How to grow Snapdragon in New Zealand
Snapdragons have tall spikes of snap-jawed flowers in nearly every colour, loved by children and bees alike, and they last well in a vase. They are easy, reliable cool-season annuals in New Zealand, among the best plants for autumn and winter colour in the north and for spring and summer flowers in the south.
📖 Our full guide: How to Grow Snapdragon in New Zealand
At a glance
When to sow by region
| Region | When to sow | Regional note |
|---|---|---|
| Northland | August to October, January to April | |
| Auckland | August to October, January to April | |
| Waikato & Bay of Plenty | August to October, January to April | |
| Central North Island | August to October, January to April | |
| Wellington & Lower North Island | August to October, January to April | |
| Nelson & Marlborough | August to October, January to April | |
| Canterbury | August to March | Keep sowing through Nov to Dec with steady watering. Make the last sowing in Mar so the crop is ready before winter growth stops. |
| Otago & Southland | September to March | Start spring sowings in Sep; the soil is too cold before then. Cool summers let you keep sowing through Nov to Dec. Make the last sowing in Mar so the crop is ready before winter growth stops. |
| Central Otago | September to February | Start spring sowings in Sep; the soil is too cold before then. Keep sowing through Nov to Dec with steady watering. Make the last sowing in Feb so the crop is ready before winter growth stops. |
Where to plant
Snapdragons prefer a warm, sunny spot with free-draining, fertile soil. Once established they cope with dry spells, but water them well while they settle in.
- Northland to Wellington and Nelson: sow from late summer through autumn for winter and spring flowers, and again in late winter to early spring.
- Canterbury: keep sowing through spring and early summer with steady watering, and make the last sowing in March.
- Otago, Southland and Central Otago: start spring sowings in September, when the soil has warmed; cool summers let you keep sowing to December. Make the last sowing in February or March.
Choosing a variety
- Tall types such as Rocket and Tetra Mixed make stately spikes for cutting and mass planting.
- Madame Butterfly has double, azalea-like flowers.
- Dwarf and intermediate types such as the Chimes series suit borders and pots.
How to plant
- Sow the fine seed lightly on the surface of seed-raising mix, press it in gently and mist with water. Cover with glass or plastic to keep it moist in a warm spot.
- Transplant seedlings when they are large enough to handle, about 25 to 30 cm apart.
- Plant in the early morning or late afternoon, and water well before and after planting.
- Mulch around the plants with bark or pea straw.
Watering and feeding
Water regularly until established, then whenever the soil dries out. Water the soil rather than the leaves to limit rust. Feed every few weeks with a general or flowering fertiliser.
Pruning and care through the year
- Pinch out the tip of young plants for bushier growth with more flower spikes.
- Deadhead spent spikes to push out side shoots and more flowers.
- Stake tall types in windy spots.
- In mild areas, plants cut back after flowering often flower again.
Harvesting
For a vase, cut spikes when the lowest third of the flowers are open. They last well in water, and more buds open after cutting.
Growing in pots
Dwarf snapdragons are excellent in pots and window boxes in full sun. Use a quality potting mix and water when the mix dries.
Companion planting
Snapdragons bring bees to the garden and pair well with other cool-season flowers.
Good companions
Pests and diseases
Rust is the main problem, especially in humid weather.
Pests to watch for
- Aphids Clusters of insects on shoot tips and flower spikes.
Diseases to watch for
- Rust Brown pustules on the undersides of leaves, with pale spots above. Remove affected leaves and water at the base.
- Downy mildew Pale, curled leaves with grey-purple fuzz underneath in cool, damp weather.
- Botrytis Grey mould on flowers and stems in wet weather.
Common questions
When do I plant snapdragons in New Zealand?
In the north, from late summer through autumn for winter and spring colour. In the south, sow in spring and early summer. Choose your region at the top of the page for the months.
How do I get more flowers on snapdragons?
Pinch out the tips of young plants, deadhead spent spikes, and feed regularly. Side shoots then carry more flowers.
Are snapdragons annual or perennial?
They are short-lived perennials usually grown as annuals. In mild gardens, plants cut back after flowering often bloom again.
What are the brown spots under my snapdragon leaves?
That is snapdragon rust. Remove affected leaves, water the soil not the foliage, and space plants for air flow.
Are snapdragons good cut flowers?
Yes. Cut them when the lowest third of the spike is open; they last well, and the upper buds keep opening in the vase.
Sources we checked: Tui: Snapdragon growing guide; Yates NZ: How to grow snapdragons; Kings Seeds: Antirrhinum range.