Should I stake my leggy snapdragons?

Yes, you can use small garden stakes or bamboo skewers to help hold them upright while you improve their light conditions.

Can I cut back leggy stems?

Yes, trimming the top few inches of a leggy stem can encourage the plant to branch out and grow more compactly.

Snapdragon: leggy growth, causes and fixes

Check these first

Observe how many hours of direct sunlight the plant receives.
Check if the stems are leaning toward the light source.
Look at the distance between the leaf nodes on the stem.

Likely causes

Insufficient light
Most likely
How to tell: The stems are thin and weak, and the space between leaves is much larger than usual.
What to do: Move the container to a spot with full sun. If you are growing indoors, place them directly in a south facing window or under a grow light for 12 to 14 hours a day.
Excessive nitrogen fertilizer
Possible
How to tell: The plant looks very green and leafy but is growing too fast and flopping over.
What to do: Stop using high nitrogen fertilizers during the growing season. Switch to a balanced, slow release fertilizer once every 4 to 6 weeks instead.

Leggy growth in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your snapdragon

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

When to worry

It is normal for some varieties to grow tall, but if they are falling over, they need more light or support.

Stopping it coming back

Pinch back the tips of young stems to encourage bushier, stronger growth early in the season.

Snapdragon: leggy growth? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your snapdragon and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Should I stake my leggy snapdragons?: Yes, you can use small garden stakes or bamboo skewers to help hold them upright while you improve their light conditions.
Can I cut back leggy stems?: Yes, trimming the top few inches of a leggy stem can encourage the plant to branch out and grow more compactly.

Why are my snapdragons getting so tall and leggy?