When to Plant and Harvest Snapdragon
Upright cool-season annual with dragon-mouthed flowers in a wide range of colors
Pets: Non-toxic to dogs and cats (ASPCA). ASPCA entry. Pet-Safe Garden Finder
Best Time and Place to Plant Snapdragon
In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is March 1 to May 1. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
Plant Snapdragon in a spot with 6+ hours of direct sun, soil warmed to 45F to 75F, and enough room for 12 inches between plants and 18 inches between rows.
Related Planting Guides
Planting Windows by Zone
| Zone | Spring | Fall |
|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 | May 1 to June 15 | Spring only |
| Zone 2 | April 20 to June 10 | Spring only |
| Zone 3 | April 10 to May 30 | August 15 to September 30 |
| Zone 4 | April 1 to May 20 | August 20 to October 1 |
| Zone 5 | March 20 to May 15 | August 25 to October 10 |
| Zone 6 | March 10 to May 10 | September 1 to October 20 |
| Zone 7 | March 1 to May 1 | September 10 to November 1 |
| Zone 8 | February 15 to April 20 | September 20 to November 15 |
| Zone 9 | February 1 to April 10 | October 1 to December 1 |
| Zone 10 | January 15 to March 30 | October 15 to December 15 |
| Zone 11 | Year-round | Year-round |
| Zone 12 | Year-round | Year-round |
| Zone 13 | Year-round | Year-round |
Spacing and Care
- Planting depth: 0.25 inches deep
- Spacing: 12 inches apart, 18 inches between rows
- Soil temperature: 45F to 75F
- Sunlight: 6+ hours
- Watering: 1 inch per week; water at base to prevent rust and mildew
- Days to harvest: 70
Fertilization
- Balanced 10-10-10 synthetic: Monthly light feeding
- Compost organic: 2 inches worked into soil before planting
Companion Plants
- Marigold
- Pansy
- Larkspur
Avoid Planting Near
No avoid-planting conflicts are listed yet.
Check any pair, and see which pairings have research behind them, on the Companion Planting Desk.
Harvest Signs
- Bottom half of flower spike is open
- Cut long stems for floral arrangements
- Pinch tips of young plants to encourage branching
- Deadhead spent spikes to extend bloom
Track picks and rate the season on the Harvest Log.
FAQs
When should I plant Snapdragon?
Snapdragon planting depends on your USDA hardiness zone. In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is March 1 to May 1. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
What is the best time of year to plant Snapdragon?
The best time of year to plant Snapdragon is when your zone planting window is open and soil temperatures are around 45F to 75F. In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is March 1 to May 1. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
Where is the best place to plant Snapdragon?
Plant Snapdragon in a spot with 6+ hours of direct sun, soil warmed to 45F to 75F, and enough room for 12 inches between plants and 18 inches between rows.
How far apart should I plant Snapdragon?
Plant Snapdragon about 12 inches apart, with rows around 18 inches apart.
What grows well with Snapdragon?
Snapdragon is commonly paired with Marigold, Pansy, Larkspur.
How long does Snapdragon take to grow?
Snapdragon is typically ready to harvest in about 70 days under good conditions. Use the harvest signs below rather than the calendar alone.
How do I know when to harvest Snapdragon?
Harvest Snapdragon when bottom half of flower spike is open. Cut long stems for floral arrangements Pinch tips of young plants to encourage branching