Antirrhinum majus SKULL PLANT (20 seeds)

Skull Plant, also known as Snapdragon, or Antirrhinum majus in Latin, belongs to the Scrophulariaceae family. It is a fast-growing, rather original plant that measures between 30 and 60 centimeters in height. This deciduous perennial produces a beautiful summer bloom.

Its leaves are oval to lanceolate, with slightly toothed edges. They appear in a basal rosette and are arranged oppositely along the stem. They are bright green and can reach up to 10 cm in length. The texture of the leaves is slightly hairy, giving them a soft feel to the touch.

The pink flowers appear in terminal clusters and are often described as having the shape of a "dragon's mouth," hence their common name. The flowers consist of two lips, with a shorter upper part and a lower part that opens wide. Flowering takes place from spring to autumn.

The fruits of Antirrhinum majus are small capsules that form after the flowers are pollinated. These capsules, measuring about 2 to 3 cm long, are elongated and open at maturity to release shiny black seeds. Each skull-shaped capsule can contain several dozen seeds.

Snapdragon seeds are round, small, and black.

- Properties and Uses:

The main appeal of the Snapdragon is the unusual nature of its capsule. Indeed, the brown seed pod is shaped like a skeletal skull. Even more surprisingly, the "eyes" and "mouth" of the skull close when wet and open again once dry.

Antirrhinum is often grown in gardens, flower beds, or floral arrangements for its pink bloom. Its bright colors and unique shape add beauty to landscapes. The Snapdragon is a rare plant that fully deserves its place as an ornamental. It is a truly amazing plant to discover.

- Sowing and Germination:

• The most favorable period to sow Skull Plant is from the beginning of April until the end of May.
• Prepare a tray of fine, pre-moistened potting soil.
• Sprinkle the seeds on top and cover them with just a few millimeters of substrate.
• Water manually using a sprayer.
• Place the culture in a greenhouse in a warm, humid location.
• Germination will begin about 3 weeks after sowing in the greenhouse.
• Once the plants reach 10 to 15 cm in height, you can plant them directly in the garden. The first little skulls will appear at the end of summer; be sure to let them ripen fully before harvesting.

- Soil and Substrate:

It grows very well in a draining and light substrate. A mix of potting soil, sand, and compost is ideal for the plant's development. It is important that the substrate is rich in nutrients while allowing adequate root aeration through the addition of gravel or vermiculite.

- Exposure:

This floral plant loves full sun to partial shade. A location receiving 6 to 8 hours of direct light per day is optimal for abundant flowering and a high production of little skulls. However, in very hot regions, a little shade during the hottest hours of the day can be beneficial to avoid water stress.

- Temperature and Hardiness:

Antirrhinum majus develops best in moderate temperatures, preferably between 15 and 25°C. It is somewhat frost-tolerant and regrows easily.

- Watering and Irrigation:

Watering should be moderate and regular, taking care not to waterlog the soil. It is best to water when the surface of the substrate begins to dry. In summer, more frequent watering may be necessary, whereas irrigation is not required in winter.

- Propagation:

The pink Snapdragon reproduces essentially by seed. Unfortunately, it cannot be grown from cuttings.

- Pests and Diseases:

It is a plant resistant to many diseases, making it an excellent choice for gardeners.

- Maintenance:

Prune any dry parts at the end of winter.