The snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus) is a popular ornamental plant known for its vibrant colors and distinct flower shape. It is characterized by a two-lipped corolla that resembles a dragon’s snout when gently squeezed. Though a short-lived perennial, it is typically cultivated as a cool-season annual in most temperate regions, offering a vertical accent to garden beds and containers. Several reliable purchasing avenues exist, ranging from nearby stores to specialized online vendors. This guide details where to find them and the best formats for purchase.
Local and Immediate Purchase Options
Established snapdragon “starts” or seedlings are readily available at physical retail locations for immediate planting. Large chain garden centers are the most common source, offering hybrid varieties in multi-packs, such as six-packs, ideal for mass planting. Independent local nurseries often provide a selection of higher-quality plants, sometimes including varieties better suited to the specific regional climate. These nurseries also offer expert advice tailored to local soil conditions. Farmers markets and seasonal plant sales are another local option, often featuring unique, locally adapted cultivars not found in big-box stores.
Sourcing Seeds and Specialty Varieties Online
Mail-order seed companies unlock a wider universe of snapdragon genetics, including specialty, heirloom, and rare varieties not found locally. Online retailers offer unique cultivars, such as the frilly ‘Madame Butterfly’ series or the open-faced ‘Chantilly’ series, often selected for cut-flower production. This method is highly cost-effective, as a single packet contains dozens of seeds, providing a breadth of choice in color, height, and bloom type. Purchasing seeds requires starting the plants indoors eight to twelve weeks before the final spring frost. The seed route is preferred for those seeking unique characteristics, such as the dark foliage of ‘Night and Day’ or specific height options, from dwarf varieties to tall types.
Understanding the Best Time to Buy
The optimal time to acquire snapdragons depends on the purchase format. If growing from seed, seeds should be purchased and sown indoors in late winter or early spring, allowing seedlings to develop enough for transplanting outdoors when conditions are favorable. Established young plants, or “starts,” should only be purchased from local suppliers when the risk of a hard freeze has passed. Snapdragons tolerate a light frost, allowing them to be planted out a week or two before the average last frost date. In regions with mild winters (USDA Zones 8-11), planting can occur in the fall for winter and early spring blooms.