Deep Red Snapdragon 'Ruby' (Antirrhinum majus) seeds
- Velvety Ruby Red – For Elegant Borders and Eye-Catching Bouquets
- Contents: Approx. 1000 seeds
- Open-pollinated variety, seed tested regularly
€2.59
Description
Deep Red Elegance for Classic Summer Borders – A Historic Floral Treasure
The Snapdragon 'Ruby' is a traditional cultivar of Antirrhinum majus, featured in early 20th-century seed catalogues where it was described as a “charming plant for tall beds and groups.” With its deep ruby-red blooms atop strong stems reaching up to 90?cm, it creates striking highlights in classic summer borders, cottage gardens, and elegant floral arrangements.
The upright flower spikes bloom for many weeks and attract bees and bumblebees with their rich colour. 'Ruby' is not only a visual highlight but also a valuable nectar source for pollinators. This variety thrives in sunny positions with well-drained, nutrient-rich soil.
As a typical “Cool Flower”, 'Ruby' can be sown early in the year. It tolerates cool temperatures well and grows into a robust, long-flowering plant—ideal for those looking to add early-season colour to the garden.
Plant profile
| Plant type | Container plant, Houseplant, Summer flower, Wildflower |
|---|---|
| Use | Cut flower, Ornamental plant |
| Lifecycle | Hardy, Perennial |
| Species | Plantaginaceae |
| Seed propagation | Conventional production |
| Region of origin | Mediterranean Region, Southern Europe, Syria, Turkey |
| Characteristics | Cool Flower, Needs light to germinate |
| Eventual height | 40-80 cm |
| Flower colour | Purple, Red |
| Flowering months | August, July, June, October, September |
| Winter hardiness zones | 9 (-7 bis -1 °C) |
Growing instructions
| When to sow outdoors | April, August, May, September |
|---|---|
| Sowing depth | 0 cm |
| Germination temperature | 10-18°C |
| Germination time | 2-3 weeks |
| Climate | Temperate |
| Soil type | Free-draining, Fresh, Humus-rich |
| Sunlight | Full sun |
| Water requirement | Medium |
| Planting distance | 20 cm |
Sowing and care
Sowing and Care of Antirrhinum majus
Snapdragons are easy to grow, drought-tolerant, and prefer sunny locations. For early flowering, it is best to start them indoors on a windowsill:
- Indoor sowing: From February, sow indoors on moist seed compost.
- Light-dependent germinator: Scatter the seeds on the surface and press them down lightly – do not cover with soil.
- Germination temperature: 15–18?°C. Germination occurs after 10–14 days.
- Direct sowing: Possible from April onwards. Autumn sowing with protected overwintering is also an option.
- Position: Full sun; well-drained, low-nutrient soil.
With their nostalgic charm, long flowering period, and robustness, snapdragons are among the most beautiful summer flowers – ideal for naturalistic gardens, cottage-style borders, and cutting beds.
Other names
Botanical name: Antirrhinum majus
German: Löwenmäulchen, Großes Löwenmaul,
English: Common Snapdragon, Garden Snapdragon
French: Muflier, Gueule-de-loup,
Italian: Bocca di leone, Antirrino maggiore,
Spanish: Boca de dragón, Antirrino, Boca de león,
Dutch: Leeuwenbek,
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