Snapdragons, commonly known as Snaps, are highly versatile flowers that add fabulous color, height, and texture to floral arrangements. Available year-round in a wide array of colors such as white, pink, yellow, burgundy, orange, red, purple and bi-colors, Snapdragons can work well with any design style or theme. Handled with care, Snapdragons tend to be quite hardy. Following a few simple guidelines, Snapdragons will far exceed your vase life expectations.
Problems & Solutions
Problem:
Ethylene Sensitivity
Solution:
Snapdragons are highly sensitive to ethylene which can cause flower drop or shattering. Use ethylene action-inhibitor products such as FloraLife® EthylGuard* at farm level and/or EthylBloc™ during storage and transportation to safeguard Snapdragons against any exposure to ethylene.
Problem:
Disease Sensitivity
Solution:
Snapdragons are susceptible to Botrytis development. Extremely high relative humidity or temperature fluctuation during shipping should be avoided as condensation on sleeves can promote pathogen growth. Do not over pack buckets with bunches to allow enough breathing room between stems. Also, respect the cold chain. Do not get water on or handle the flowers by their blooms.
Problem:
Prone to Mechanical/Physical Damage
Solution:
Blooms, stems, and foliage are delicate and must be packed carefully to avoid bruising and breakage. You should also be cautious when designing with Snapdragons, stems can get tangled easily in the bunch and pulling too hard will damage the flowers.
Problem:
Geotropic Bending
Solution:
Snapdragons are prone to geotropic bending, or stem ends bending upwards. This happens when stored or shipped at a horizontal position. Snapdragons are extremely sensitive to gravity. Flowers held in horizontal position quickly curve upwards. The flower bending phenomenon is more pronounced at elevated temperature. Curvatures in inflorescence will straighten somewhat when hydrated under direct, bright light. Ideal storage is upright with any light directly overhead.
Need to Know: Snapdragon Helpful Hints
Properly Mixed Flower Food: The Benefits
- Helps blooms fully develop and stalk to open to the top
- Helps Snapdragons stay hydrated and avoid wilting
- Results in longer vase life
- Better color development & retention of buds
Keep them Fresh!
- Snapdragons need to hydrate well. We recommend pre-treating at farms with FloraLife® Express Clear 100. Use ethylene action-inhibitor products such as FloraLife® EthylGuard* at farm level and EthylBloc™ during storage and transportation.
- Recommended flower food solution for storage/transport: FloraLife® Express Clear ULTRA 200.
- Recommended flower food solution for end consumers: FloraLife® Express Universal 300 packets.
- Cooler / Storage temperature should be 34-38°F, 1-3°C
- Snapdragons can ship dry or wet without issue as long as you avoid temperature fluctuations. If shipping or storing dry pack, be sure flowers are well hydrated with FloraLife® Express Clear 100 before packing. If shipping or storing wet pack, we recommend using FloraLife® Express Clear 200 storage and shipping solution. Always store upright if possible.
- Use FloraLife® Transport Paper sheets for shipping and storage.
Performance
- Average vase life for Snapdragons is 5-15 days.
- Opening is gradual. Snapdragons begin blooming at the bottom of the spike working its way up. There are usually a couple of blooms open at the bottom of the stem at the time or purchase or delivery.
- Foliage typically has no issues.
- Snapdragons can be mixed with other flowers without any negative or harmful effects.
- When processing, be sure all leaves that would be below the flower food solution level are removed. If you aren't using FloraLife® Express technology, you'll want to re-cut stems. Check water levels daily, if water levels become low, you should repeat your processing steps replenishing with a freshly made flower food solution like FloraLife® Express 300.
- Snapdragons are good vertical line flowers in design work. They work well when incorporated into natural garden type vase arrangements or designs. Snapdragons are extremely sensitive to gravity. Flowers held in horizontal position quickly curve upward. After following standard flower care procedures, do not remove more leaves than necessary, as this can stimulate flower fall. As flowers open towards the top of the stems, the bottom blooms will naturally die. Simply remove these to prolong vase life. Can be used in foam designs, but stems will need to be hydrated overnight prior. Since stems are tall, it's suggested to use a secure foam to hold them in place well. Cut stems at an angle before inserting into foam and check foam daily to ensure stems stay hydrated.
- Use FloraLife® Finishing Touch spray once designs are complete to keep blooms fresh and hydrated.
FIFO
- Our top recommendation always for inventory rotation is to follow the FIFO (First In First Out) guidelines. Snapdragons should have a storage life of 5 days maximum. Wet pack storage should be limited to 3 days or less.
Want to learn more or need expert advice? Visit FloraLife.com or contact your local representation for an in-person consultation!
*Product availability depends upon geographical region. Check here for more information.