When to Plant Snapdragon in Union County, OR
June in Union County, Oregon — your action list
A quick June briefing for Union County, Oregon gardeners — what's urgent, what's next, and what can wait.
July prep starts now
- Starting indoors: snapdragon
- First harvests: snapdragon
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.
Union County, Oregon is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is May 12 and the first fall frost is September 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 137 days.
At an elevation of 2,751 feet, Union County receives approximately 23.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Snapdragon during the growing season.
Union County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.2-6.6
Drainage
Well Drained
Snapdragon Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Union County
How your county's soil matches Snapdragon's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.2–6.6) is more acidic than Snapdragon prefers (6.2–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Union County is excellent for Snapdragon — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Snapdragon.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (5.6%) — Snapdragon will thrive.
How to Plant Snapdragon
Succession Planting Snapdragon
Sow every 8 weeks. Last sowing by Jun 18 to harvest before frost.
Snapdragon Water Budget
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 | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 1.5" | 2.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 0.9" | 3.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 0.4" | 3.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 0.5" | 3.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 1" | 3.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 4.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Union County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Snapdragon Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Snapdragon Planting Timeline — Union County, OR
Snapdragon Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 3 | Mar 3 – Mar 17 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 12 | May 12 – May 26 |
| Direct Sow | April 21 | Apr 21 – May 12 |
| Bloom | July 21 | Jul 21 – Oct 6 |
· 9" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Bloom |
| August | Bloom |
| September | Bloom |
| October | Bloom |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
70–100 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6.2–7 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
137 days in Union County
Growing Tips for Snapdragon in Union County
Direct sow Snapdragon outdoors after May 12 in Union County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Union County receives only 24" of rain annually. Snapdragon needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
General growing tips
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 Union County, OR?
Union County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of May 12. Plan your Snapdragon planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Union County, OR?
Union County, Oregon is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is May 12 and first fall frost is September 26.
Your Union County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Union County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.