How to Grow Snapdragon in Australia
A cool-season flower crop for the home garden
Growing your own Snapdragon is one of the more satisfying things you can do in an Australian backyard. It is rated beginner to grow. Saves ~$8-12/bunch on cut flowers, self-seeds freely so you only buy seed once.
This guide covers when to plant Snapdragon in your region, the position and soil it likes, how to sow and space it, day-to-day care, the pests and diseases to watch, and how to harvest and store your crop.
When to Plant in Your Region
Snapdragon is a cool-season crop, fully frost-hardy. In subtropical South-East Queensland it is sown in March, April, May, June, July and August. Timing shifts with your climate, so choose your region below for a local calendar.
Varieties to Try
Madame Butterfly Mix
Double azalea-flowered type in a wide colour range. Open-faced blooms, no snap. Tall stems for cutting.
Try: Mr Fothergill's, Yates, Bunnings
Tetra Giants Mix
Extra-large ruffled blooms on tall spikes (90cm). Strong stems. The classic garden snapdragon.
Try: Eden Seeds, Mr Fothergill's
Position and Soil
Give Snapdragon full sun (at least 6 hours a day). It does best in free-draining soil with a pH around 6 to 7.5. Dig through plenty of compost before planting, and mulch to hold moisture and keep weeds down. It grows happily in a pot of 25cm+, which makes it a fine choice for balconies and courtyards.
Sowing and Spacing
Sow seed on the surface, barely covered. Thin or space plants to about 25 cm apart. Seedlings usually appear in around 10 days, fastest when the soil is between 12 and 22 degrees.
Antirrhinum majus. Cool season annual producing tall spikes of snap-jawed flowers in every colour. One of the best cut flowers for autumn and winter gardens. Sow March to August in SEQ. Deadhead spent flower spikes to encourage side shoots and more blooms. Self-seeds readily in the garden. Tall varieties need staking. Bees love the flowers.
Care
Water consistently, roughly 4 L per plant every 2 days in warm weather, less in cool or wet spells. Feed every few weeks through the growing season with a balanced organic fertiliser, and keep mulch topped up.
Pests and Diseases
Keep an eye out for Aphids and Rust mite. The main diseases to watch are Rust, Downy mildew and Botrytis. Good spacing, watering at the base rather than over the leaves, and crop rotation prevent most problems. See our Pest and Disease Guide to identify and fix any issue.
Harvesting and Storage
Snapdragon is typically ready to harvest in around 70 days (about 2 months). Cut flowers last 7-10 days in a vase. Remove lower leaves below waterline. Self-seeds for future seasons.
In the Kitchen
In the kitchen, snapdragon is good flowers are technically edible as a garnish and primarily grown as a cut and garden flower. Nutritionally: attracts bees and beneficial pollinators and traditional cottage garden flower.
Companion Planting
Snapdragon grows well alongside Marigold, Alyssum and Calendula. Our Companion Planting Guide has the full pairings.
Track Your Snapdragon Growing
Add snapdragon to your garden in the Planting Season app and get reminders for planting, care and harvest, tuned to your region.
Open the App →Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Snapdragon in Australia?
Snapdragon is a cool-season crop. In subtropical regions like South-East Queensland it is sown in March, April, May, June, July and August. Timing changes with your climate, so use the calendar above for your region.
How long does Snapdragon take to grow?
Snapdragon is generally ready to harvest in around 70 days (about 2 months).
Can I grow Snapdragon in a pot?
Yes. Snapdragon grows well in a container of 25cm+ with free-draining mix and regular watering.
How much sun does Snapdragon need?
Give it full sun (at least 6 hours a day) for the healthiest growth and best harvest.
See also: Snapdragon in the Plant Library
