How to Transplant Snapdragons

Snapdragons make wonderful cut flowers with their whimsical shape and wide variety of colors, including shades of pink, purple, yellow and red. Grown in garden beds or containers, these hardy annuals can withstand light frosts, and bloom well into the fall. Available from 4-to-6 inch dwarf varieties to giant, 3-to-4 foot plants, snapdragons are a versatile plant that's suitable for cutting or garden borders.

Things You'll Need

• Garden spade/fork Garden tools

Instructions

1. Transplant snapdragons in the spring when they are 2 to 4 inches in height. Larger plants can be transplanted during the summer, but blooming may be delayed or halted.

2. Dig around the base of the plant with a garden spade or fork, being careful not to disturb young roots.

3. Slide the spade beneath the root ball and lift it from the soil, keeping as much soil as possible intact.

4. Select a new location in a sunny area with fertile, well-draining soil. Place the soil and root ball in a hole that's the same depth as the plant's former location. Firm the soil down gently with your hands to remove air pockets and provide support for the plant.

5. Water thoroughly, and keep the soil evenly moist until the plant is established and shows signs of new growth. Resume regular care once the snapdragon is established.

Tips & Warnings

• Grow snapdragons in full sun. Pinch back center leaves when snapdragons are 4 inches tall to encourage the plant to bush out. Apply water-soluble fertilizer every 10-to-14 days to promote healthy growth.

• Avoid fertilizers that are high in nitrogen. This will cause foliage to thrive, but blooming will be inhibited.