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Rocket
At‑a‑glance
- Group/Class: F1 series; Group 3-4; tall cut-flower type
- Height × spread: 30-36 in (76-91 cm) × 16-18 in (41-46 cm)
- Bloom window: late spring to summer; fall again where cool
- Color & flower form: mix; classic snapdragon spires
- Fragrance: 1 trace
- USDA hardiness: grown as annual in most of North America; short-lived perennial in zones 7-10
- Breeder / Year / Origin: PanAmerican Seed, unknown, USA
- Awards/registration: All-America Selections winners exist for select colors
- Cut-flower notes: long, straight stems; typical vase life 7-10 days
- Pet safety: safe
How it differs
- Taller than bedding strains such as ‘Sonnet’ and ‘Liberty’.
- Main-season type for long days and warmer conditions.
- Spikes are closely set for a fuller look in the vase.
- Commonly marketed as heat tolerant for summer production.
Strengths
- Uniform height and timing across colors.
- Long stems for bouquets and arrangements.
- Performs under long days in late spring and summer.
- Reblooms with timely deadheading.
Care in one minute
Site: full sun with afternoon airflow.
Soil and pH: well-drained, moderately fertile soil; sources differ on pH guidance from near neutral in gardens to 5.5-5.8 in production.
Water: keep evenly moist; avoid prolonged overhead watering.
Feeding: light, regular feeding with low-ammonium fertilizer.
Pinch and support: pinch once after establishment; stake or net for straight stems; deadhead spent spikes.
Overwintering: may overwinter with mulch in zones 7 to 10.
Watch‑outs
- Tall stems can lean without support in windy sites.
- Susceptible to rust and botrytis in wet periods.
- Flowering can slow in extreme summer heat.
Best uses (tags)
Provenance note
An F1 series marketed by PanAmerican Seed as a Group 3 to 4 snapdragon that flowers well under long days for garden color and cutting.
References
- PanAmerican Seed – Rocket GrowerFacts
- PanAmerican Seed – Rocket Mixture page
- NC State Extension Plant Toolbox – Antirrhinum majus
- Cornell High Tunnels – Snapdragon
- ASPCA – Common Snapdragon (non-toxic)
