Snapdragons are very easy-care perennials that survive a normal winter well in our latitudes. In mild years, the robust plants can even bloom into November.
How to overwinter snapdragons?
To protect snapdragons in winter, you should not cut the plants back and provide them with winter protection from mulch, leaves and brushwood. However, F1 hybrids usually do not overwinter and must be replaced in the spring.
Overwintering snapdragons 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 seed bag. If your cultivated snapdragon is an F1 hybrid, you can assume the following characteristics:
- These plants were bred exclusively for strong growth and numerous flower production.
- They usually only survive in the garden for a year and then unfortunately die.
- They are often sterile and do not produce 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 purchased or home-grown young plants.
Overwintering the real snapdragon
The snapdragon is actually a perennial, hardy perennial. These snapdragons were grown from genetically modified seeds.
- We don't cut back in autumn because the leaves offer natural protection against the cold.
- Give these snapdragons a light winter protection of mulch, leaves and brushwood.
- It is not until April that the perennial is shortened to a length of two hand-widths above the ground.
The seeds of these snapdragons can also tolerate low frost temperatures. They often germinate in summer and ensure a natural rejuvenation of the population.
Tip
" Real" snapdragons produce germinable seeds that you can harvest in the fall and use for breeding.
