Antirrhinum majus Antibes Soft Pink F1 | Group 1 | Snapdragon

Snapdragon Antibes Soft Pink F1 | Group 1 | Antirrhinum majus Botanical name: Antirrhinum majus Series: Antibes Variety: Soft Pink F1 Common name: Snapdragon Group: 1 Flower colour: soft pastel pink Plant type: tender perennial, usually grown as an annual Plant height: approximately 80–100 cm Use: premium cut flower Antirrhinum Antibes Soft Pink F1 is an elegant professional Snapdragon developed for premium cut-flower production during the coolest and darkest parts of the growing season. Its graceful flower spikes open in a delicate pastel pink shade, bringing softness, romance and refined colour to wedding bouquets and seasonal floral arrangements. Part of Therapy of Flowers professional Antibes Series, this Group 1 variety has been bred to perform under short days, low light levels and cool temperatures. It produces strong, straight stems with excellent uniformity, making it particularly valuable for flower farmers and greenhouse growers seeking high-quality Snapdragon stems from autumn through early spring. The romantic pastel-pink flowers combine beautifully with lisianthus, ranunculus, stock, anemones, sweet peas and other cool-season flowers. Why grow Antibes Soft Pink F1? Premium florist-quality Snapdragon Delicate, soft pastel-pink flowers Professional Group 1 variety Developed for short days and low light levels Excellent performance under cool conditions Strong, straight and uniform stems Suitable for energy-efficient greenhouse production Excellent for weddings and romantic floral designs Ideal for flower farms and professional growers Good vase life of approximately 7–10 days Plant details Growing season: autumn, winter and early spring under protection Flowering period: approximately mid-autumn to mid-spring, depending on sowing time and growing conditions Growing time: approximately 8–20 weeks from transplanting Growing location: greenhouse, polytunnel or protected outdoor cultivation Light requirements: full sun or light partial shade Plant spacing: approximately 10–15 cm for cut-flower production Stem length: approximately 80–100 cm under suitable conditions Vase life: approximately 7–10 days Uses: premium cut flowers, wedding arrangements, cutting gardens and borders About Snapdragon groups Snapdragons are classified into flowering groups according to their response to day length, light intensity and temperature. Antibes Soft Pink F1 belongs to Group 1, which is intended for production during short days, low natural light and cool temperatures. In heated or protected cultivation, it is particularly suitable for late-autumn, winter and early-spring flowering. In northern climates, additional light and frost protection may be required for successful winter production. Sowing instructions Sow indoors or in a greenhouse approximately 6–8 weeks before transplanting. For professional production, the exact sowing date should be planned according to the desired harvest period and local light conditions. Snapdragon seeds require light to germinate. Sow them on the surface of a fine, moist seed-starting medium and gently press them into place. Do not cover the seeds with soil. Maintain a temperature of approximately 18–21°C during germination. Keep the substrate consistently moist but not waterlogged. A fine mist or bottom watering helps prevent the small seeds from being displaced. Germination generally takes approximately 7–14 days. After emergence, provide plenty of light, good air circulation and slightly cooler growing conditions to produce strong, compact seedlings. Transplanting and cultivation Transplant the seedlings into fertile, well-drained soil when they are established and large enough to handle. Choose a bright location with full sun or light partial shade. For long, florist-quality stems, plant closely at approximately 10–15 cm apart. Avoid overcrowding and maintain good air circulation around the plants. Water regularly and evenly, but avoid prolonged waterlogging. Apply a balanced fertiliser according to the fertility of the soil or growing medium. Excessive nitrogen can produce weak, soft growth. Support netting is strongly recommended for professional cut-flower production. It helps keep the long stems straight and protects the plants from leaning or wind damage. Pinching For the earliest possible flowering and the longest main stem, grow Antibes Soft Pink F1 as a single-stem crop without pinching. Pinching encourages branching and produces several stems per plant, but the stems may be shorter and the first harvest will be delayed. The preferred method depends on the desired harvest schedule and stem specifications. Succession sowing Make several sowings at intervals to extend the harvesting period. Group 1 Snapdragons perform best during cooler conditions and lower light levels. When days become longer, temperatures rise and light intensity increases, later Snapdragon groups may provide better stem quality. Harvesting Harvest when approximately one-third of the florets on the flower spike are open. For local sales and immediate use, stems may be harvested when up to one-half of the florets have opened. Cut stems early in the morning or during the coolest part of the day. Remove the lower leaves and place the stems immediately in clean water. The remaining buds will continue to open after harvesting. Floristry The soft pastel-pink flower spikes are ideal for: Bridal and wedding bouquets Romantic spring arrangements Elegant event installations Seasonal mixed bouquets Tall centrepieces Premium florist work Antibes Soft Pink F1 pairs beautifully with cream, white, blush, apricot, lavender and soft-yellow flowers. Important growing note Group classifications describe the conditions under which Snapdragons perform best. Actual flowering time, plant height and stem length may vary according to temperature, day length, light intensity, spacing, fertilisation and cultivation method.