Hybrid

Opus™ III Lavender

Antirrhinum majus

Here's a short caption: lavender flowers bloom beautifully in this image.

Wikimedia Commons

Group 3 snapdragon, well-suited for production under long days and high light. Excellent performance in the field or greenhouse. Opus™ Lavender III is very comparable to Costa Summer Lavender III but with slightly larger florets and a gray-lavender bloom color. About 5 days earlier to bloom than Potomac Lavender.Edible Flowers: The flowers are a colorful garnish for use in salads, desserts, and drinks. The flavor is floral and slightly bitter, so use sparingly.

Harvest

105-115d

Days to harvest

📅

Sun

Full sun to partial shade

☀️

Zones

7–10

USDA hardiness

🗺️

Height

0-3 feet

📏

Planting Timeline

Zone:

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Start Indoors

Transplant

Direct Sow

Start Indoors

Transplant

Direct Sow

Showing dates for Opus™ III Lavender in USDA Zone 7

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Zone Map

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Opus™ III Lavender · Zones 7–10

What grows well in Zone 7? →

Growing Details

Difficulty

Easy

Spacing12-18 inches

SoilWell-drained, fertile soil

WaterRegular

SeasonWarm season annual

FlavorFloral and slightly bitter taste, best used sparingly as a garnish.

ColorGray-lavender

Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar

Zone	Indoor Start	Transplant	Direct Sow	Harvest
Zone 1	May – June	July – August	July – September	—
Zone 2	April – May	June – July	June – August	—
Zone 11	January – January	January – February	January – March	—
Zone 12	January – January	January – February	January – March	—
Zone 13	January – January	January – February	January – March	—
Zone 3	April – May	June – July	June – August	—
Zone 4	March – April	June – June	June – July	—
Zone 5	March – April	May – June	May – July	—
Zone 6	March – April	May – June	May – July	—
Zone 7	February – March	April – May	April – June	—
Zone 8	February – March	April – May	April – June	—
Zone 9	January – February	March – April	March – May	—
Zone 10	January – January	February – March	February – April	—

Succession Planting

Snapdragons perform best in cool weather — they'll flower hard in spring, slow down once daytime highs push past 80°F, then sometimes rebound in fall. For zone 7, start seeds indoors in February or early March at soil temps of 65–75°F, then transplant out in April once nighttime lows hold consistently above 40°F. A second round started indoors in late June or early July can go out in August for fall color; those plants often carry through until first frost.

Don't bother sowing through the summer — Opus III Lavender won't perform in Georgia heat, and the plants will just stall. Two rounds, spring and late-summer-for-fall, is the practical ceiling for this variety in our climate.

Complete Growing Guide

Light: Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day), Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours). Soil: High Organic Matter. Drainage: Good Drainage. Height: 0 ft. 6 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 0 ft. 6 in. - 0 ft. 10 in.. Spacing: Less than 12 inches. Growth rate: Medium. Maintenance: Medium.

Harvesting

Opus™ III Lavender reaches harvest at 105 - 115 days from sowing per Johnny's Selected Seeds. As an annual, harvest continues until frost ends the season.

A capsule, half hidden by calyx lobes, short-beaked.

Type: Capsule. Length: 1-3 inches.

Storage & Preservation

Fresh lavender snapdragon flowers are best stored upright in a vase with water at room temperature (65-70°F) and kept out of direct sunlight for 7-10 days. For longer storage, refrigerate at 35-40°F in a humid environment to extend vase life to 2-3 weeks. Preservation methods include: (1) Air-drying by hanging bundles upside down in a well-ventilated, dark space for 1-2 weeks to retain color and form; (2) Pressing between parchment paper under weights for 2-3 weeks for use in crafts or decoration; (3) Freeze-drying if equipment is available to maintain vibrant color and structure for long-term storage.

History & Origin

Opus™ III Lavender is an F1 hybrid developed through controlled cross-pollination. Listed in the Johnny's Selected Seeds catalog.

Origin: Southwestern Europe

Advantages

+Blooms 5 days earlier than Potomac Lavender, improving production timelines
+Larger florets than Costa Summer Lavender III variant for visual impact
+Performs excellently in both greenhouse and field growing conditions
+Suitable for long-day production with high-light requirements
+Edible flowers add premium value as salad and dessert garnish

Considerations

-Floral-bitter flavor requires sparingly using in culinary applications
-Gray-lavender color may not appeal to all market preferences
-105-115 day production window demands precise scheduling and planning
-Snapdragons susceptible to rust and powdery mildew in humid conditions

Companion Plants

Rosemary, thyme, sage, and oregano are solid neighbors for Opus III Lavender snapdragons because they share the same drainage preferences — all of them resent wet feet — and their aromatic oils tend to confuse aphids and whiteflies looking for a landing spot. Catmint pulls double duty: it draws pollinators that also work the snapdragon flowers, and its low mounding habit fills bare ground without pushing deep roots into snapdragon territory. French marigolds like 'Durango' are worth tucking in at the bed edge — their root exudates suppress soil nematodes, and in our zone 7 Georgia garden, whitefly pressure builds fast by late May, so having marigolds already established when Opus III hits peak bloom makes a real difference.

Mint is the plant to keep at a distance — it travels by rhizome and will quietly crowd out snapdragon roots before you notice it's moved in. Impatiens and hostas both want more water and less sun than this snapdragon can tolerate, so pairing them means one plant is always struggling. Keep them in a different bed entirely.

Plant Together

Rosemary

Similar water and soil requirements, both repel common garden pests

Thyme

Complementary growth habits and shared preference for well-draining soil

Sage

Both are Mediterranean herbs with similar cultural needs and pest-repelling properties

Oregano

Attracts beneficial pollinators and has compatible growing requirements

Catmint

Deters aphids and ants while attracting beneficial insects

Marigold

Repels nematodes and aphids, adds complementary color contrast

Echinacea

Attracts butterflies and bees, thrives in similar well-draining conditions

Sedum

Drought-tolerant companion that attracts late-season pollinators

Keep Apart

Mint

Aggressive spreader that can overtake lavender and requires more water

Impatiens

Requires frequent watering and rich, moist soil incompatible with lavender

Hostas

Prefer shade and consistent moisture, opposite of lavender's sun and drought needs

Pests & Disease Resistance

Common Pests

Aphids, spider mites, whiteflies

Diseases

Powdery mildew, rust, root rot

Troubleshooting Opus™ III Lavender

What you'll see, why it happens, and what to do about it.

White powdery coating on upper leaf surfaces, usually appearing first on older leaves in mid to late spring

Likely Causes

Powdery mildew (Erysiphe antirrhini) — favored by warm days, cool nights, and poor airflow
Plants spaced too close together, blocking air circulation

What to Do

1.Strip and bag affected leaves — don't compost them
2.Space plants at least 12 inches apart and thin any crowded stems to open up the canopy
3.Apply a potassium bicarbonate spray or neem oil at first sign; repeat every 7-10 days

Orange or rust-colored pustules on the undersides of leaves, with corresponding yellow spots on the upper surface

Likely Causes

Snapdragon rust (Puccinia antirrhini) — windborne spores spread it fast, and humid stretches make it worse
Overhead irrigation that keeps foliage wet for hours at a time

What to Do

1.Remove and dispose of infected leaves immediately — Puccinia antirrhini moves quickly once established
2.Switch to drip irrigation or water at the base in the morning so foliage dries before midday
3.Rotate this bed away from snapdragons for at least one full season

Clusters of small soft-bodied insects on new growth tips, with leaves curling or puckering

Likely Causes

Aphid infestation (commonly Myzus persicae or Aphis gossypii) — they colonize tender new shoots fast, especially during spring flushes
Excess nitrogen pushing too much soft, lush growth that aphids prefer

What to Do

1.Knock aphids off with a firm spray of water from the hose — do this in the morning so the plant dries before evening
2.If pressure is heavy, apply insecticidal soap directly to colonies; repeat every 5-7 days
3.Ease up on high-nitrogen fertilizer mid-season

Stems collapsing at the soil line, roots appearing brown and mushy when pulled

Likely Causes

Root rot (Phytophthora or Pythium spp.) — almost always caused by waterlogged soil or poorly draining beds
Planting in heavy clay without amendment, which holds water around the crown

What to Do

1.Pull and discard affected plants — there's no saving a plant with rotted roots
2.Amend beds with perlite or coarse compost before replanting; snapdragons want well-drained soil, not wet feet
3.If the bed stays soggy after rain, consider raised beds or a layer of gravel beneath the planting area

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do Opus III Lavender snapdragon flowers last in a vase?▼

Opus III Lavender snapdragon flowers typically last 7-10 days in a room-temperature vase with fresh water. If refrigerated at 35-40°F, they can extend to 2-3 weeks. Change water every 2-3 days and trim stems at an angle to maximize vase life. Keep away from direct sunlight and ripening fruit to prevent early wilting.

Can you grow Opus III Lavender snapdragons in containers?▼

Yes, Opus III Lavender snapdragons perform well in containers, making them ideal for patios and balconies. Use well-drained potting soil and containers at least 6-8 inches deep. They need 4-6+ hours of direct sunlight daily. Water regularly to keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Container growing allows easy relocation and makes harvesting convenient.

What does Opus III Lavender snapdragon taste like when used as an edible flower?▼

Opus III Lavender snapdragon flowers have a floral, slightly bitter taste. They work best as a subtle garnish rather than a dominant flavor element—use sparingly in salads, desserts, and beverages. The subtle floral notes complement light desserts and beverages without overwhelming dishes. Remove the center pistil if the bitterness is too pronounced for your palate.

Is Opus III Lavender snapdragon easy for beginners to grow?▼

Yes, Opus III Lavender is rated as easy to grow, making it an excellent choice for beginners. It thrives in full sun to partial shade (4-6+ hours) and tolerates both field and greenhouse conditions. The plant performs reliably with standard care and blooms in 105-115 days from sowing, making it dependable for first-time growers.

When should I plant Opus III Lavender snapdragon seeds?▼

Start Opus III Lavender seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your last spring frost, or direct sow after frost danger has passed. This hybrid snapdragon thrives under long days and high light, so spring and early summer plantings are ideal. It blooms in 105-115 days, allowing for mid-summer to fall flower production depending on your planting date.

How does Opus III Lavender compare to Potomac Lavender snapdragon?▼

Opus III Lavender blooms about 5 days earlier than Potomac Lavender, making it faster to production. It features slightly larger florets and a gray-lavender bloom color, compared to other lavender varieties. Both are Group 3 snapdragons well-suited for field and greenhouse production, but Opus III's earlier bloom time makes it preferable for time-sensitive growing schedules.