Snapdragons among easiest flowers to grow

Q. Are snapdragons difficult to grow? I’m fond of them as cut flowers.

A. I’ve grown snapdragons from seed for years, and have always found them among the easiest flowers to grow. Best of all, most varieties I’ve tried turn out to be short-term perennials; that is, the plants re-grow for several years in a row before fading from the scene. They also self-sow modestly.

For all their loveliness, snapdragons are tough plants. I’ve had some grow and bloom in rock heaps — the result of potted dwarf snapdragons perched on the rocks in the previous year.

Transplants are commonly available in the spring. Growing from seed expands choices to unusual varieties. Snapdragons are available in the usual “snapping jaw” bloom style and also in double flowered form.

I start snapdragon seeds early, usually mid-January to mid-February, sowing the tiny seeds on top of a dampened, lightweight mix. Because light promotes good germination, I either press the seeds gently onto the soil or sprinkle just a scant layer of the mix on the seeds before firming it down.

Place the seeded flat in indirect light with a cover of clear plastic. The seeds germinate in seven to 14 days.

Q. My gardening is now restricted to containers. I grow salad vegetables, bush beans, tomatoes and a few flowers. So far I’ve not tried carrots, because of the long roots. Are there carrots that can be grown successfully in pots?

A. There are short-rooted carrots that are particularly well suited to growing in containers. West Coast Seeds lists Little Fingers, a carrot with roots that grow just 10 cm long, and Paris Market, a round, golf ball size carrot.

William Dam Seeds lists Adelaide, an 11-cm long baby carrot, and Paris Market. T&T Seeds lists Baby Spike (six to 10 cm).

Planted carrot seeds, and seedlings, are highly sensitive to heat. Plant as early as possible, and during hot weather shade the container or move it to shelter from hot, direct sun.