Snapdragons are commonly grown as flowering annuals and are usually discarded at the end of the growing season. Snapdragons can be grown as short-lived perennials in more mild climates, including zones 7-11. Snapdragons are cool-season flowers that can withstand cold temperatures and light frosts; thus, they can persist into late fall or early winter.
Protecting Snapdragons in Winter
In milder climates, a ring of mulch will protect the snapdragon roots over winter. The foliage will die back after a hard frost as the plant goes dormant. This is a normal part of the plant's growth cycle, and minimal care is needed when the plant is resting.
Cutting Back Snapdragons For Winter
Once growth dies back in late fall or early winter, snapdragons can be cut to the ground. Spent flower stalks can be composted. In colder climates where snapdragons do not overwinter, plants can be removed, and seed pods can be saved for sowing outdoors in the spring, or indoors in late winter. You can also take cuttings of the plants in early fall and grow them indoors until the following spring.
Snapdragon Winter Care in Pots
Snapdragons make wonderful container plants. When temperatures turn chilly, potted snapdragons can be brought into a garage, shed, or other sheltered location to keep the plants out of severe cold snaps and winter storms.
Watering Snapdragons in Winter
Snapdragons do not require much water during the winter dormancy period. Winter precipitation should be adequate to keep outdoor snapdragons hydrated. Containers that have been brought into sheltered areas will need minimal watering, about once a month or so, to keep the soil from completely drying out.
Growing Snapdragons Indoors
Snapdragons can be overwintered indoors and will do best in a cool, dark spot where they can stay dormant until spring. A garage or frost-free garage is often ideal for overwintering potted snapdragons. You can grow them year-round indoors, but they tend to grow leggy and rarely bloom without the bright sunlight from the outdoors.
Steps To Care For Snapdragons in Winter
Step 1 - Cut back spent snapdragons to the ground at the end of the growing season.
Step 2 - Collect seed pods in the fall for spring sowing if desired.
Step 3 - In warmer climates, mulch plants with a thin layer of compost or shredded bark to insulate the root zone during the winter.
Step 4 - Move container snapdragons into a sheltered location.
Step 5 - Water containers sparingly, and garden plants should be fine.
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Author Katie Endicott - Published 7-05-2022 |