Question
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Followup To
Question -
I've planted Snapdragons for the first time ever last Fall.  They lived during the winter months and grew and bloomed beautifully this Spring.  Although I'm watering once per day now at the beginning of the summer, they seem to be dying.  Do Snapdragons usually bloom in the summer?  Do they live year round?  Why would you think they are now dying, regardless of my daily watering?
Thank you,
SP
Answer -
Hi Shirl,
Thanx for your question.  You must live in California or Florida or South Texas.  Snapdragons are grown as summer annuals throughout most of the US and Zone 5 Canada.  In most of Europe and North America, the plants called "annuals" are mainly really not annuals.  They are plants that have been introduced into areas that are outside of their comfort-growing zone.  Four O'Clocks, Dahlias and others are either dug up and stored in the basement or allowed to reseed and come back up next year.

There are a ton of annuals of which the Snapdragon is part.  Snapdragons are annuals and mainly bloom in the summer.  They will continue to bloom until the first hard frost which means, if you live in California, the deep Gulf South or South Florida, the plants may never really die but will become poor performers.

It would be interesting to know if you are in the South.

Tom


Yes, I am in the South -- North Alabama.  There's no doubt -- the Snapdragons that were healthy and beautiful just a month or two ago are on their way out.  Some of them have died already and others are wilted and will be gone soon.  If they're supposed to bloom all summer, I don't know what happened to them.   I thought I'd found the 'wonder' flower that would live through the winter and bloom all summer, but I guess I'll have to look further.  Thanks for your response.

Answer
Hi Shirl,
Thanx for the follow-up.   I would just keep reintroducing new snapdragon plants each year in the spring.  Then, they will bloom all summer and way late into the fall for you because you are in the deep-South.  I lived in Ft. Walton Beach, FL. for about 3 years while I was at Eglin and I know exactly the type of climate and the things one can grow in your part of the country.  I hope this helps.
Tom