13 Reasons to Grow Snapdragon Plants for Cut Flowers in Your Garden

Snapdragons, known botanically as Antirrhinum majus, have gathered a handful of charming nicknames over the years. They're often called snapflowers, doggies, or dragon flowers, thanks to their unique blooms that resemble a dragon’s mouth opening and closing when gently squeezed. Children especially enjoy calling them bunny mouths, lion’s mouth, or even toad’s mouth.

These stunning, whimsical blooms are a favorite in the cut flower world because just a few stems can add impressive volume, height, and texture to any bouquet. But snapdragons aren’t just for vases, from the moment they start growing in the garden, they show off with their unique growth habits and vibrant, multi-colored blooms that thrive in cooler temperatures.

Here are 13 reasons why choosing to grow snapdragons in the garden will have you wishing you’d done it sooner!

1. Long-Lasting Blooms Indoors

Snapdragon blooms hold up beautifully in vases, lasting 7 to 10 days when cut at the right stage and staying vibrant with just an inch of water. Their tall flower spikes and bold colors in pnks, blue and yellows add volume to fresh flower arrangements, especially when paired with softer filler flowers or foliage.

2. Early-Season Color in the Garden

Snapdragons thrive in cool weather and can tolerate a light frost, which allows them to bloom earlier than many other garden favorites. In milder climates, like Mediterranean regions, they often continue blooming into early summer.

3. Easy to Grow from Snapdragon Seedlings

Snapdragons are easy to grow from seed indoors using cell trays or can be purchased as young plants from a local garden center. 

4. Easy to Transplant into Garden Beds or Containers

Once snapdragon seedlings have developed a few sets of true leaves, they transplant well into raised garden beds, directly into the ground as garden borders, or in small planters. These young plants adjust quickly when provided with enough space, good air circulation, full sun, and consistent watering at the base of the plant. 

5. Easy to Direct Sow in Raised Garden Beds

For gardeners who don’t have the patience for seedling trays or simply missed the window to start seeds early, snapdragon seeds, though tiny, are surprisingly reliable when directly sown outdoors after the last spring frost, as long as the soil conditions are right. 

6. Adds Tall, Vertical Interest to Flower Beds

Snapdragons, especially tall varieties like Madame Butterfly, add elegant height and drama to raised garden beds and floral bouquets. In addition to their striking form, they come in a wide range of colors, giving gardeners plenty of options to match seasonal themes, garden palettes, or personal preferences. Time to get creative!

7. Produces a Secondary Bloom for Longer Harvest

With a bit of pinching above a leaf node, snapdragons branch out and produce more spikes, extending their flowering season, especially in cooler temperatures.

8. Good Companion in Raised Garden Beds

Snapdragons play well with others! They get along with neighboring crops and attract pollinators. These adaptable plants help fill in gaps between herbs or vegetables and draw in beneficial insects, adding both beauty and balance to the garden.

9. Low-Maintenance with Fungal Disease Prevention

Snapdragons thrive with good air circulation and dry foliage. They’re surprisingly tough and can resist many common fungal diseases, as long as you avoid overwatering and ensure proper drainage. These two factors are the main challenges to watch for. Other than that, growing snapdragons is pretty straightforward, or better yet, straight upward!

10. Hardy in Mediterranean and Mild Climates

In Mediterranean climates or regions with mild winters, snapdragons act as short-lived perennials and may overwinter to bloom again the following year.

11. Makes a Gorgeous Gift

Snapdragons are full of meaning, symbolizing grace, strength, and sincerity. A homegrown bouquet carries more than just beautiful blooms, it reflects the thoughtfulness and care that went into growing and arranging it. Whether given to friends, family, or as a heartfelt thank-you gesture, snapdragons are a great plant to gift with both beauty and meaning.

12. Resilient in Cooler Temperatures

Snapdragons prefer cooler weather, making them ideal for extending the growing season at both the beginning and end. They also tend to perform better than many other flowers during the hottest days of summer, especially when planted in partially shaded locations that protect them from intense midday heat.

13. Easy to Save Seeds for Next Year

Snapdragons form seed pods at the base of the plant near the end of the season, which can be collected and dried. These tiny seeds can be replanted after the last frost date for beautiful blooms the next year or shared with neighbors, coworkers, and friends as thoughtful, homegrown gifts.

Final Thoughts

Now that you’ve seen all the reasons to grow snapdragons, it’s clear these charming blooms offer far more than just a pretty face. Not only are they fun and interactive flowers for children to grow and harvest, but they’re also incredibly easy to care for, whether you start from seed, transplant seedlings, or simply tuck them into a raised garden bed. The rewards of growing snapdragons far outweigh the work it takes to get them started!