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Antirrhinum Potomac Orange F1 Seeds

£2.45

Antirrhinum Potomac Orange F1 is a “Group 3-4” snapdragon, specifically bred for professional cut-flower quality during the long, warm days of summer. This high-performance hybrid produces exceptionally tall, straight stems reaching up to 150cm, topped with densely packed spikes of vibrant sunset-orange and coral blooms. Unlike bedding snapdragons, the Potomac series is designed for height and stem strength, making it a “must-have” for both the cutting garden and the back of a sunny border.

  • Professional Quality: Bred for florist-grade stems and a long vase life (7-10 days).
  • Summer Specialist: Thrives in high light and warmer temperatures.
  • Pollinator Magnet: Specifically attracts larger bumblebees strong enough to open the “snap” flowers.
  • Height: Impressive vertical growth, reaching 120cm to 150cm.

    Average Packet Contents: 20 Seeds

In stock

SKU: 0222HVJ-SC-20 Categories: , Brand:

Antirrhinum Potomac Orange F1: The Gold Standard for Summer Snapdragons

Antirrhinum Potomac Orange F1 represents the pinnacle of modern snapdragon breeding. While many older varieties struggle and go to seed when the summer heat hits, the Potomac series is built to excel in those conditions. The flowers are a complex, fruity orange with hints of pink and yellow in the throat, creating a glowing effect in the garden. Because this is an F1 hybrid, you can expect remarkable uniformity in height and flowering time, ensuring your display looks professional and consistent.

Sowing and Germination Requirements

To get the height and stem quality this variety is famous for, you must start Antirrhinum Potomac Orange F1 under cover.

  • When to Sow: Sow indoors from January to March.
  • Light is Critical: These seeds are tiny and require light to germinate. Surface sow onto a fine, moist seed compost and do not cover them. Simply press the seeds gently into the surface to ensure good contact.
  • Care: Use a propagator or a warm windowsill (18-21°C). To avoid “damping off”—a common snapdragon issue—water only from below by placing the tray in water, and ensure good ventilation once the seedlings emerge.

Growth Habit: To Pinch or Not to Pinch?

How you grow Antirrhinum Potomac Orange F1 depends on your goal.

  • For the Florist Look: If you want a single, massive, show-stopping spike (often seen in professional bouquets), do not pinch the central stem. Give the plant support with a stake or netting to keep it perfectly straight.
  • For a Garden Display: If you prefer more flowers over a longer period, “pinch out” the growing tip when the plant has 4–6 leaves. This encourages the plant to branch out, resulting in a bushier habit with more (though slightly shorter) flower spikes.

Wildlife Interaction: A Lesson for the Garden

The “snap” in snapdragon is actually a clever evolutionary gate. The flowers of Antirrhinum Potomac Orange F1 are tightly closed to protect their nectar from smaller insects. Only heavier pollinators, primarily bumblebees, have the weight and strength to force the “hinge” open and climb inside. Watching bumblebees shoulder their way in and emerge covered in golden pollen is one of the highlights of growing this variety.

Harvesting for the Home

For the longest vase life, harvest your Antirrhinum Potomac Orange F1 when the bottom third of the flowers on the spike have opened. If you wait until the whole spike is in bloom, the lower flowers will begin to fade shortly after you bring them indoors. Regular deadheading of spent spikes will encourage the plant to produce a second flush of flowers, keeping your garden vibrant from June through to the first frosts of autumn.

The Grown Local VerdictAntirrhinum Potomac Orange F1 is a world away from the short, squat snapdragons you find in garden centres. It is a tall, elegant, and hard-working variety that produces some of the best orange blooms we’ve seen. It requires a bit of care during the seedling stage, but the reward is a ‘Group 3-4’ performer that absolutely loves the British summer sun.

Weight 5 g