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Annuals/Snapdragon

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Expert: - 7/31/2007


Question
I planted a bunch of snap dragon's but they are leaning over instead of standing up straight. the area is sun to part shade. The other flowers in the area are doing well. Is their something I can do?

Thanks in advance

Answer
Other Flowers may not need as much sun as your beautiful Snapdragons.  Part Shade does not always cut the mustard for these annuals, John.

But even in the best of light, rain and dew weight these big flowers down; next thing you know they are taking a bow. Tall Snapdragons (one of my personal favorites) MUST be staked, just like Gladiolus, Dahlias and Delphiniums.  Mother Nature is not responsible for the gravity defying challenges of these flowers.  You can read some instructions at the Iowa State Horticultural website:

http://www.ipm.iastate.edu/ipm/hortnews/1994/3-23-1994/snappy.html

They point out: 'Staking should be done early in the season.'  This is fairly true of ALL tall flowers that need bracing from wind and the elements.  Iowa State recommends a cloth to keep the stems from being damaged by metal twist-ties.  My personal preference is the elastic stretchy green plastic ribbon sold in garden centers; I purchase mine on the internet from Swan Island Dahlias:

http://www.dahlias.com/

It is posted as 'Stretch Tie Tape' and it is $3.95 for a long roll, plus p/h.

It's a little extra trouble.  But totally worth it.  Tell your friend good luck.

Annuals

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Long Island Gardener

Expertise

Decisions, decisions... If you can't make up your mind which Annuals to grow, you're not alone. Problem with your new flowering Annuals flats? I`ve been there, done that. Petunias, Sweet Alyssum, Larkspur, Marine Blue Lobelia -- they all grow here at my house on Garden Street on Long Island, N.Y.. Cutting and Cottage Gardens, Sun and Shade Gardens, White Gardens and Night Gardens, I`ve done them all. Annuals are the perfect summer flower, bursting with color June through fall's first frost. I can`t speak on Cactus or tender Tropical Plants -- they don`t grow outside in my Zone 7. I`m no Farmer, so I cannot guide you on Fruits and Vegetables. But whether it`s an Annual you want to start from seed, mail-order or pick up at your local garden center, I can help you grow amazing blooms this Summer. Yes, together, we can turn your neighbors green with envy.

Experience

I have a lifetime of gardening behind me here on the North Shore of Long Island. While I have degrees in related fields, there's nothing like hands-on work to build real knowledge. I stay on top of current science -- there's a boom in research, and Kingdom Plantae is filled with surprises. By the way, I really do live on Garden Street.

Publications
Gannett newspapers, The New York Times, and hundreds of others - but not on Annuals.

Education/Credentials
B.A., botany; graduate credits in European Intellectual History and Political Science; minor coursework in related fields, docent training at our local botanical gardens (required for volunteers). I'm currently working on an advanced biochemistry degree.

Awards and Honors
I could tell you, but then you'd know who I am.

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