The multi-colored rocket variety of snapdragons offers resilient beauty and easy care. They like low-70s temperatures during the day and low-40s at night, but can survive an even bigger range. Direct sunlight and well-draining, slightly acidic soil are preferred, with partial afternoon shade acceptable in the hottest growing zones. A combined one inch of water per week from rain and watering is enough for established plants. Use mulch to help with moisture and weed management.

Watch out for aphids and spider mites, which like to suck out the nutrients. Use insecticidal soaps at the first sign of infestation. The biggest disease threats are rust fungus, mold, root rot and downy mildew. Good planting conditions and crop rotations help mitigate these threats.

Snapdragon rockets grow slowly from seed, so you’ll want to start them indoors up to 12 weeks before the average final frost date. Press the seeds into a seed-starting mix or all-purpose potting soil that you keep moist. Provide 14-16 hours of bright light per day from sunlight or grow lights. When the seedlings have five or six true leaves, pinch off the stem top for bushy growth and more branching.

Directly sow or transplant snapdragon seeds 2-3 weeks before the last spring frost. Initial planting is much like indoor starting, except they should be placed 9-12 inches apart. You can also plant them closer, then thin or transplant once the seedlings sprout. Raised beds will help with soil drainage. Snapdragons tend to stop blooming in the summer heat, but will re-bloom in the fall if you keep tending to them.

Container growing will add color to patios, balconies or indoor spaces while controlling growth. Choose a pot at least 12 inches wide for a single snapdragon plant and bigger for multiple plants. You may need to periodically repot if the roots outgrow the pot.

Rich soil will jump-start snapdragon growth each season. Amend lower-quality soils with compost or balanced, all-purpose fertilizer when planting. Then, apply fertilizer each year once you see flowers. Compost and aged manure are good, slow-release organic fertilizers, while bone meal and nitrogen-rich fish emulsions can provide a quick seasonal jolt. Soil testing will confirm if more frequent fertilizing or specific blends are necessary

Snapdragon rockets can remain ground-based in mild growing zones. Add a layer of organic mulch for insulation and consider row covers for wind protection. In colder regions, we recommend either bringing the plants indoors or growing them as annuals and harvesting seeds for the following year.

There are two pruning methods to improve the outlook of your snapdragon rocket plants. By pinching off the tips when the plant is young, growth will be more bush-like and contained. You should also remove spent and faded flowers if you want a longer blooming season, as the plant will then put more resources into new flowers rather than seeds.

The rocket variety is an excellent cut flower. When the blooms open at the bottom of the stem, snip the flowers at the base and put them in water. Harvesting in cool weather, such as early morning or evening, will help the flowers last.