Madame Butterfly Red Snapdragon is a striking F1 hybrid that transforms the classic snapdragon into something altogether more dramatic. Its unique double-petal blooms create a fuller, more ornate appearance than standard varieties, and the deep red coloring commands attention in any garden setting. Growing 30-36 inches tall with a compact 8-12 inch spread, this variety blooms reliably from spring through fall, typically reaching flowering stage 110-120 days from seed. It thrives in full sun and prefers consistently moist soil, rewarding attentive gardeners with abundant cut flowers and edible blooms throughout the season.
4
Full Sun
High
3-10
36in H x 12in W
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High
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The double-petal flowers are the real draw here, a deliberate hybrid trait that gives these reds a layered, almost romantic complexity compared to single-petaled snapdragons. Deer leave them alone entirely, making them a smart choice for gardens where browsing is a problem. Both the flowers and the plants themselves are edible, opening up possibilities beyond the vase: the mild-flavored blooms work as garnish or salad flower, while the foliage can be harvested as a tender green. The long bloom window from March through November means you'll have fresh cut flowers and edible petals for eight months of the year.
Madame Butterfly Red works exceptionally well as a cut flower, where the double-petaled blooms last well in the vase when harvested in the morning with a clean, bleach-dipped knife. The petals and flowers are entirely edible and mild-flavored, making them a beautiful addition to salads, as a delicate garnish for plated dishes, or as an edible decoration for cakes and desserts. Because the blooms are entirely deer-resistant and the plant attracts pollinators, it serves dual purposes in ornamental gardens: visual impact for humans and a nectar source for bees and butterflies.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before your last spring frost. Light is essential for germination; surface-sow seeds and cover them just enough with a fine layer of vermiculite to hold them in place while maintaining moisture. Seeds require temperatures between 70-85°F and will germinate within 6-15 days. Some sources recommend chilling seeds for 2 days in the refrigerator before sowing. Bottom water or mist lightly to avoid displacing the tiny seeds, and use a seed-starting mix with added vermiculite to prevent fungal problems. Keep seedlings at 60-70°F after germination.
Transplant hardened-off seedlings outdoors after the last spring frost date, spacing plants 4-8 inches apart depending on desired branching. The plants will tolerate soil temperatures around 60°F at transplanting, but they establish faster in warmer soil. Harden off seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over 7-10 days before planting to avoid transplant shock.
For cut flowers, harvest in the morning when blooms are at their freshest and petals are just opening. Cut with a clean knife that has been dipped in a 10% household bleach solution to prevent disease transfer. A few drops of bleach added to the vase water will extend the vase life significantly. For edible flowers and foliage, harvest gently and use immediately or store in a sealed container in the refrigerator for short-term use.
Pinching is recommended during seedling stage if you want branching. Pinch off the top growing point when seedlings are established to encourage a bushier plant with more lateral branching and flowering stems. Deadheading spent blooms throughout the season will encourage continuous flowering and keep the plant looking tidy.
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