Snapdragon - Night & Day

Plant Specifications and Attributes

• Plant Size: 18-24 inches tall, with a spread of 10-12 inches.
• Spacing: Plant 6-12 inches apart for optimal growth.
• Sun Exposure: Full sun (at least 6 hours per day); tolerates partial shade but blooms best in full sun.
• Hardiness Zone: Perennial in USDA zones 7-10; grown as an annual in zones 5-11.
• Bloom Period: Spring through fall, with peak blooming in cooler temperatures (40-70°F).

Attributes: Cool-weather tolerant, attracts butterflies and hummingbirds, excellent for cut flowers, upright growth habit, low maintenance once established.

Description

The Snapdragon 'Night and Day' (Antirrhinum majus) features dramatic, velvety dark red blooms with creamy white accents, resembling a lion's mouth when squeezed—hence the common name. This variety adds bold contrast and vertical interest to garden beds, borders, or mixed containers. It thrives in cooler conditions and may pause blooming during hot summers but resumes in fall. With its long-lasting spikes of flowers, it's perfect for fresh arrangements or dried displays. Plants are deer-resistant and easy to grow, making them a favorite for beginner gardeners.

Transplanting Instructions

1. Choose a location with full sun and well-drained, fertile soil (pH 6.0-7.0).
2. Wait until after the last frost date in your area (typically 8-10 weeks after starting seeds indoors).
3. Dig a hole slightly larger than the 3" pot, spacing plants 6-12 inches apart.
4. Gently remove the plant from the pot, loosen the roots if rootbound, and place in the hole at the same depth it was growing.
5. Backfill with soil, firm gently, and water thoroughly to settle the roots.
6. Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
7. Water regularly until established, keeping soil moist but not waterlogged. Avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues.
8. For taller stems, pinch back young plants to 3-4 inches to encourage branching.