These new snapdragons aren’t just fantastic, they’re simply Snaptastic, and they fill a void longed for in the market. Snaptastic, a new series coming from Syngenta, is considered medium in height reaching 14 to 16 inches.
Snapdragons are planted in the fall in much of the country, so as you shop you’ll most likely see these riotous colors tempting you. Snaptastic finds itself right in the middle of Montego, one of the best dwarfs that reach 8 to 10 inches tall, and Liberty Classic, which hits 24 inches.
Each year, I was thrilled to go to the California Pack Trials, as it was called then, and see an acre of snapdragons growing in the field next to Syngenta Flowers headquarters. It always delivered that Kodak moment. And it was apparent that breeding would allow a full range of heights.
Cold-weather capable
The snapdragon is native to Europe and the Mediterranean and is known botanically as Antirrhinum majus. No matter where you live and whether you garden in the landscape or container, there is a snapdragon season for you. In addition to staggering beauty in a range of colors, you will also find they are resistant to roving deer populations.
So, whether you will be doing a spring planting or one this fall, snapdragons are like pansies and prefer a fertile organic-rich soil in full sun for best bloom production. Incorporate 3 to 4 inches of organic matter, tilling to a depth of 8 to 10 inches, or use a prepared landscape mix.
While doing your soil preparation, apply 2 pounds of a slow-release 12-6-6 or balanced fertilizer per 100 square feet of planting area. Many new fertilizers also have a fungicide incorporated that helps reduce some of the most prevalent diseases.
Set transplants into the garden at the recommended spacing for your variety. This would be 8 to 12 inches for Snaptastic. Apply a generous layer of mulch to keep soil temperatures moderate for the long growing season. A little fertilizer every two to three weeks will keep them growing.
Snapdragons are more cold-hardy than many realize. Once established in the landscape and hardened off, they are quite capable of taking subfreezing temperatures. Even if record cold moves in, they can be completely covered with pine straw for a few days with no problem.
Snaptastic is available in five vibrant colors: yellow, orange flame, red, magenta that looks fit for royalty and a luscious pink. These are also combined in a showy mix. You’ll love Snaptastic as a pansy partner, grown with violas and flowering kale and cabbage. They are most dazzling when planted in mass with a backdrop of evergreen shrubs. Don’t forget the opportunities to use with spring bulbs.
Snapdragons don’t require much care: a little deadheading, watering during dry spells, a little water-soluble fertilizer and mulching for winter protection. The incredible display of color is sure to bring you joy and make your neighbors green with envy.
