How to Grow Crocodile Plant
Wikimedia Commons
Crocodile Plant
Antirrhinum majus 'Crocodile'
flowerCrocodile is a unique snapdragon variety known for its distinctive double-petaled, ruffled flowers that resemble a crocodile's textured skin. These charming flowers come in various colors including red, pink, yellow, and white, and grow on compact plants that reach 12-24 inches tall. It's a popular ornamental annual prized for its unusual texture and long blooming season.
When should you plant Crocodile Plant in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Crocodile Plant timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Crocodile Plant
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
First Crocodile Plant blooms
Around Jun 26≈ 70 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Crocodile Plant dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 2-10; grown as an annual in most climates
Sign up free to see if Crocodile Plant grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my Crocodile Plant timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny seedlings with 2-4 true leaves emerge within 7-10 days
Keep soil moist and provide bright, indirect light. Thin seedlings to 2-3 inches apart if direct seeding. Maintain 65-70°F for optimal germination.
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksPlant develops bushy foliage with multiple stems; no flowers yet
Pinch back stem tips when plants reach 4-6 inches to encourage branching and fuller shape. Water regularly and fertilize every 2-3 weeks with balanced fertilizer.
Bud Formation
2-3 weeksFlower buds appear at stem tips; distinctive ruffled texture visible
Continue regular watering and fertilizing. Provide full sun for maximum flower production. Remove any damaged or diseased growth.
Flowering
6-10 weeks or longerCharacteristic crocodile-textured double flowers open, displaying full color and ruffled petals
Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage continued blooming. Water at base to keep foliage dry. Fertilize weekly with flowering plant fertilizer for extended bloom.
Extended Bloom & Decline
Until frostPlant continues flowering but may slow in heat; flowers may be smaller in peak summer
Provide afternoon shade in hot climates (above 85°F). Continue deadheading. In fall, flowering often intensifies as temperatures cool.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Remove affected leaves immediately. Improve air circulation. Avoid overhead watering. Apply fungicide if severe. Choose rust-resistant varieties.
-
Ensure good air circulation. Water at base only. Apply sulfur dust or neem oil spray every 7-10 days if symptoms appear.
-
Spray with water to dislodge. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Encourage natural predators like ladybugs.
-
Increase humidity and water spray. Use miticide if infestation is severe. Ensure adequate watering to stress-test plants.
-
Use yellow sticky traps. Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap weekly until controlled.
Uses
Edible flower garnish
CulinaryCrocodile snapdragon flowers are technically edible and add unique textural interest and color to salads and desserts. Use only pesticide-free flowers and remove reproductive parts before consuming. [source]
Fresh and dried arrangements
CraftThe distinctive ruffled flowers hold their shape well in floral arrangements and can be dried for long-lasting displays. They add unique texture and whimsy to bouquets and floral designs. [source]
Pollinator attraction
WildlifeSnapdragons attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, making them excellent for supporting pollinators in gardens. The tall flower spikes provide good landing platforms. [source]
Garden focal point and border plant
HouseholdThe compact, bushy nature and striking textured flowers make Crocodile snapdragons ideal for garden borders, containers, and as focal points in mixed flower beds. They provide color from early summer through fall. [source]
Traditional herbal use
MedicinalHistorically, snapdragon plants have been used in traditional herbalism for minor wounds and skin conditions, though modern medical evidence is limited. The flowers were historically made into tea. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
These are ornamental flowers grown for display, not harvest. Deadhead (remove spent flower clusters) regularly by pinching or cutting just below the flower cluster to promote continuous blooming throughout the season. Cut stems for fresh arrangements when flowers are fully open but before they begin to fade. Morning is the best time to cut for arrangements.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The name 'Crocodile' refers to the bumpy, textured double petals that resemble a crocodile's scaly skin, making this variety instantly recognizable among snapdragons.
- 🌱 Snapdragon seed pods resemble tiny skulls, which led to the plant being associated with death and the underworld in Victorian folklore, yet today they're cherished ornamentals.
- 🌱 The distinctive 'snap' mechanism in regular snapdragons (where you can squeeze flowers to open and close them) is less pronounced in Crocodile varieties due to their double, ruffled petal structure.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Crocodile Plant planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Crocodile Plant seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.
Get my Crocodile Plant timeline →