Costa Rose II – (F1) Snapdragon Seed

New! Versatile Group 2 snapdragon.
Robust stems, high-quality blooms, and uniform growth in the field or greenhouse. Group 2 snapdragon bred for performance under short days and low temperatures. We’ve found the Costa Series to be more adaptable than most Group 2 snapdragons, in that the plants produce strong stems and high-quality blooms even under slightly warmer and longer days than would be ideal for a Group 2 series. Costa performs well in our spring and fall trials both in the field and tunnel, and overwintered (fall-planted inside an unheated tunnel for early spring flowering). Flower quality and stem quality are reduced under long days and high temperatures. Costa Rose II is medium-dark pink, one shade lighter than Costa Deep Rose II, and one shade darker than Costa Light Rose II. Overall performance is consistent with the rest of the Costa II Series.

• Edible Flowers: The flowers are a colorful garnish for use in salads, desserts, and drinks. The flavor is floral and slightly bitter, so use sparingly.

Specs:

• Plant Height: 28–36"
• Packet: 50 seeds
• Avg. 185,000 seeds/oz

DAYS TO GERMINATION: 7-14 days at 70-75°F (21-24°C)
SOWING: Transplant (recommended) – Surface-sow into 128-cell flats or preferred seedling container 8-10 weeks before planting out. Light is required for germination; cover just enough to hold seeds in place. Pinching is recommend if branching is desired. Light is required for germination, but a fine layer of vermiculite covering the seeds can maintain moisture levels and prevent algae growth. Bottom water or mist lightly to avoid covering the seed with displaced soil. Transplant to cell packs or larger containers when the first true leaves appear, approximately 3-4 weeks after sowing. If desired, for a bushier plant that produces more flower-producing side branches, pinch young plants back by half their height when plants have formed 4-6 leaves or are approximately 3-4 inches tall. Pinching will delay the crop time by a few weeks. If pinching, space plants 6-12 inches apart. Direct seeding is not recommended.
LIGHT PREFERENCE: Sun/Part Shade.
PLANT HEIGHT: Varies.
PLANT SPACING: 4-12".
HARDINESS ZONES: Annual.
STEM LENGTH: 12-60". When grown as a one-cut, stems can be as long as the full height of the plants. When grown for multiple cuts per plant, stems vary in length at 12-36".
VASE LIFE: 7-10 days.
STORAGE TEMPERATURE: 32-40°F (0-4°C).
HARVEST: Florets on lower 1/3- 1/2 of the spike are open.
SOIL REQUIREMENTS: Rich, well-drained, moist soil. pH: Neutral soil is preferred.
USES: Cut flower, edible flower.
SCIENTIFIC NAME: Antirrhinum majus