Antirrhinum Crown Mixed

Antirrhinum majus 'Crown Mixed' is a robust Half-Hardy Annual (H3). While botanically a short-lived perennial, it is raised as an annual in the UK to ensure maximum floral vigour. This "intermediate" variety is specifically bred for its self-supporting architecture, possessing thick, fibrous stems that do not require the intensive staking associated with taller florist types.

The "Flowering Hedge" Biology: Unlike single-stemmed varieties, 'Crown Mixed' possesses a strong genetic drive for lateral branching from the base. This results in a dense, multi-stemmed mound of foliage that acts as a structural anchor in mid-border positions, providing a "wall of colour" effect that remains stable even through significant summer rainfall.

Pollinator Spectacle: As an RHS Plant for Pollinators, the 'Crown' series is a high-value species for biodiversity. The "personate" (mask-like) flowers are a specialized evolutionary adaptation; only heavy-bodied bumblebees are strong enough to force the petals open to reach the nectar, providing a protected food source for these essential British pollinators.

Snapdragon seeds are minute and require specific light conditions and temperature triggers to ensure successful germination.

How to Sow:
Sow indoors from February to April. Surface sow the seeds onto moist, high-quality seed compost and do not cover them; Antirrhinum seeds are photoblastic and require light to trigger germination. Simply press them gently into the surface to ensure contact. Maintain a consistent temperature of 20-22°C. Germination is reliable, typically occurring within 10-14 days.

Where to Plant:
They demand full sun to reach their peak flowering potential and thrive in average, well-drained soil. They are specialists of mid-border drifts and large patio containers. Space plants 30cm apart to allow for their bushy, multi-stemmed architecture. Crucial: Only plant out in late May or June once all risk of frost has passed.

The "Pinching" Secret:
Even though 'Crown Mixed' is naturally branching, you can maximize its performance by pinching out the growing tips once the seedlings reach 10cm in height. This forces the plant to divert its energy into 6-8 side shoots, resulting in a much denser "hedge" of flowers. Regular deadheading of spent spikes will ensure a continuous supply of fresh, vivid buds until the first hard frosts of autumn.

The self-supporting mounds of 'Crown Mixed' work spectacularly with partners from our available range:

• Nicotiana sylvestris : The Day-and-Night Duo. A high-impact, professional-looking combination. The towering, fragrant white spires of Nicotiana provide a vertical backdrop for the carnival-coloured Snapdragons, creating a multi-sensory display that transitions beautifully from day into evening.
• ☁️ Cosmos 'Sensation Mixed' : The Textural Harmony. For a classic cottage aesthetic, pair the solid upright spikes of Snapdragons with the floaty, feathery foliage of Cosmos. Both are relentless pollinators and share a love of full sun, providing a long-season wall of vibrant, moving colour.

Sow indoors in spring for a summer-long carnival of snapping dragon blooms that will fill your mid-borders and patio pots until October.