Flower seed of the fish's mouth (Antirrhinum majus)

Common name: Snapdragon Scientific name: Antirrhinum majus Also called: Sphinx flower, Bull's nose, Calf's nose. Description: • Herbaceous plant, some perennial and some annual, semi-evergreen, fast-growing, reaching a height of 0.5 – 1 meters. Uses and benefits: • Snapdragon gives a distinctive appearance to the place where it is found due to its bright colors and charming look, making it suitable for decorating places and locations where it is present. It can also produce oils that enhance its value, comparable to olive oil, and is used in cosmetic products. Native habitat: • Its original habitat is Europe, the Mediterranean basin, and North Africa. It is cultivated in Saudi Arabia, Gulf countries, and many Arab countries. The flower: • Snapdragon flowers are found in simple spike-shaped clusters in various colors and shapes, with a fragrant, pleasant scent. They are attractive to bees. Its beautiful flowers are evenly distributed on the plant in the upright stem. Suitable climatic conditions and soil for cultivation: • Requires direct sunlight to bloom well. When watering, care should be taken not to get water on the leaves, and it should only be watered when the soil is nearly dry, as it prefers shaded, semi-shaded, and warm sunny places. Snapdragon plants prefer well-drained, aerated, and porous soil. Method and timing of planting: • Usually propagated by seeds after proper sterilization. Seeds are placed at a moderate depth in the soil, covered with soil, and watered thoroughly. The soil used for Snapdragon should be acidic with added natural organic fertilizer. • The best period for planting Snapdragon is in September and October using seeds, as well as by cuttings during the spring season.