How to Grow Snapdragon Pennant
Wikimedia Commons
Snapdragon Pennant
Antirrhinum majus 'Pennant'
flowerSnapdragon Pennant is a tall, elegant flowering variety of common snapdragon known for its striking spire-like flower spikes with densely packed blooms in vibrant colors. The flowers open sequentially from bottom to top along the stem, creating a dramatic vertical accent in gardens and cut flower arrangements. This cultivar is a heat-loving annual that produces long stems perfect for floral displays.
When should you plant Snapdragon Pennant 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 Snapdragon Pennant timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Snapdragon Pennant
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
First Snapdragon Pennant blooms
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Snapdragon Pennant dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-11; performs best in zones 5-9 with cooler spring conditions
Sign up free to see if Snapdragon Pennant grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my Snapdragon Pennant timeline →Growth Stages
Seed germination
1-2 weeksTiny seeds begin sprouting with the appearance of cotyledons (seed leaves). Seedlings are delicate and pale green.
Maintain 70-75°F soil temperature. Keep soil moist but not soggy. Provide bright light immediately after germination. Seeds germinate in 7-14 days.
Seedling & vegetative growth
3-4 weeksSmall plants develop true leaves and a compact structure. Growth is relatively slow initially. Plant establishes a strong root system.
Thin seedlings to proper spacing. Keep light bright (12-16 hours). Water consistently. Once true leaves appear, provide cooler temperatures (60-65°F) to promote stockiness. Pinch main stem at 4-6 inches to encourage branching if desired.
Pre-flowering/budding
2-3 weeksThe plant develops multiple stems and reaches 12-24 inches tall (depending on variety selection). Flower buds form at the tip of each stem and along upper portions.
Begin light feeding with balanced or bloom-promoting fertilizer. Ensure consistent watering. Remove any lateral buds if you want a single main spike per stem, or let all develop for fuller displays. Provide stakes or supports as stems elongate.
Flowering
6-8 weeks or more with deadheadingSpectacular spire-shaped flower spikes emerge, densely packed with small snapdragon-like blooms opening progressively from base to tip. Colors range from reds, pinks, whites, yellows, and bi-colors. Full spike may contain 50+ individual florets.
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms. Water regularly and deeply. Continue light fertilizing every 2-3 weeks. Stake tall varieties. Ensure adequate air circulation to prevent powdery mildew. In hot climates, provide afternoon shade.
Seed set & decline
Variable; end of season in frost zonesAs temperatures warm significantly (above 85°F) or in late season, flowering slows. If not deadheaded, the plant produces seed pods. Growth becomes leggy and sparse.
Deadhead or harvest entire spikes for cut flowers before seeds form. For seed saving, allow select flowers to mature and dry on plant. Plants may be treated as annuals at end of season in hot climates, or cut back in cooler areas for possible rebloom.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Ensure excellent air circulation; avoid overhead watering; remove infected leaves immediately; apply sulfur or copper fungicide; choose rust-resistant varieties
-
Provide full sun and good air flow; spray with sulfur or neem oil; reduce nitrogen fertilizing; water at soil level only
-
Spray with water stream to dislodge; apply insecticidal soap; use neem oil; encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs
-
Mist foliage to increase humidity; spray with neem oil or miticide; remove heavily infested leaves
-
Use yellow sticky traps; spray with insecticidal soap; apply neem oil; encourage natural predators
-
and
Remove debris and hiding places; use copper tape barriers; hand-pick at night; apply slug baits if needed
Uses
Edible flowers for decoration
CulinarySnapdragon petals are edible and add visual interest to salads, desserts, and cocktails. The petals have a mild, slightly sweet flavor and are primarily used for garnish and presentation. [source]
Cut flower arrangements
HouseholdSnapdragon Pennant's tall, dramatic spikes make them ideal for cut flower bouquets, floral arrangements, and as focal flowers in vase displays. The sequential opening of flowers extends vase life and provides weeks of color. [source]
Garden vertical interest
HouseholdThe upright, columnar growth habit of Pennant snapdragons provides height and structure to garden beds, creating dramatic vertical accents that draw the eye upward and define garden spaces. [source]
Traditional herbal use
MedicinalHistorically, snapdragon flowers and leaves have been used in traditional herbal medicine for their purported diuretic and detoxifying properties, though modern scientific evidence is limited. [source]
Pollinator attraction
WildlifeSnapdragon flowers attract bees, hoverflies, and other beneficial insects that aid pollination in the garden, making them valuable for supporting local pollinator populations. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Snap Dragon Pennant spikes make excellent cut flowers. Harvest early in the morning when stems are fully hydrated. Cut spikes when 2/3 of the flowers on the spike have opened. Cut just above a leaf node to encourage branching. Remove lower leaves that would sit below the waterline. Change water every 2-3 days. Spikes last 7-10 days in a vase. For seed saving, allow flowers to dry on the plant and collect seed pods when papery and dry.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The snapdragon's Latin name 'Antirrhinum' means 'resembling a nose,' and when the flower dries and its seed pods form, they eerily resemble tiny skulls, which is why it's sometimes called 'skull flower.'
- 🌱 Snapdragon flowers have a special 'landing platform' design—the lower lip of the flower closes when insects land on it, ensuring the insect brushes against the pollen-bearing anthers.
- 🌱 Snapdragons have been cultivated for over 500 years and were highly prized by Victorian gardeners; they were used as cut flowers in elaborate arrangements and were even believed to have protective powers against witches and evil.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Snapdragon Pennant planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Snapdragon Pennant 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 Snapdragon Pennant timeline →