About Snapdragon
A classic cottage garden flower producing tall spikes densely packed with colorful, dragon-shaped blooms that snap open and closed when squeezed — a delightful trick that enchants children and adults alike. Available in a spectacular color range including red, pink, yellow, orange, white, purple, and bicolors. Varieties range from dwarf 15 cm types ideal for borders to tall 90 cm cut-flower varieties. In the Philippines, snapdragons perform best during the cool dry season. Snapdragon belongs to the Plantaginaceae family and originates from Mediterranean region (Southern Europe and North Africa); cultivated worldwide as a bedding and cut flower..
Snapdragons are a beloved cool-season flower in the Philippines, featured prominently in the annual Panagbenga (Baguio Flower Festival) every February alongside other temperate flowers. They grow year-round in Baguio, La Trinidad, and other Cordillera towns where the cool climate suits them perfectly. In lowland Metro Manila, they are a seasonal treat best planted from seeds in October for blooms during the Christmas cool season. Potted snapdragons are popular holiday gifts and decorations. Seeds are available at ACE Hardware, True Value garden sections, and online from local seed sellers. For lowland growers, starting them in an air-conditioned room for germination can improve success rates.
Also known as: Dragon Flower, Boca de Dragon.
Popular Varieties
- Antirrhinum majus Rocket Series (tall, 90 cm, excellent for cutting)
- Antirrhinum majus Sonnet Series (medium, 45 cm, good garden performer)
- Antirrhinum majus Floral Carpet Series (dwarf, 15-20 cm, ideal for borders and containers)
- Antirrhinum majus Madame Butterfly Series (double flowers, azalea-like)
How to Plant Snapdragon in the Philippines
Snapdragon can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. The recommended method is seeds (tiny — surface sow, do not cover).
Propagation Steps
- Step 1: Start seeds indoors in seed trays 6-8 weeks before the cool season (September-October in PH).
- Step 2: Sprinkle tiny seeds on the surface of moist seed-starting mix — do not cover, they need light to germinate.
- Step 3: Mist gently and cover tray with clear plastic to maintain humidity.
- Step 4: Seeds germinate in 10-14 days at 18-22°C.
- Step 5: Transplant seedlings to garden or containers when they have 4-6 true leaves, spacing 20-30 cm apart.
Care Guide
Sunlight
Full sun (6-8 hours direct sunlight for best flowering; partial shade tolerated in hot climates). Position your snapdragon where it receives the right amount of light for healthy growth in Philippine conditions.
Water
Water at the base 2-3 times per week. Keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Avoid wetting foliage to prevent fungal diseases. Adjust frequency during the Philippine rainy season when humidity is higher and soil stays moist longer.
Temperature & Humidity
Ideal temperature range: 15-25°C (cool-season plant in the Philippines; performs best during November-February in lowlands, year-round in Baguio). Low to moderate preferred — high humidity can cause fungal problems The warm, humid Philippine climate is well-suited for growing snapdragon outdoors or indoors.
Fertilizer
Apply balanced liquid fertilizer (10-10-10) every 2 weeks during active growth and flowering. Stop feeding once plants start declining in heat.
Pruning
Pinch growing tips when plants are 10-15 cm tall to encourage branching and more flower spikes. Deadhead spent flowers to extend blooming. Cut back if they get leggy.
Toxicity & Safety
Non-toxic. Safe around children and pets. Flowers are edible and sometimes used as garnish.
Common Problems & Solutions
Rust (orange-brown pustules on leaf undersides)
Cause: Fungal disease favored by wet leaves and poor air circulation
Solution: Remove and discard affected leaves immediately. Water at soil level, not overhead. Space plants for airflow. Apply fungicide if needed.
Plants wilting in heat
Cause: Snapdragons are cool-season plants that decline when temperatures consistently exceed 30°C
Solution: Accept that they are seasonal in Philippine lowlands. Time planting for cool dry season (October planting for December-February blooms).
Aphids on flower buds and tips
Cause: Soft new growth attracts aphids
Solution: Spray with strong water jet. Apply neem oil or insecticidal soap. Introduce ladybugs as natural predators.
Damping off (seedlings collapse at soil level)
Cause: Fungal disease from overly wet conditions during germination
Solution: Use sterile seed-starting mix. Do not overwater. Ensure good air circulation. Thin crowded seedlings.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you care for Snapdragon in the Philippines?
Snapdragon needs full sun (6-8 hours direct sunlight for best flowering; partial shade tolerated in hot climates). Water at the base 2-3 times per week. keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. avoid wetting foliage to prevent fungal diseases.. Feed with apply balanced liquid fertilizer (10-10-10) every 2 weeks during active growth and flowering. stop feeding once plants start declining in heat.. The Philippine climate with temperatures of 15-25°C (cool-season plant in the Philippines; performs best during November-February in lowlands, year-round in Baguio) works well for this plant.
How do you propagate Snapdragon?
The recommended method is seeds (tiny — surface sow, do not cover). Start seeds indoors in seed trays 6-8 weeks before the cool season (September-October in PH). Sprinkle tiny seeds on the surface of moist seed-starting mix — do not cover, they need light to germinate.
Is Snapdragon toxic to pets or children?
Non-toxic. Safe around children and pets. Flowers are edible and sometimes used as garnish.
Can Snapdragon grow in containers in the Philippines?
Yes, Snapdragon grows well in containers and is suitable for balcony and indoor gardening in Metro Manila condos and apartments. Use a pot with drainage holes and appropriate potting mix.
What are common problems when growing Snapdragon?
Common issues include: Rust (orange-brown pustules on leaf undersides) (caused by fungal disease favored by wet leaves and poor air circulation — remove and discard affected leaves immediately. water at soil level, not overhead. space plants for airflow. apply fungicide if needed); Plants wilting in heat (caused by snapdragons are cool-season plants that decline when temperatures consistently exceed 30°c — accept that they are seasonal in philippine lowlands. time planting for cool dry season (october planting for december-february blooms)); Aphids on flower buds and tips (caused by soft new growth attracts aphids — spray with strong water jet. apply neem oil or insecticidal soap. introduce ladybugs as natural predators).
Growing snapdragon in Manila? Tag us @urbangoesgreen on TikTok and show us your garden!