The quintessential cottage garden plant, snapdragon comes in a staggering array of hues. Buy healthy, green plants with no signs of wilting or disease. Plants should be stocky, with plenty of leaves. It's actually a plus if they don't have any flowers on them - they'll divert their early energy into root development rather than flowering. Choose a site in full sun to light shade.
Snapdragons prefer average to rich, well-drained soil.
Work in a spadeful or two of compost into the soil at planting time. Plant seedlings in spring, a month before your region's last frost date if you live in USDA zones 2 to 8. Plant seedlings in fall in zones 9 to 11. Position plants 6 to 12 inches apart depending on the plants' mature height, which can range from 7 inches to 3 feet, depending on the variety. Snapdragons look best in groups of 15 or more.