher temperatures and will still produce an abundance of beautiful blooms, even in the warmer months.
Water Deeply
One of the secrets to keeping any plant blooming all summer is to water deeply and regularly. This is especially true for snapdragons, which need at least an inch of water per week. It’s best to water your snapdragons in the morning so that the leaves have time to dry out before nightfall.
When the night comes, wet leaves are more susceptible to fungal diseases, which can quickly ruin your snapdragons. Watering in the morning also helps reduce evaporation, so your snapdragons will have access to the moisture they need all day long.
Moisture plays a crucial role in keeping snapdragons blooming all summer. Arid conditions will cause the plants to go into survival mode and stop producing flowers. Conversely, too much moisture can lead to fungal diseases, damaging your snapdragons.
Finding a happy medium is key to keeping these flowers blooming all season long.
Mulching
Thickly mulching your snapdragons is another excellent way to keep them blooming all summer. Mulch helps the soil retain moisture and keeps the roots of your plants cooler, both of which are essential for keeping snapdragons healthy in the summer heat.
A layer of three to four inches of organic mulch such as straw, pine needles, or shredded bark will do the trick. Just make sure to pull back the mulch a bit from the base of the plants to prevent moisture build-up and fungal diseases. Aside from keeping the moisture, mulching also suppresses weeds, which compete with your snapdragons for water and nutrients.
Fertilize
An all-purpose fertilizer applied every four to six weeks is all your snapdragons need to keep them healthy and blooming all summer long. Look for a fertilizer with a slightly higher phosphorus content, as this element helps encourage flower production.
For organic options, compost tea or fish emulsion applied according to the package directions is an excellent way to give your snapdragons the nutrients they need.
Pinching
Finally, don’t forget to pinch back your snapdragons regularly. This may seem counterintuitive, but pinching helps encourage bushier growth and more flowers. Use your fingers or pruning shears to snip off the tips of the plants, about two inches above where a leaf meets the stem.
Pinching back snapdragons also prevents them from getting too leggy, making them more susceptible to damage in strong winds.
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