226 · Snapdragon Tetra Mix

About this plant

A tall 28-inch snapdragon mix in antique tones — white, blushed rose, mauve and deep mulberry — with sweet scent and heavy flower spikes, a florist favorite. Early and long flowering; the blooms draw hummingbirds and bees. Note: sold green (not yet in bloom). Plant it the week you buy it — February is the end of our planting window.

Planting it at home

When to plant out

Right away. Our low-desert planting window ends about Feb 15.

Where

Full sun in a winter bed, border or cutting row; afternoon shade helps as spring warms.

Spacing

9–12 inches apart in beds (6–9 inches in a cutting row).

Height

About 28 inches tall, 6–10 inches wide.

Support

Yes — stake, or use two layers of flower netting, before the spikes get tall.

Care

Water

Keep the soil evenly moist but well drained. Water at the base, not overhead (wet leaves invite rust and mildew).

Feed

A light, balanced flower fertilizer every 3–4 weeks while growing (general guide).

Deadhead

Cut off spent spikes to keep new flowers coming.

Pinch

Pinch the tip once when young for more flower spikes.

For cut flowers

Cut when the first (lowest) flower on the spike opens.

Good to know

Caution

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

Grown from

Seed — sown by FHCG volunteers

Blooms

3–4 months

Life cycle

Annual

Heirloom or hybrid

Heirloom — saved seeds grow true

Pollinators

Bees (especially bumblebees), hummingbirds and butterflies.

Blooms for

About 3–4 months from planting out.

Heat

Does not like our summer heat; usually finished by June.

Cold

Very cold tolerant — safe through a Fountain Hills winter.

Deer

Seldom damaged by deer.

Edible

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