Snapdragon Seeds - Giant Tetra Mix

115-121 Days to maturity. Antirrhinum majus. Giant Tetra Mix Snapdragon Flower Seeds. Non-GMO, open-pollinated, annual. Deer resistant. Attracts pollinators. Displays rose, scarlet, pink, cream, and gold blooms from late spring through early fall. Recommended for growing in beds, containers, and greenhouses. In the landscape, Giant Tetra Mix snapdragons are great for use as cut flowers, borders, or background plants. They have a tall, upright growth habit with tolerance to cold conditions. Snapdragon flowers are not recommended for culinary use. Giant Tetra Mix is a tetraploid snapdragon strain prized for exceptionally large, densely packed flower spikes and thicker stems - an outstanding choice for cutting gardens and bold spring and fall borders. ~223,000 seeds/oz. Latin Name: Antirrhinum majus Hardiness Zone: Annual 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 Days to Maturity: 115-121 Days to Germination: 10-14 Seeding Depth: Surface sow - do not cover; seeds need light to germinate Plant Spacing: 9-12 inches Row Spacing: 12-18 inches Plant Height: 30-36 inches Plant Width: 9-12 inches Plant Spread: 9-12 inches Bloom Size: 1-1.5 inches Growth Habit: Upright Soil Preference: Fertile, well-drained soil with consistent moisture; pH 6.0-7.0. Temperature Preference: 45-65 F Light Preference: Full Sun Pests and Diseases: Watch for aphids and spider mites in warm, dry conditions. Rust and botrytis can be issues in wet weather - avoid overhead watering and ensure good air circulation. Attracts hummingbirds and butterflies. Giant Tetra Mix Snapdragon Color: Rose, scarlet, pink, cream, gold Bloom Time: Spring, Summer, Fall Easy/Hard: Easy Direct Sow: Yes Start Indoors: Yes, start indoors 6 to 8 weeks before transplanting outdoors Seed Stratification: Not Recommended Landscape Use: Background, borders, mass planting, containers Tolerance: Cold, Deer Resistant Growing Non-GMO Giant Tetra Mix Snapdragon Flower Seeds Snapdragons are cool-season annuals that prefer the mild temperatures of spring and fall. Start seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost date. Press seeds gently onto the surface of moist seed-starting mix and do not cover - snapdragon seeds require light to germinate. Maintain soil moisture at 65 to 72 F; seedlings typically emerge in 10 to 14 days. No stratification is needed. Harden off transplants for one week before moving outdoors, then plant 9 to 12 inches apart in rows 12 to 18 inches apart in full sun. In mild-winter climates (zones 8 and warmer), seeds can also be direct sown in fall for winter and early spring blooms. Giant Tetra Mix produces tall stalks of 30 to 36 inches and may benefit from staking in exposed or windy locations. Pinch young transplants to encourage branching and a fuller habit. Deadhead spent spikes regularly to extend the blooming season. Water at the base of plants to reduce pressure from rust and botrytis. A balanced slow-release fertilizer worked into the bed at planting supports strong stem development and continuous flowering through the season. Giant Tetra Mix Snapdragon in the Flower Garden Giant Tetra Mix snapdragons are a natural fit for cutting gardens, cottage borders, and any planting that calls for strong vertical interest. Their tall, dense spikes work beautifully as background plants behind shorter annuals and perennials. The rich mix of warm and cool tones coordinates effortlessly with almost any color scheme. Snapdragons attract hummingbirds and butterflies throughout the season, adding movement and life to the garden. While deer generally avoid snapdragons, rabbits may browse young transplants - a light deterrent spray at planting time can help protect new growth. Harvesting Giant Tetra Mix Snapdragon Giant Tetra Mix is one of the best snapdragons available for cut flower use. Harvest stems in the early morning when one-third to one-half of the florets on the spike have opened, cutting at a long angle with clean, sharp shears. Remove all foliage that would sit below the waterline and place stems immediately into cool water. With fresh water and a floral preservative, cut snapdragon stems can last 7 to 10 days in a vase. For the longest stems and best vase life, harvest before the top florets have fully opened. Cutting regularly also encourages the plant to produce additional side shoots and prolongs the overall blooming season. About Giant Tetra Mix Snapdragon Garden Seeds Snapdragon flowers are not considered edible and are not recommended for culinary use. The plants are generally regarded as non-toxic to humans but may cause mild digestive upset if consumed in quantity. Check with a veterinarian regarding pets, as sensitivities can vary. The "Tetra" designation refers to tetraploidy - a plant breeding technique that doubles the normal chromosome count. The result is a plant with noticeably larger, more densely packed flower spikes, thicker stems, and greater overall vigor compared to standard diploid snapdragons. Giant Tetra strains are favored by cut flower growers for exactly these traits. Snapdragons take their common name from the hinged, mouth-like flower that snaps open and closed when squeezed at the sides - a feature that has delighted children and gardeners alike for centuries. The Latin genus name Antirrhinum derives from the Greek for "nose-like," another reference to the flower's distinctive shape. Native to the rocky Mediterranean regions of Europe and North Africa, snapdragons have been cultivated in gardens since at least the 16th century. Today, they are among the most popular cool-season annuals in North America, valued equally for their garden display and their performance as long-lasting cut flowers. Tips From Our Gardeners "Giant Tetra Mix is my go-to for cut flowers in the spring garden. I start them indoors in late winter, get them in the ground as soon as the soil is workable, and by late April, I have armloads of tall, colorful spikes that last beautifully in a vase. The trick is to cut them young - when the bottom third of the spike is just starting to open." - Jerry Sawyer, True Leaf Market Writer Giant Tetra Mix Snapdragon Seeds Per Package: 400 mg Packet - Approximately 3,140 Seeds 0.25 oz Bulk - Approximately 55,750 Seeds 1 oz Wholesale - Approximately 223,000 Seeds