Dried snapdragon seed pods look just like human skulls, and fit really well in pretty much every Halloween décor

Snapdragon flowers belong to a group of flowering plants and you can’t ignore their soft pink and purple blossoms. Have you ever seen Antirrhinum blossoms?

But, these pink shades are actually hiding a darker truth. Sort of. Snapdragon flowers turn into skulls once they die. There’s a spooky logic behind the appearance of these flowers.

Snapdragon flowers got their name from the shape they develop “in the afterlife.” The seed pod turns into a dried-up human skull.

It’s not the best plant you need around if you have small children running around your yard. The same applies to adults with fragile hearts. Do you think skulls are cool? Yes? The snapdragon flowers are the best thing you will ever plant in your garden.

When squeezed between the fingertips, these “skulls” open their mouth. Release them, and they are closing their mouth.

History

Snapdragon flowers have been growing across the world since ancient times. Antirrhinum is a combination of two Greek words. “Anti” means “like,” and “rhin” means “nose.” Snapdragons grow in the US, Europe, and North Africa. They come in different shapes and colors, including lavender, pink, purple, white, yellow, orange, and burgundy.

In the ancient world, Snapdragon flowers and their “skulls” had been held as sacred entities. People cultivated this plant, hoping to get good luck.  Snapdragons were planted around homes and taverns.

In some cultures, Snapdragon flowers were linked to women’s timeless beauty and longevity.

In the Victorian era, Snapdragons were a symbol of deception and suspicion. People were told that those who conceal Snapdragon flowers beneath their clothes will get an attractive and alluring demeanor.

Snapdragon flowers were a symbol of superstition in some cultures. Today, it’s a favorite plant of gardeners.

Planting

Snapdragons don’t require too much care. They thrive in spring and summer, so you should plant it in the final days of winter. These cold-season plants grow best when provided with enough sunlight and damp soil.

Hot weather destroys snapdragon sprouts, and this plant doesn’t thrive in hot climates. Once you plant the seeds, make sure you provide enough water in the first few weeks. Reduce the watering to one inch after the sprouts mature.

Each variety requires different amounts of light and watering, so make sure you get a little info before you plant your Snapdragons.

The tiniest varieties grow up to 15 inches tall and their tallest relatives go as high as 48 inches.

If you are into spooky decorations, keep withered Snapdragons around. You can hang them around your walls for an instant Halloween décor.

Source: www.burpee.com