As far as I know all snapdragons can be 'snapped' by squeezing the 'hinges' together slightly, at least that's how we always did it as kids. Some definitely snap better than others. Let us know how you make out! :)

Oh is that what it is? I feel silly now. I will give it a try this summer. Thanks GC.

Speaking of snapdragons, does anyone know if they will self-seed in a large concrete container? I left the dead stuff on over winter hoping the seeds would fall and self-seed. They are in the large industrial planters, three of them that are completely covered with plowed snow from the walk way. Any thoughts on this???

BJ in SW MB

BJ, I have never had snaps self-seed but perhaps they will for you. They sure do make a lot of seeds. And they are a reasonably hardy annual. Let us know if you have any luck.

BJ, I can't say that I have ever had snaps self-seed for me, but I have had them over winter and grow and flower the next season in my yard.

I had a friend in zone 4 that never bought snaps because they always self-seeded for her. She was always giving snaps away in the spring. They were very prolific for her.

I guess you will have to wait and see...be sure to let us know if they do.

Sierra :-)

I wonder if it depends on the variety of snapdragons to self-seed? Awhile back we had discussed morning glories and re-seeding, and the consensus seemed to be that only a few of the varieties were reliable self-seeders in colder zones, so maybe it's the case with snaps too.

Laurie

Although they don't germinate prolifically, I'm always surprised somewhere in the yard with self-seeded snapdragons. And I get the coolest colors that way!

I planted some in my garden the summer of 2005 and I had twice as much last summer. I am looking forward to seeing them again this year!

Gil, are your snapdragons snapping?

I also had some re-seed this year. A nice dark red colour.:)

Those of you who've mentioned your Snaps self-seeding, do you happen to know what varieties they are? Or what varieties you started with? My mom loves snapdragons and I've been looking to add them to our garden for a while, and self-seeding ones would be ideal.

Thanks =)

Garden Chicken, actually my snapdragons are sucking this year. There are only two measly ones blooming but I tried them out today and they do sorta snap. They were so beautiful last year, I guess they liked my old garden better.

Prairiegirl, the variety I started with last year was Ribbon Crimson, and they re-seeded this year.

Thanks Laurie! I'll keep my eyes out for them. :)

I have had snapdragons self seed, but not reliably. Every year here in the zone 3 magic garden, I have a couple of volunteers. I suspect much depends on the weather - I had masses of snaps either over winter or self seed in a zone 2 raised bed one year out of the 4 or so that I lived there.

The 'Sonnet' series is top rated in trials and 'Cinnamon Bronze is a unique and beautiful color.

I've often had seedlings self sow, though I mostly end up with plain yellows, which I guess, are dominate.

Terry

I planted some snapdragons last fall. The blooms faded but the foliage stayed lush. Now that it's getting warm here, they foliage has started growing like crazy. Will it rebloom? Should I cut the foliage back at all? I have not cut it back since planting. Thanks for your advice!

christinela, if your plants are bushy and compact then just leave them be, otherwise cut them back if they're lanky. Yes, they'll flower for you again, they should give a few flushes of bloom this spring and into summer if you keep the spent blooms removed. Though, I don't know how well they'll continue to flower through extreme summer heat. I think that snap dragons are short lived "tender" perennials.

Terrance

Thank you, Terrance!