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The Gardener's Almanac

For information on what to do in your garden this week!

Location;

Antirrhinum

Common name; Snapdragon

Antirrhinums are actually perennials, but are normally grown as half-hardy annuals due to their susceptibility to rust.

They require a sunny position, in well-drained light to medium soil, enriched with well-rotted manure.

Depending upon variety, e.g.

Dwarfs; can grow from 200-300mm (8"-12") high,

Intermediates; 400-600mm (16"-24")

Tall; up to 1200mm (4ft).

The spicy scented flowers come in many colours as seen here and generally appear from July until early frosts.

The common name is attributed to the fact that if you squeeze the base of the flower the petals will open & close like jaws.

Encourage bushy growth by pinching out the growing points when the plants are 75-100mm (3"-4") high

Taller varieties for cutting should be supported in exposed areas.

Remove faded spikes to prolong the flowering period.

Week 12 ; Sow the fine seed on the surface of the seed compost, then just cover with fine/silver sand or vermiculite, and germinate at a temperature of 18°-21°C (65°-70°F).

n.b. To reduce risk of the seedlings damping-off, add equal amounts (by volume) of river sand to the seed compost to open up the texture.

Germination should take around a week to ten days.

Week 14-17; When the seedlings are large enough to handle, prick them out into trays/boxes of potting compost and grow on at 12°C (55°F).

Week 17; harden off in a cold frame before planting outside after all fear of frost has gone.

Week 22; Plant out 200-300mm apart in sunny spot.

Week 32; In milder parts of the country an early sowing for earlier flowering the following spring can be made now.

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