MOST of us have childhood memories of squeezing the flowers of antirrhinums together to make dragon mouths.
Snapdragons are not only an endless source of amusement to children, they are ideal for bringing some striking colour into the garden.
MOST of us have childhood memories of squeezing the flowers of antirrhinums together to make dragon mouths.
Snapdragons are not only an endless source of amusement to children, they are ideal for bringing some striking colour into the garden.
While antirrhinums can be grown throughout the year in most parts of the country, March, April and May are ideal months to plant the seedlings.
They have just enough time to settle themselves in before the depths of winter, readying themselves for a glorious spring and early summer display.
Snapdragons tolerate light frost so you can still plant these delightful beauties if you live in one of the colder parts of the country.
Antirrhinums are easy to grow in any well-drained, reasonably fertile, garden soil, but prefer a light or medium loam so work in plenty of compost when preparing the bed. The soil needs to be kept relatively moist, so water every five days or so.
They like a warm, sunny location, but in a hot climate they perform better in partial shade. Put the plants where they will receive good air movement to prevent fungal diseases taking hold.
Supplied by the Bedding Plant Growers Association.Visit www.lifeisagarden.co.za for more.
