Snapdragons and foxgloves are two of the most charming spire flowers you can grow in your garden. Beloved by florists and flower farmers alike, they add vertical drama and cottage garden magic to borders, beds, and bouquets. With their old-world elegance and vintage appeal, it’s no surprise they’re perennial favorites in traditional cottage gardens, where blooms are layered in colorful abundance and whimsy reigns.

But if you’re harvesting these beauties for the vase, timing is everything.

Here’s our guide on when to cut snapdragons and foxgloves to get the most bloom time—and a few pro tips for handling them right.

When to Cut Snapdragons

Snapdragons (Antirrhinum majus) are classic cut flowers that keep on giving. The trick to enjoying their blooms for as long as possible lies in catching them just before they fully open.

Best Stage to Cut Snapdragons
Harvest when the bottom third to half of the blooms on the spike have opened, and the top buds are still closed. If you wait too long and most of the blooms are open, vase life drops significantly.

Cutting Technique

• Use clean, sharp pruners or snips
• Cut early in the morning when temperatures are cool and the plants are fully hydrated
• Take long stems to encourage branching and regrowth

When to Cut Foxgloves

Foxgloves (Digitalis purpurea) are breathtaking in the garden and stunning in arrangements. With their bell-shaped blooms cascading down a tall spire, they add elegance and height to any bouquet.

Best Stage to Cut Foxglove
Cut when one-third of the flowers on the spike have opened, starting from the bottom. This ensures the rest of the flowers will continue to open in the vase, giving you a full, impressive display.

Cutting Technique

• Harvest early in the day, and wear gloves—foxglove is toxic
• Cut stems at a diagonal and place immediately into clean, cool water
• Remove any lower leaves that might sit below the water line in a vase to reduce bacterial growth

How Long Do Snapdragons and Foxgloves Last in a Vase?

• Snapdragons – Typically last 5–10 days, longer if cut early and stored properly
• Foxglove – Usually lasts 4–7 days, especially when cut at the one-third bloom mark and kept in fresh water with preservative

Change the vase water every 2–3 days, re-cutting the stems to maximize water uptake and bloom longevity.

Conditioning and Storage Tips

• Use a floral preservative or DIY mix (sugar, acidifier, and anti-bacterial agent) to boost vase life
• Remove all foliage that might sit below the waterline
• Store in a cool place out of direct sunlight before arranging
• Let stems hydrate upright for several hours for best posture

Final Thoughts

Both snapdragons and foxgloves are garden stars that deserve a front-row seat in your floral arrangements. Their nostalgic charm and graceful height make them staples in cottage gardens and vintage-inspired landscapes. By cutting at the right time and treating your stems with care, you’ll enjoy their towering blooms for days longer.

Planning to add more cut flower varieties to your garden? Explore our guides on peonies, cosmos, and dahlias—or leave us a comment with your favorite bouquet filler!