Antirrhinum majus

Antirrhinum majus (snapdragon) — the classic dragon-mouthed cottage flower from the Mediterranean, in dwarf bedding to tall cutting spires. A long-flowering favourite in our flower seed range.

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  • Snapdragon Cherry Twist seeds (Antirrhinum majus) – annual flower Snapdragon Cherry Twist (Antirrhinum majus) – annual flower seeds from SeedsChoice
    Snapdragon Seeds Cherry Twist Antirrhinum Majus Annual Flower
    €4,95

    Snapdragon Cherry Twist for borders and bouquets snapdragon seeds ‘Cherry Twist’ are a classic choice for adding vertical accents and soft fragrance to seasonal displays. This annual flowering variety is known for its tall, upright...
  • Snapdragon Tall Mixed seeds (Antirrhinum majus) – annual flower Snapdragon Tall Mixed (Antirrhinum majus) – annual flower seeds from SeedsChoice
    20%
    Snapdragon Seeds Antirrhinum Majus Tall Mixed Annual Flower
    €3,56€4,45

    Tall mixed snapdragon for borders and vases snapdragon seeds are a classic choice for adding vertical colour and texture to beds, containers, and cutting gardens. This tall mixed snapdragon selection produces upright flower spikes in...
  • Snapdragon Mixed Semi Tall seeds (Antirrhinum majus) – annual mix Snapdragon Mixed Semi Tall (Antirrhinum majus) – annual mix seeds from SeedsChoice
    Snapdragon Seeds Antirrhinum Majus Annual Mixed Semi Tall
    €4,45

    Semi tall mixed snapdragon flowers for borders snapdragon seeds produce a semi tall snapdragon mix with mixed colour snapdragon flowers, ideal for adding vertical accents and bright tones to beds and borders. This annual bedding...
  • Snapdragon Mango Twist seeds (Antirrhinum majus) – annual Snapdragon Mango Twist (Antirrhinum majus) – annual seeds from SeedsChoice
    Snapdragon Mango Twist Seeds Antirrhinum Majus Annual
    €4,95

    Snapdragon color for borders and cutting snapdragon mango twist seeds are a striking choice for gardeners who want tall, elegant flower spikes with warm, blended tones that stand out in beds and bouquets. This annual...
  • Snapdragon Tom Thumb Mixed seeds (Antirrhinum majus) – annual mix Snapdragon Tom Thumb Mixed (Antirrhinum majus) – annual mix seeds from SeedsChoice
    Snapdragon Seeds Tom Thumb Mixed Antirrhinum Majus Annual
    €4,45

    Compact mixed snapdragons for pots and borders Snapdragon seeds ‘Tom Thumb Mixed’ are a classic choice for gardeners who want a neat, low-growing display with plenty of color. This dwarf snapdragon mix produces compact plants...
  • Snapdragon Half Tall seeds (Antirrhinum majus) – annual mix Snapdragon Half Tall (Antirrhinum majus) – annual mix seeds from SeedsChoice
    Snapdragon Seeds Antirrhinum Majus Annual Mix Half Tall
    €4,45

    Half Tall Annual Mix For Colorful Borders Snapdragon seeds are a classic choice for gardeners who want mixed color snapdragons with upright flower spikes and a neat, half-tall habit. This annual mix is valued for...
  • Snapdragon Tetraploid Mixed seeds (Antirrhinum majus) – annual mix Snapdragon Tetraploid Mixed (Antirrhinum majus) – annual mix seeds from SeedsChoice
    Snapdragon Seeds Antirrhinum Majus Tetraploid Mixed Annual
    €4,45

    Snapdragon mix for beds and bouquets Snapdragon seeds offer a classic cottage-garden look with tall, upright flower spikes in a lively mixed colour range. This tetraploid snapdragon mix is selected for large, showy blooms that...
  • Snapdragon Tom Thumb Dwarf Mixed seeds (Antirrhinum majus) – annual mix Snapdragon Tom Thumb Dwarf Mixed (Antirrhinum majus) – annual mix seeds from SeedsChoice
    Snapdragon Tom Thumb Dwarf Mixed Seeds Antirrhinum Majus Annual
    €4,45

    Compact mixed snapdragons for pots and borders snapdragon seeds ‘Tom Thumb Mixed’ are a classic choice for adding bright colour to small spaces. This dwarf snapdragon variety stays compact at around 25 cm tall, making...
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Antirrhinum majus — the snapdragon

Antirrhinum majus is the botanical name for the snapdragon, a much-loved cottage-garden flower named for the dragon-like blooms that “snap” open when squeezed. It is a colourful cut and bedding flower within our flower seed collection and a favourite for cutting.

History & origin

The snapdragon is native to the Mediterranean, from south-western Europe to North Africa, and has been grown in gardens since antiquity. Children have always delighted in pinching the hinged flowers to make the “dragon's mouth” open and close, and in folklore the plant was thought to offer protection. Its curious flower shape is matched to its pollinators: it takes a bee heavy enough to push open the lipped throat to reach the nectar inside.

Its name describes that flower: Antirrhinum comes from the Greek for “snout-like,” and majus means “larger.”

Botanical characteristics

Though a short-lived perennial, the snapdragon is usually grown as a half-hardy annual, in heights from low bedding types to tall spires for cutting. The flowers crowd up dense spikes in nearly every colour, opening from the bottom up over a long season. Tall varieties have long, elegant stems for the vase, while dwarf forms are perfect for our container range, and the nectar-rich blooms support our pollinator planting.

Growing Antirrhinum majus from seed

Sow the fine seed on the surface in late winter or spring, pressing it in but not covering it, as it needs light to germinate. Pinch young plants to encourage bushy growth and more spikes, and keep cutting or deadheading for a long display. Our flower growing guide and flower sowing calendar cover the details.

Ready to grow snapdragons? Browse the cut flowers or learn the basics first.

Related categories: Cut Flowers · Pollinator Flowers · Container Flowers · Bee-Friendly Flowers · All Flower Seeds

At SeedsChoice, every order ships from Meppel, NL with fast, tracked EU delivery.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Antirrhinum majus?
It is the botanical name for the snapdragon, usually grown as a half-hardy annual.

Where do snapdragons originate?
From the Mediterranean, from south-western Europe to North Africa.

Why are they called snapdragons?
The hinged flowers snap open like a little dragon's mouth when gently squeezed.

What does the name mean?
Antirrhinum means “snout-like” in Greek and majus means “larger.”

How do I grow them?
Surface-sow the fine seed (it needs light), pinch for bushy plants, and keep cutting.