Snapdragons will flourish in full sun or partial shade. Ideally, snapdragons should receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. However, it is important to offer them some shade as well. If temperatures are extremely hot, these flowers may struggle to bloom unless some shade is provided. It is also important to understand that these plants sometimes have a short lifespan. The best option is to position them in partial shade, keep them well-watered, and make sure they get their minimum sun requirements. This will greatly increase their chances of the plant surviving through the summer to bloom again in autumn.
How Many Hours of Sun Do Snapdragons Need?
Snapdragons need 6 hours of direct sun per day. They like sunlight, but are partial to cooler temperatures. This means a delicate balance must be found. Plant your snapdragons in moist, well-drained soil, and always keep them in an area where they will receive 6 hours of direct sun each day. East-facing flower beds are often best for snapdragons because they provide sun in the cool hours of the morning but are shaded during the hot afternoon.
- Snapdragons should receive 6 hours of direct sun per day.
- Snapdragons like full sun but not extreme heat.
- Plant snapdragons on the east side of a shade tree or building to provide morning sun, followed by afternoon shade.
- Snapdragons may have few blooms if they are exposed to temperatures above 90℉ (32℃ ).
Provide snapdragons with light or dappled shade during the hottest part of the day. Avoid planting your snapdragons in an area with poor air circulation. These plants need plenty of fresh, circulating air to thrive. If temperatures exceed 90℉ (32℃ )and there is no breeze, your snapdragon may struggle to produce flowers.
Can Snapdragons Grow in Indirect Sunlight?
Snapdragons will flourish in indirect sunlight, although they do prefer to get their 6 hours of direct sun. In very hot temperatures, 8–10 hours of indirect light is enough. Provided they get enough light, snapdragons will thrive just like they do in full sun.
- Snapdragons prefer 6 hours of direct sun, but they can grow in indirect sunlight.
- Increase sun hours to 8–10 per day if your snapdragons are grown in indirect light.
- If temperatures are high due to the summer heat, indirect sunlight is preferable to direct sun.
If temperatures do not exceed 90℉ (32℃ ) at any point during summer, aim for 6 hours of full sun. Then, provide indirect sunlight for the remainder of the day. In particularly hot climates, provide indirect sunlight as the primary light source for your snapdragons.
Can Snapdragons Grow in Shade?
You can grow snapdragons in shade, but you probably won’t be happy with the results. Partial shade, such as when direct light is blocked for all but 3–5 hours daily, is acceptable. Try not to plant snapdragons in deep shade, though, because it lessens their beautiful blooms. Full shade also has a negative impact on the long-term health of your snapdragons.
- Snapdragons don’t grow well in the shade.
- They can thrive in partial shade, especially in warm temperatures.
- Full shade can negatively impact their health and appearance.
Because most gardens have areas where the sun is available, avoid planting snapdragons where no direct light will be received. When growing snapdragons in containers indoors, make sure they are not constantly in shade. Instead, place them on a sunny windowsill for 6-8 hours daily.
What Happens if Snapdragons Don’t Get Enough Sun?
Snapdragons will quickly languish if they are deprived of the sun. Deep shade is bad for these plants for a variety of reasons. For example, their array of colors will not be as vibrant and blooms will not be as lush if they are kept from direct sunlight.
- Snapdragons should never be deprived of the sun.
- Lack of sun causes snapdragons to produce less vibrant and beautiful flowers.
- If snapdragons are kept from light, it can cause plant disease.
Snapdragon blooms and leaves may become brown or yellow after long periods of no sun. Even indirect sun offers snapdragons an environment in which to thrive. However, if neither direct nor indirect sunlight is available, your plants will be susceptible to root rot and disease.
Can Snapdragons Get Too Much Sun?
Snapdragons can get too much sun, but the signs are similar whether they get too little or too much. The first thing you’ll notice if your snapdragons are exposed to too much sun is their failure to produce an abundant bloom. You may also notice current blooms becoming discolored.
- Snapdragons can get too much sun.
- The first sign of excessive sun is poor blooms.
- Discoloration is common when snapdragons get too much sun exposure.
- Snapdragons usually revive if offered appropriate shade.
Typically, discoloration from excess sun begins around the edges of leaves and spreads inward toward the stem. Dry, brown texture or yellow-colored stems and flowers are common signs of too much sun. Fortunately, if you provide a bit of shade for your snapdragons as soon as you notice discoloration, they almost always spring back to life.
Snapdragon Sun Requirements
Full sun to partial shade is the best environment for your snapdragons. They should have a minimum of 6 hours of full sun daily. However, offering them some shade is essential as well. Flowers may not bloom well if temperatures are extremely hot. In weather hotter than 90℉ (32℃ ), provide afternoon shade to help your snapdragons thrive.
- Snapdragons do best when they receive 6 hours of sun per day.
- Plant snapdragons in partial shade but don’t deprive them of sun.
- A lack of sun causes snapdragons to wilt and produce few blooms.
- Too much sun can cause leaves to burn at the edges.
- When properly taken care of, snapdragons will bloom in summer and again in autumn.
Although snapdragons are typically short-lived plants, if they are properly cared for, they will flower multiple times. Typically, bright snapdragon flowers will first bloom in spring. As long as you keep your snapdragon plant well-shaded in summer, it will bloom again in fall. This will fill your garden beds with beautiful snapdragon flowers twice each year.
