224 · Snapdragon Apple Blossom

About this plant

A tall heirloom snapdragon in soft apple-blossom pink lit with pale gold, carrying heavy trusses of large, velvety blooms on 36-inch stems. Baker Creek grows it as a cut-flower and bedding variety, and it is the most florist-like of the three snapdragons in this sale. It is also the tallest, so plan support from planting day. Note: NOT IN Bloom in february — sold green. 36 in: Must be staked or netted. Plant out at once; window closes ~Feb 15.

Planting it at home

When to plant out

Right away. Our low-desert planting window for cool-season plants ends about mid-February.

Where

Full sun cutting row with wind shelter — 36 in stems catch wind

Spacing

6–9 in for cutting; 9–12 in for beds

Size

36 in tall (Baker Creek) — the tallest here. Staking or double flower netting is essential, not optional.

Care

Sun

Full sun (6+ hr)

Water

Moist, well-drained; water at the base to limit rust

Feed

A light flower fertilizer every 3–4 weeks while blooming (general guide).

Pick / harvest

Cut when the lowest floret opens (GITG)

Deadhead

Cut off spent flowers to keep new blooms coming.

Good to know

Caution

Petals only are edible. Do not eat leaves or stems.

Grown from

Seed — sown by FHCG volunteers

Life cycle

Tender perennial (USDA 7a–10b) grown as a cool-season annual in 9b; heat-killed by June

Heirloom or hybrid

Heirloom — saved seeds grow true

Pollinators

Bumblebees primarily; also hummingbirds and butterflies (NC State Ext)

Days to bloom

vendor lists no days to bloom

Heat (our summer)

Poor — struggles in summer heat (NC State Ext)

Cold

Yes — very cold tolerant, to ~0°F per GITG

Color

Apple-blossom pink with pale gold contrast (Baker Creek listing)

Edible

Petals only, bitter; best as a garnish (NC State Extension, NY Botanical Garden).