When to Plant Snapdragon in Peterborough, ON
Snapdragons (Antirrhinum majus) are classic cool-season annuals whose upright spikes of dragon-lipped flowers are among spring's most dramatic displays. Tolerating light frosts, they bloom from early spring until summer heat shuts them down — then often revive in fall. In zones 9-11 they are grown as fall-planted winter annuals and may re-seed to naturalize.
Peterborough, Ontario is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 13 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 187 days.
At an elevation of 656 feet, Peterborough receives approximately 40.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 81°F, so choose short-season varieties of Snapdragon to ensure they mature before fall. Clay soil retains moisture well for Snapdragon, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot.
Peterborough Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Monthly Watering Guide for Snapdragon
Snapdragon needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Snapdragon Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 4.3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 5.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.1" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Peterborough). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Snapdragon Planting Timeline — Peterborough, ON
Snapdragon Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 2 | Feb 2 – Feb 16 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 13 | Apr 13 – Apr 27 |
| Direct Sow | March 23 | Mar 23 – Apr 13 |
| Bloom | June 22 | Jun 22 – Sep 7 |
· 9" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | Bloom |
| July | Bloom |
| August | Bloom |
| September | Bloom |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Moderate — regular watering
📅 Days to Maturity
70–100 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6.2–7 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
187 days in Peterborough
Growing Tips for Peterborough
Start indoors 10-12 weeks before last frost; seeds need light to germinate — press into moist medium and do not cover. Transplant after hardening off, even if light frosts remain. Pinch seedlings once to encourage branching. Deadhead to prolong blooming. In zones 8-11, sow in fall for a winter-to-spring show. Tall varieties (24-36") make excellent cut flowers.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Snapdragon in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Snapdragon in Peterborough, ON?
Peterborough is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 13. Plan your Snapdragon planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Peterborough, ON?
Peterborough, Ontario is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 13 and first fall frost is October 17.
Your Peterborough Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Peterborough (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.