🌸 Dog Flower (Antirrhinum majus / Snapdragon)

Snapdragons, also known as Dog Flowers, are charming, upright bloomers adored for their unique dragon-mouth shaped flowers and vibrant colour range. Available in shades of red, pink, yellow, orange, white, purple, bi-colour, and pastel blends, they bring cheerful, cottage-garden elegance to borders, pots, and flower beds. With their long-lasting blooms and graceful structure, Snapdragons add height, texture, and lively beauty to any outdoor space.

🔆 Light Requirements

Ideal Light: Full sun — 6–8 hours daily ensures best colour and frequent blooms.

Tolerates: Partial sun, especially in regions with intense summer heat.

Avoid: Deep shade — leads to weak stems and reduced flowering.

💧 Watering Guidelines

When to Water: Water when the top 1–2 inches of soil feels dry.

Frequency:

• Spring/Summer (Active growth): 2–3 times per week

• Cooler seasons: Once weekly or as needed

Important: Keep soil evenly moist — avoid waterlogging to prevent rot or wilting disease.

🌾 Soil & Potting

Soil: Well-draining, nutrient-rich soil with organic matter.

Ideal Mix:
✔ Garden soil
✔ Compost or worm castings
✔ Perlite or sand for better drainage

Pot: Medium pot (8–12 inches or larger) with good drainage if container-grown.

🌱 Fertilization

Feed: Every 3–4 weeks during blooming and growing season.

Best Fertilizer Types:
✔ Balanced flowering fertilizer (NPK)
✔ Liquid seaweed or organic bloom booster
✔ Compost for steady slow-release nutrition

Avoid: Excessive nitrogen — it causes tall leafy growth with fewer flowers.

✂️ Pruning & Maintenance

Deadheading: Remove spent blooms to encourage continuous blooming.

Seasonal Care:

• Pinch young plants early to promote bushiness and more flower spikes.

• Cut back faded stems to encourage new growth throughout the season.

Support: Taller varieties may need light staking during windy conditions.

🪴 Humidity & Temperature

Humidity: Prefers moderate humidity with good airflow.

Temperature: Ideal range is 10–25°C (50–77°F).
Snapdragons thrive in cooler weather and may slow down in high heat.

Protect: From frost — although hardy, extreme cold may damage young plants.

🌼 Blooming Notes

Snapdragons bloom in cycles throughout the growing season. Best performance comes with:

✔ Cool temperatures
✔ Full sun
✔ Regular deadheading
✔ Slightly moist soil

🐝 Pollinator Friendly

Loved by bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds — Snapdragons are a wonderful addition to wildlife-friendly gardens.

🛑 Pet/Handling Note

Generally considered non-toxic, but ingestion is discouraged and sap may cause mild skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

✅ Why Choose Snapdragon?

🌸 Unique Blooms: Playful dragon-shaped flowers with striking form.
🎨 Wide Colour Range: From bold brights to soft pastels and multi-tones.
🏡 Versatile: Ideal for pots, borders, cutting gardens, and floral arrangements.
🌿 Long Blooming: Offers colourful displays from early spring through autumn.