Snapdragon "Potomac Crimson"

This listing refers to the sale of seeds. Each packet contains 50 seeds.

Snapdragons are a delight, with their showy, butterfly-attracting flowers and their low-maintenance requirements. Most are grown as annuals since they tend to die back after heavy frost, but they can also be grown as short-lived perennials in warmer areas.

Originally bred for the cut flower trade, Potomac is ideal for production during periods of high light, long days and warm temperatures. Plants produce tall, strong stems and long spikes with good flower quality for excellent retail show and vase life. Can be grown year-round with supplemental high-intensity lighting. Suitable for greenhouse and field cut flower production, as well as home garden cut flowers.

Dark, rich velvety blooms you’ll never see a color quite like it. Stunning cut flower with strong cutting stems.

• Scientific name: Antirrhinum majus
• Height at maturity: 90 - 150 cm
• Width at maturity: 30 cm
• Light needs: Full sun to partial shade
• Hardiness: Down to 0 degrees C
• Type of soil: Well-draining
• Soil pH: neutral to alkaline
• Pests and disease: Sensitive to spider mites, thrips, aphids and whitefly
• Diseases: Botrytis blight, Rhizoctonia, Rust, Pythium, powdery and downy mildew
• Where to plant: Pots, flowerbeds, rock gardens and borders
• Features: Fragrant; great for biodiversity and pollinators - attracts hummingbirds and butterflies
• Pruning: Pinch off any dead foliage; remove old flowers to encourage new blooms
• Flowering period: May-October
• Best time to sow seeds: March-April, September-October

You can either direct seed your snapdragon seeds in the fall, later spring, or early summer, or you can sow them in a greenhouse in seed cells 8-10 weeks before planting out. Cover seeds with a thin layer of vermiculite to retain moisture and hold seeds in place.

Bottom water or mist lightly to avoid moving the seeds. 3-5 weeks at 55-65°F (13-18°C) in full light are ideal conditions for seedling development. Harden off seedlings and transplant outdoors.

Harvest your snaps when pollen is visible on the flowers. Hang to dry.

• Time to germinate: 10-14 days
• Germination temperature: 17-20°C (65-72°F)
• Plant spacing: 30-60 cm (12-24 in)