Introduction

Snapdragons, scientifically known as Antirrhinum, are popular flowering plants known for their distinctive "snap" flowers and a wide range of vibrant colors. They are highly valued for their cold tolerance and as beautiful cut flowers.

Variety Selection

• Tall Varieties: Ideal for cut flower production. Orange Wonder is an excellent option.
• Dwarf Varieties: Suitable for bedding and borders. Tetra Mix isn’t quite dwarf stature, but small enough to be suitable for these purposes. 

Site Selection and Soil Preparation

• Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade.
• Soil Type: Well-drained, fertile loam or sandy loam soil.
• Soil pH: Preferably between 6.2 and 7.0.

Planting

• Timing: Plant in early spring for summer blooms or late summer for fall blooms. Snapdragons tolerate frost.
• Spacing: 12 inches apart for tall varieties, 8-12 inches for dwarf varieties.
• Depth: Sow seeds superficially, just tamping into soil surface, as light aids germination.

Irrigation

• Watering Needs: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
• Method: Drip irrigation or watering at the base to prevent leaf diseases.

Fertilization

• Initial Fertilizer: Apply a balanced fertilizer at planting. Avoid too much Nitrogen, which will encourage excess foliar growth at the expense of blooms.
• Ongoing Nutrition: Supplement with a high-phosphorus fertilizer to encourage blooming.

Pest and Disease Management

• Pests: Watch for aphids and caterpillars.
• Diseases: Prevent fungal diseases like rust and powdery mildew with good air circulation and spacing, and by watering at the base.

Harvesting for Cut Flowers

• Timing: Harvest when the lower third of the flowers on a spike are open.
• Method: Cut with sharp shears early in the morning. Place immediately in water.

Post-Harvest Handling

• Cut Stem Care: Keep in cool water, and use floral preservatives to extend vase life.
• Storage: Store at cool temperatures around 36-40°F.

Cold Tolerance

• Hardiness: Snapdragons can tolerate light frosts. They perform well in cool spring and fall weather. Some varieties, such as Orange Wonder, can even tolerate light freezes.
• Protection: Use row covers to protect from harsh frosts.

Additional Tips

• Deadheading: Regularly remove spent flowers to encourage more blooms.
• Staking: Tall varieties may require support to prevent stem breakage.