![snap dragons snap dragons](http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Nth8QgvmEAk/TNiyIa7rV8I/AAAAAAAAYtU/xD1C4LMR8WY/s1600/pink.jpg)
Last year, we had sent tissue samples of the snapdragons to our local university’s lab when we noticed our healthy transplants struggling (yes the transplants in the photo above). Pro-tip: research each individual flower you are planning on growing and log notes! The reality is, if you are growing for cut flower production, each variety needs to be given their best fighting chance and deserve your efforts! Aside from the information on the seed packet and oogling at pretty pictures, that was about as much research as I did on them. We looked at them as a more robust, typical filler-type flower and didn’t pay the most attention to them compared to ranunculus, dahlias or other high value flowers. I mean, they kind of grow everywhere and are a staple in any summer garden. In past years, we didn’t put much thought on the sensitivity of snapdragons. Now, thankfully we had all kinds of other goodies and we figured out what was going on before planting the dahlias, whew! Still, this year, we wanted to conquer the snapdragon growing. Fortunately, we were able to baby most of the plants through it and they outgrew their struggles… all except for the snapdragons. From ranunculus, anemones, dianthus to snapdragons- they all were struggling and dropping like flies. We also used some composted manure from a supplier we had always used and this time we got such a bad batch that we are still working on healing some rows. We did not have the luxury of straddling two properties, it was a pickle for sure.
![snap dragons snap dragons](https://i.pinimg.com/originals/ce/53/cd/ce53cdba9ad1cd26ca90bab251f7b32c.jpg)
It was a last minute move and we already had orders in place. We did what you are not supposed to do and did things fast. Moving to a whole new property with desolate dirt, that even though it screamed potential, it was absolutely challenging. If you have watched our “Avoid this salty mistake” video you are aware that spring of 2019 was not our spring, that also rolled into a the majority of summer, it simply was not our best year. The year without snapdragons and some lessons learned Before diving into some things we did more on the “correct-side” let’s dive into some hard lessons we learned last year and then finish off my ramblings with some of my absolute favorite snapdragon varieties and colors. This year all the pieces fell into place and we finally had a winning crop of snaps. To earn an entire row though, we needed to grow them well to make it worth it. I like them but come on, ranunculus! Need I say more?! Turns out he was on to something, we did need a fairly simple staple flower in the garden, especially for our subscription bouquets. We grew them, they were fun, but most of the stems were spindly and short. except for last year which I will get into in a bit) but they weren’t at the level of amazing.
#SNAP DRAGONS PATCH#
I will say I don’t feel we ever had an outstanding snapdragon patch until this year. Outside of shape and color there is also short day varieties, long day varieties and so on, the choices just keep heaping! These days, I have finally found my handful of must haves in the snapdragon patch but I still find myself just adding one or two more colors or varieties to the mix each season. Okay, more because they look amazing, but they are entertaining too!īefore beginning our quest of flower farming, I didn’t realize how many different snapdragons there were to choose from! Scrolling through the seed catalog can get you a little crosseyed. Where our mom’s would snag a pack of cheery yellow and pink snapdragons to bloom from spring to fall just for our entertainment. Snapdragon (Latin name antirrhinum majus) are one of those simple yet magical flowers that I think most of us have endearing childhood memories filled of epic puppet shows with the flowers snapping jaws like a dragon, while a boxful of Rollie-pollies are the scared citizens taking shelter (am I alone on this?).