Fall Snapdragon Care Tips & Tricks

While some people view these dazzling flowers as spring or summer bloomers, planting snapdragons in the fall can bring those same benefits once temperatures start to cool. In fact, depending on your region, you may be able to keep your fall snapdragons healthy and blooming even throughout the winter.

So, don’t dismiss these vivid plants once summer is over. Instead, follow our guide below on how to provide snapdragon care in the fall.

Can you plant snapdragons in the fall?

The opening paragraph spoiled this a bit, but yes, you can plant snapdragons in autumn. According to the USDA, these flowers are hardy in zones 7 to 11.

Additionally, snapdragons do best when daily temperatures peak in the low 70s and fall to the low 40s. So, these flowers flourish once autumn hits in much of the southern half of the United States and along parts of either coastline.

So, while other parts of the U.S. may struggle to keep snapdragons alive throughout the winter, they should still be able to enjoy them during early autumn. There are also steps you can take to help keep snapdragons alive until spring hits again.

What types of fall snapdragons are available?

Fall snapdragons come in wide varieties and can run the gamut in height from only a few inches to a towering four feet. Most, however, settle somewhere between, making them ideal flowers to add texture and depth to gardens, landscapes, and flowerbeds.

They also come in a wide range of deep, vibrant colors that touch almost every possible hue. So, if you’re looking to complement your already established flower garden, you should be able to find a fall snapdragon for your needs.

Of course, different snapdragons prosper in different seasons. For easy snapdragon care in fall and the colder months, consider these varieties:

• • Admiral varieties produce tightly packed flowers on long spikes. They’re usually colored red, pink, white, or yellow.
  • Alaska snapdragons thrive in colder climates and when days are short. They’re often on the shorter side, and their blooms are usually bright white.
  • Animation snapdragons can reach heights of a little more than three feet. Their flowers are typically pink, orange, deep purple, white, and yellow.
  • Apollo varieties have some of the largest flowers of any snapdragon and grow on thick stems. They come in cinnamon, ivory, purple, and yellow hues.
  • Chantilly snapdragons tend to last longer and grow taller than other varieties. Their open-face blooms resemble butterflies and can come in almost any color.
  • Cinderella-series varieties only grow to a height of about 18 to 20 inches. However, their flowers offer warm hues that range from yellow and gold to pink and orange to crimson.
  • Costa snapdragons are a robust and high-yield variety. Their blooms run from bright white and light pink to deep reds and purples.
  • Rocket-series snapdragons can be found in almost any nursery or garden center and can reach heights of 24 to 36 inches. This is another multi-colored variety with both light and bold hues.
  • Tutti frutti snapdragons tend to top out at around 12 inches. However, their flowers are speckled and striped, giving them a unique look among snapdragon varieties.

How do you care for snapdragons in the fall?

Since snapdragons tend to bloom in spring and autumn, caring for them during the cooler months is most about preparation during the hotter months. That is, fall snapdragon care is sometimes about what takes place in summer.

Snapdragons tend to bloom best in areas with full sun. They generally need at least six hours of direct sunlight daily to ensure beautiful, hearty blooms.

However, these plants also don’t like heat. So, if you live in an area with sweltering summers, it may be best to keep them in partially shaded areas.

By giving them a break from the intense sun rays and keeping them adequately watered, they have a better chance of surviving harsh summers and blooming in autumn.

Speaking of water, snapdragons need plenty of moisture as they grow. Their soil should be consistently moist to ensure enough water soaks up through their roots.

Once established, you can reduce your watering, so they get about an inch of water each week. If you are experiencing arid weather, they’ll need at least that much to survive.

Additionally, when watering, take care not to do so from above, as that can lead to fungal growth and mildew. Instead, water them nearer to the soil to allow it to absorb the moisture.

It’s also essential to deadhead during the blooming season. Remove flowers that have begun to wilt and produce seeds, and if an entire bunch is turning, trim the stalk until it’s about a third of its height.

Mulch can also help extend the blooming season by moderating the temperature of the soil. Simply mulch the area near the base of the plant, making sure to give the snapdragons plenty of water, too, if temperatures begin to climb unexpectedly.

Will fall snapdragons survive the winter in colder climates?

Snapdragons can survive low temperatures, including bouts of subfreezing days. However, they’ll need plenty of water to keep the soil moist, and they may need a layer of pine straw if the cold becomes extreme.

Again, mulch can help keep the soil moderately warm and the roots intact. They may not be blossoming, but they may survive into the spring.

Of course, you can also bring snapdragons inside if you think the cold is too much for them to take. They’ll still need at least moderate water and light, increasing both as spring approaches.

If you’d prefer, you can also harvest the snapdragon seeds as they begin to die. Store them somewhere that’s cool, dry, and dark, and you’ll be able to start growing them about eight weeks before the last frost of the season.

Planting snapdragons in the fall

For parts of the United States, planting snapdragons in the fall will give you a winter full of bright, bold, and vibrant flowers. Even if you’re in a more temperate region, you can help them survive subfreezing temperatures so they can bloom again in spring.

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