Fertilizing Snapdragons

Fertilizing your snapdragons will encourage healthy growth and prolific blooms throughout the growing season. Full sun, regular waterings, and occasional fertilizing will have your snapdragon producing beautiful flowers in the spring and early summer and again in the fall. Fertilizer should be applied to established snapdragon plants as they begin to bloom. 

How to Fertilize Snapdragons

It is recommended to get a soil test to determine the baseline of your garden soil. You can obtain a soil test from your local extension agent. You will determine what type of soil you have along with its nutrient profile. Snapdragons prefer soil with a pH of 6.2 to 7.0.

Granular fertilizer or liquid fertilizer can be applied per package instructions at the base of your snapdragons. Watering in the fertilizer after application will ensure that it reaches the root zone of the plant and does not burn the leaves through contact. Be careful to follow closely the instructions of the fertilizer you’ve chosen, making certain not to over-apply and potentially burn the plant with too strong an application. 

Best Time to Fertilize Snapdragons

The best time to fertilize your snapdragons is when your plants begin to produce flower stalks and start blooming in the spring and early summer. Once your plants begin to bloom, fertilize every 2-4 weeks in the spring. As the spring and summer blooms die back, cut back blooms and fertilize less frequently.

Best Fertilizer for Snapdragons

The best kind of fertilizer is a well-balanced formula with 10-10-10 ratio of nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium. Two pounds of fertilizer is needed for every 100 square foot of garden space. Slow-release, granular fertilizers are often the best choice for their ease of application and prolonged usage. 

Snapdragon Fertilizing Tips

• Do not fertilize newly planted snapdragons
• Use fertilizer with 10-10-10 NPK ratio 
• Apply fertilizer every 2-4 weeks once snapdragons begin to bloom
• Water thoroughly to help dissolve fertilizer and prevent fertilizer burn

Warnings

-Always wear protective gloves and a face mask when handling chemical fertilizers.

-Closely follow all directions and storage guidelines that are on the fertilizer label.

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Author Katie Endicott - Published 7-05-2022