Toadflax, also known as Linaria, is one of the most charming plants. If you are going to grow it you can be confident it will bring some lovely color to your garden or space.
It’s known for having flowers similar to snapdragons and the fact that it can survive and do well in many types of conditions. It’s this that makes toadflax such a great and popular plant to grow.
So it’s understandable if you’re keen to have toadflax in your garden. Well whether you’re growing annual or perennial varieties this guide will give you everything you need to know to successfully grow toadflax.
Types of Toadflax
Linaria vulgaris (Common Toadflax)
- Description: Also known as butter and eggs, it is most noted for having yellow and orange flowers that look like snapdragons. It can grow up to 2 feet tall and will spread quickly.
- Habitat: Likes sunny spots but is ok with partial shade. Usually found in meadows, along roadsides and in disturbed soils.
- Uses: Used for naturalizing areas and attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies.
Linaria purpurea (Purple Toadflax)
- Description: Produces tall spikes of violet and blue flowers that can grow up to 3 feet tall. Has a very slender and elegant look to it.
- Habitat: Does best in sunny to partially shaded areas with soil that drains well.
- Uses: Popular in cottage gardens and mixed borders as it flowers for a long time and has beautiful leaves.
Linaria maroccana (Moroccan Toadflax)
- Description: An annual that can grow to about 24 inches in height. It’s flowers come in a range of colors, from pink and purple to yellow.
- Habitat: Prefers full sun and soil that drains well. Often used in wildflower meadows and garden borders.
- Uses: Good for adding some color to gardens and attracting insects that help.
Linaria alpina (Alpine Toadflax)
- Description: A low growing perennial that is good for rock gardens. It has violet and orange flowers.
- Habitat: It likes cool climates and rocky, good draining soil.
- Uses: Works well in alpine and rock garden as it’s strong and compact in the way it grows.
Planting Toadflax
Sowing Seeds
Outdoor Sowing
- Timing: Sow seeds directly in the garden three weeks before the last frost of spring. If you’re somewhere that has mild winters then the seeds can be sown in the fall so they will bloom in the early spring.
- Method: Scatter the seeds on the surface of the soil and press them lightly. Do not cover the seeds as they need light to germinate. Water gently to keep the soil moist.
Indoor Sowing
- Preparation: Start the seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost. You want to copy the winter conditions so put your seeds in a growing medium inside a plastic bag and then put those in your refrigerator for 3 weeks.
- Germination: After the 3 weeks is up some the seeds on a light soil mix keeping the temperature at 55 to 60°F. Thus should germinate in around 10 to 14 days.
Transplanting Seedlings
- Timing: Transplant the seedlings outdoors once the frost has gone. Pick a spot that is sunny and has soil that drains well.
- Spacing: You want to give them enough room to grow and to let the air flow around them. 9 to 12 inches between each plant will be enough.
Growing Conditions
Light and Temperature
- Light: Toadflax loves full sun but it can do well in partial shade. Make sure they get at least 6 hours of direct sunlight every day.
- Temperature: The perfect temperatures range is from 55 to 70°F. If you are in a hotter region then play toadflax in the fall or spring so it doesn’t get stressed by the heat.
Soil Requirements
- Type: Prefers sandy or loamy soil that drains well. You can move the drainage of heavy clay soil bu adding sand or compost.
- pH: Toadflax will grow in most pH soils. From 6.1 to 7.8.
Watering and Feeding
- Watering: Toadflax likes moderate watering. The soil should stay moist especially when it’s very dry. And don’t overwater either as can cause root rot.
- Feeding: You don’t want to fertilize too much as it can cause the leaves to grow too much and the flowers not enough. So fertilize lightly and at the beginning of the growing season.
Care and Maintenance
Mulching
Mulch is good for if you’re growing your toadflax in somewhere that gets very hot in the summer. The mulch will help the soil stay moist and keep the temperature consistent.
Pruning
Once your annual toadflax has flowered cut them back as it will help a second round to bloom. For perennials remove any spent flowers and cut them back in the fall.
Pests and Diseases
Toadflax does well at resisting most pests but can get attacked by aphids and flea beetles. For diseases watch out for downy mildew, white smut and anthracnose. Good old trusty neem oil spray will help to deal with these.
Propagation
- By Seed: Let the seed pods dry out and then collect the seeds. Harvest the seeds and store them in a cool dry place until it’s time to plant.
- By Division: Perennial toadflax can be divided in the spring. Once you’ve dug up the plant separate the roots and replant them wherever you want.
- By Cuttings: Take cuttings in the spring of shoots that come from the base of the your toadflax. Root them in a light growing medium until the roots develop. Once they’ve rooted transplant them to where they are going to grow permanently.
Common Questions
- Q: Can toadflax become invasive?
A: Yes, some species like Linaria vulgaris will spread aggressively both through their seeds and creeping creeping roots. So prune them regularly and make sure to deadhead often so they don’t spread too much.
- Q: What are the best companion plants for toadflax?
A: Toadflax grows well with other perennials that like the sun. Also annuals coreopsis, coneflowers and salvia. They compliment each other and look great in your garden. - Q: Are toadflax plants toxic?
A: Yes, toadflax plants are toxic to livestock. So don’t plant them anywhere animals graze. But they’re fine for insects and humans.