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Gardening is a fun and beneficial hobby for just about anyone, and although you can participate on a casual level, good gardening does take a bit of planning and foresight. For example, some plants and flowers need to be sown in the ground (or indoors) well ahead of their expected bloom time. Snapdragons (Antirrhinum majus) are a great example of this, as you can plant these perennials in November for a luscious spring garden.
Snapdragons are often grown as annuals, but some varieties of these colorful flowers are actually short-lived perennials in USDA Hardiness Zones 7 through 11. In these areas, you can plant your snapdragons in November to give them a healthy head start for spring. You can start with seedling transplants or directly sow the seeds in the soil. Planting early like this gives your snapdragons a chance to develop a strong root system over the winter. By the time spring rolls around, your flowers will be ready to bloom right away.
How to plant snapdragons in November
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To sow your snapdragon seeds in your garden in November, you will need a well-draining flower bed that has access to full sun. Place the seeds in your flower bed and cover with a very light dusting of soil, as the seeds need light to germinate. If you prefer, you can start your snapdragon seeds in containers and move them to the ground once they’ve developed true leaves. During this stage, it’s important to keep the soil moist without overwatering.
After your flowers mature, they will continue to bloom until temperatures dip below freezing. While these beautiful spiky flowers are considered low-maintenance, there are a few tasks you can perform to achieve vibrant snapdragons all autumn long. Deadheading, or removing spent flowers, and protecting the plants from blistering afternoon sun in warmer climates will go a long way. As winter approaches, covering your plants with a light layer of mulch or a frost cloth is the best way to care for snapdragons in the winter.
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