How to Grow Snapdragon Maryland Pink Bicolor

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Snapdragon Maryland Pink Bicolor

Antirrhinum majus 'Maryland Pink Bicolor'

flower

Maryland Pink Bicolor is an ornamental snapdragon cultivar featuring tall spikes of distinctive pink and white bicolored flowers. This variety is prized for its dramatic two-tone blooms and excellent performance in cool-season gardens and cut flower arrangements. It belongs to the tall snapdragon class, reaching 24-36 inches in height.

Looking for a specific variety?

Rocket Series Candlelight Series Madame Butterfly Twinny Series Solstice Series Chantilly Series

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Example Snapdragon Maryland Pink Bicolor timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

Plant Snapdragon Maryland Pink Bicolor
Around Apr 17

Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
Tend & protect
Late spring–summer

Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
First Snapdragon Maryland Pink Bicolor blooms
Around Jun 26

≈ 70 days after planting

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Snapdragon Maryland Pink Bicolor dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily; tolerates light afternoon shade in hot climates

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Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water at soil level to prevent foliage diseases; reduce watering in cool weather; approximately 1 inch per week

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Spacing: 12 inches

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Days to maturity: 70-85 days from transplant to first flowers

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Planting depth: Surface sow or press seeds lightly into soil; do not cover, seeds need light to germinate

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil with moderate fertility

pH: 6.0-7.0

Amendments:

Compost Peat moss Perlite for drainage

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Cool-season annual thriving in zones 3-10; performs best in regions with mild summers

3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b 10a

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Growth Stages

Germination

7-14 days

Seeds sprout and develop cotyledons; seedlings remain low and compact with true leaves beginning to emerge

Maintain warm, moist soil (65-75°F); provide bright light immediately after sprouting; keep humidity moderate; avoid damping-off by ensuring good air circulation

Seedling & Transplant

3-4 weeks

Young plants develop 2-4 true leaves; stems strengthen and thicken; ready for potting up or transplanting to larger containers

Provide 12-16 hours of bright light daily; fertilize weekly with dilute balanced fertilizer; pinch seedlings at 2-3 leaf stage to encourage branching; maintain cool temperatures (60-70°F) to prevent legginess

Vegetative Growth

4-6 weeks after transplanting

Plant develops multiple stems and dense foliage; height increases rapidly with characteristic linear leaves; no flowers yet visible

Harden off seedlings before transplanting outdoors by gradually exposing to direct sun and wind; space properly for good air circulation; provide support stakes as plants grow tall; maintain consistent moisture and moderate fertilization

Flowering & Bloom

6-12 weeks or until frost

Tall flower spikes emerge along stems bearing stacked pink and white bicolored tubular flowers; flowers bloom from base to tip of spike over several weeks

Deadhead spent flowers below the next flower bud cluster to extend blooming; stake tall varieties to prevent wind damage; reduce nitrogen fertilizer to promote more flowers over foliage; maintain consistent moisture; watch for powdery mildew in humid conditions

Senescence & End of Season

2-4 weeks until plant declines

Flowers fade and blooms diminish as temperatures drop or heat increases; foliage may discolor; plant deteriorates as it reaches end of annual life cycle

Continue deadheading to extend bloom as long as possible; reduce watering; stop fertilizing; collect seeds if desired before pulling plants; snapdragons typically end after frost or intense heat

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Dusty Miller Sweet Alyssum Petunias Salvia Stock Calendula Dianthus Cornflowers Asters

Avoid planting near:

Fennel Wormwood

Common Pests

Spray with strong water jet to dislodge; use insecticidal soap or horticultural oil; encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs
Increase humidity; spray undersides of leaves with water; apply miticide if severe; ensure good air circulation
Use sticky yellow traps; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; remove heavily infested leaves
Improve air circulation; water at soil level only; remove infected leaves promptly; apply sulfur or fungicide if needed
Ensure good air circulation; avoid overhead watering; apply fungicide with sulfur or potassium bicarbonate; space plants adequately

Uses

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Edible Flower Garnish

Culinary

Snapdragon petals are mildly edible and add visual appeal to salads, desserts, and beverage presentations. They have a slightly grassy, delicate flavor and contribute ornamental value to gourmet dishes. [source]

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Cut Flower Arrangements

Craft

Maryland Pink Bicolor snapdragons are exceptional cut flowers with tall, sturdy spikes ideal for formal bouquets, wedding arrangements, and commercial floristry. Their height and color make them a designer favorite for creating dramatic vertical interest. [source]

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Garden Color & Vertical Interest

Household

These tall snapdragons serve as excellent backdrop plants or focal points in cottage gardens, borders, and mixed perennial beds. The pink and white bicolor blooms create striking color combinations with complementary plants. [source]

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Pollinator Support

Wildlife

Snapdragon flowers attract bees and other pollinators seeking nectar and pollen. Planting them supports local pollinator populations and contributes to garden ecosystem health. [source]

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Traditional Herbal Use

Medicinal

Historically, snapdragons have been used in traditional herbalism for various purposes, though modern clinical evidence is limited. The plant contains compounds with potential anti-inflammatory properties. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Cut snapdragon spikes when 1/3 to 1/2 of the flowers along the spike have opened for longest vase life (7-10 days). Cut in early morning when stems are fully hydrated. Remove lower leaves that would sit below the waterline. Change water every 2-3 days and re-cut stems at an angle. Deadhead spent flowers on garden plants by pinching or cutting just below the faded flower cluster to encourage more blooms from lateral shoots.

Fun Facts

🌱 Snapdragon seed pods resemble tiny skulls when dried, leading to the plant being called 'skull flower' or 'monkey face' in some regions, and making them popular in Gothic garden designs.
🌱 The flower's mouth-like structure opens and closes when squeezed gently on the sides, providing pollinator access and earning the name 'snap' dragon from the snapping action.
🌱 Snapdragons are cool-season annuals that thrive in spring and fall, and they can be overwintered in mild climates (zones 9-10) to bloom again the following year, acting as short-lived perennials.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Annual Cultivar Deadhead Full Sun Transplant True Leaves

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