Identification

• Snapdragons are categorized by size. Dwarf snapdragons grow between 6 and 15 inches, while intermediates grow between 15 and 30 inches high. Tall snapdragons grow between 30 and 48 inches tall. They produce racemes, or erect clusters of small blossoms that often have lower and upper lips depending on the cultivar. The flowers range in color from white to yellow, orange, red, pink or lavender. Plants with dark-colored blossoms have reddish or deep green stems, while lighter flowers have light green stems.
  
  

Snapdragon Cultivars

• Pixie snapdragons are a dwarf variety that produce flowers with butterfly-shaped blossoms rather than the traditional dragon-mouthed form; they grow between 6 and 8 inches high. Peaches and Cream, another dwarf variety, grows between 8 and 10 inches tall and yields peach-and-cream colored flowers. Princess snapdragons, which grow between 16 and 18 inches tall, have a traditional flower shape. Madame Butterfly, a tall variety, grows between 24 and 36 inches tall and produces double blossoms with an azalea-like form.
  
  

Cultivating Snapdragons

• Snapdragons prefer well-drained, nutrient-rich acidic soil and full sunlight or light shade. They grow best in cool weather and will stop producing flowers when temperatures reach 80 degrees. Deadhead or prune out spent blossoms to promote longer blooming. Surrounding plants with a layer of mulch will deter weed growth and maintain soil moisture. Snapdragons are not drought-tolerant and require regular irrigation. Water them from below using flood irrigation or a drip system rather than overhead to prevent diseases such as rust.
  
  

Snapdragon Diseases

• Rust is a fungal disease that creates brown or purple pustules on the leaves. The leaves eventually dry up and the plant may die early. Avoid rust by keeping the leaves dry, by applying a preventive fungicide such as mancozeb or triadimefon, or by planting rust-resistant cultivars. Powdery mildew creates areas of white fungal growth on leaves, while downy mildew creates purplish-gray areas of fungus. Prevent powdery mildew infections by growing plants in full sunlight and applying a preventive fungicide such as sulfur or triamidefon. Use mancozeb to prevent downy mildew infections.