Snapdragon Seeds
How To Grow Snapdragons From Seeds
Germination
- Stage 1:
Time of radical emergence.
- Use a well-drained, disease-free seedling medium with
a pH of 5.5 to 5.8
- Germination: 64 to 68�F (18 to 20�C)
- Timing: 4 to 8 days
- Soil temperature: 64 to 68�F (18 to 20�C)
- Moisture: Medium
- Light: Not required
- Cover: Lightly with vermiculite
Plug Production
- Stage 2:
Stem and cotyledons emerge.
- Timing: 7 to 14 days
- Soil temperature: 65 to 70�F (18 to 21�C)
- Moisture: Reduce moisture levels once radicle
emergence occurs. Allow the soil to dry out slightly
before watering. Irrigate early in the day so that foliage
is dry by nightfall.
- Light: 450 to 1,500 f.c.
- Fertilizer: 50 to 75 ppm N from 14-0-14 or calcium/
potassium nitrate feed once per week when
cotyledons are fully expanded. Alternate feed with
clear water. Maintain water alkalinity at 60-100 ppm
and ammonium levels at less than 10 ppm.
- Soil pH: 5.5 to 5.8
Stage 3: Growth and development of true leaves.
- Timing: 14 days
- Soil temperature: 62 to 65�F (17 to 18�C)
- Moisture: To promote root growth and control shoot
growth, allow the soil to dry between irrigations, but
avoid wilting.
- Light: 1,000 to 2,500 f.c.
- Fertilizer: 100 to 150 ppm of 20-10-20 alternating with
14-0-14 or other calcium/potassium nitrate fertilizer,
every two or three irrigations. Supplement with
magnesium one to two times during this stage using
magnesuium sulfate (16 oz./100 gal.) or magnesium
nitrate. Do not mix magnesium sulfate with calcium
nitrate as precipitate will form.
- Soil pH: 5.5 to 5.8
Stage 4: Plants are ready for transplanting.
- Timing: 7 days
- Soil temperature: 60 to 62�F (16 to 19�C)
- Moisture: Allow soil to dry thoroughly between
irrigations, but avoid wilting.
- Light: 1,000 to 2,500 f.c.
- Fertilizer: 100 to 150 ppm N from 14-0-14 or calcium/
potassium nitrate feed as needed. Avoid ammonium
fertilizers in Stage 4.
- Soil pH: 5.5 to 5.8
Growing On to Finish-In Greenhouse or Outdoors
Use a well-drained disease-free soil less medium with
a medium initial nutrient charge and a pH of 5.5 to 6.2.
- Temperature: 45 to 55�F (10 to 13�C) nights and 55
to 70�F (13 to 22�C) days. Avoid night temperatures
above 55�F (13�C) as this will reduce stem strength.
- The best time to grow Snapdragons is Autumn through
early Spring, when cooler growing conditions can be
maintained.
- Moisture: Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings,
but avoid wilting.
- Light: Keep light levels as high as possible while
maintaining recommended temperature.
- Fertilizer: Every other irrigation, apply 150 ppm N
from 15-0-15, alternating with 20-10-20. Alternate feed
with clear water.
- Soil pH: 5.5 to 6.2
Controlling Height:
Once plants are rooted to the sides of the
containers they can be allowed to dry slightly prior
to irrigation.
Withhold fertilizer, especially phosphorous and
ammonium-form N.
Snapdragons are responsive to day/night
temperature differential (DIF) and are shorter with
a negative DIF.
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