Snapdragons are very easy-care perennials that survive a normal winter in our latitudes. In mild years, the robust plants can even bloom into November.
The snapdragon is hardy
Snapdragons hibernate in the garden
How well the perennial survives the frost depends primarily on which variety you have planted. This is noted on the plant label or the seed bag. If your cultivated snapdragon is an F1 hybrid, you can expect the following characteristics:
- These plants were bred exclusively for strong growth and numerous flowering.
- They usually only survive for a year in the garden and then unfortunately die.
- They are often sterile and do not form seeds. If so, the characteristics of the offspring are similar to those of the grandparents.
These plants do not overwinter well. They are dug up in autumn and replaced with freshly bought young plants or young plants that you have grown yourself.
The real snapdragon overwinters
Actually, the snapdragon is a perennial, hardy perennial. These snapdragons were grown from genetically modified seeds.
- It is not cut back in autumn as the foliage provides natural protection against the cold.
- Give these snapdragons some light winter protection from mulch, leaves and sticks.
- Only in April is the perennial shortened to a length of two handbreadths above the ground.
The seeds of these snapdragons also tolerate deep freezing temperatures. They often germinate in summer and ensure a natural rejuvenation of the stock.
tips
"Real" snapdragons produce viable seeds that you can harvest in the fall and use for breeding.