Antirrhinum 'Crown Mixed' Seeds

Antirrhinum majus, or Snapdragons, are a true cottage garden classic. The 'Crown Mixed' series is a particular favourite of mine because it hits the "Goldilocks" spot: it isn't a tiny dwarf variety, nor is it a towering giant that needs staking. It grows to a perfect, bushy 45cm.

This mix produces strong, upright spikes packed with velvety "dragon mouth" flowers in a cheerful blend of scarlet, pink, yellow, white, and purple. They are robust, branching plants that stand up well to the unpredictable British summer weather.

Why Your Garden Needs 'Crown Mixed'

Snapdragons are the ultimate "entertainment" plant. There is nothing quite as satisfying as watching a chubby Bumblebee wrestle its way into the flower mouth, disappearing inside for nectar and backing out covered in pollen!

Beyond the wildlife entertainment, 'Crown Mixed' is a superb cut flower. Because it branches freely, the more you cut for your vases, the more the plant will produce. It fills the gap between spring bulbs and late summer blooms perfectly, offering months of vibrant colour.

Understanding the Plant: What is a Half-Hardy Annual?

Antirrhinum is strictly a short-lived perennial, but in the UK we almost always grow it as a Half-Hardy Annual.

This means we sow it fresh every spring to get the most vigorous display. While it can't handle deep freezes, it is actually tougher than people give it credit for. If you have a mild winter and a sheltered spot, don't be surprised if your plants survive to flower a second year!

Growing Guide: How to Sow and Grow

Snapdragons are easy to grow, but they have one specific requirement to get started.

🌱 Germination (The Light Trick):
These seeds need light to germinate. Sow them on the surface of moist compost and press them down gently. Do not cover them with soil (or use only the finest dusting of vermiculite). Keep them warm (around 20-24°C) and moist, and they should appear within 10-20 days.

Where to Sow:
Start them indoors in trays from January to March for the earliest flowers. You can also sow them in autumn (August/September) and overwinter them in a greenhouse for massive, early plants next spring.

Care While Growing:
The "Pinch": When the seedlings are about 3 inches tall, nip out the top pair of leaves. It feels scary to do, but this encourages the plant to branch out, giving you a bushier plant with many more flower spikes instead of just one tall stem.

Plant Specifications

Here is a quick reference guide to the key features, helping you decide if these cheerful dragons are the right fit for your garden.

My Recommended Garden Companions

Snapdragons have a very distinct upright, spiked shape, so they look wonderful when softened by floaty plants:

• 🌸 Cosmos: The airy, ferny foliage of Cosmos provides a soft, green backdrop that makes the solid colours of the Snapdragons pop.
• 🍃 Nicotiana (Tobacco Plant): Planting Nicotiana behind your Snapdragons ensures you have colour all day (from the Snapdragons) and scent all evening (from the Nicotiana).

📅 Sowing & Flowering Calendar

Sow early indoors for the longest flowering season.

(↔️ Swipe chart to see all months)