Madame Butterfly Snapdragon is a stunning F1 hybrid that transforms the classic snapdragon into a double-petaled showstopper. This compact mix, hardy in zones 3, 10, produces flowers with an intricate, layered appearance that resembles butterfly wings unfolding. Blooming in 110, 120 days from transplant, these plants thrive in partial shade and perform equally well as cut flowers or edible ornamentals, making them a rare dual-purpose addition to any garden.
Partial Shade
High
3-10
?in H x ?in W
—
Moderate
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The double-petal flowers of this hybrid are genuinely unlike standard snapdragons; each bloom has a ruffled, layered texture that catches light and adds depth to bouquets. At just 4 inches apart in the garden, these compact plants pack generous color into small spaces. Both Johnny's Selected Seeds and Territorial Seed Company recommend this variety for cutting, and it's food-safe enough to use as a garnish or in arrangements where you might brush against petals.
This snapdragon shines as a cut flower, where its distinctive double-petaled form creates visual texture in mixed bouquets. The edible flowers serve as garnishes, adding both color and a delicate floral note to dishes and drinks. Because the variety is compact and prolific, gardeners often grow it specifically for continuous harvesting of fresh stems throughout the season.
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Sow seeds 8, 10 weeks before your transplant date into 128-cell flats or preferred seedling containers. Light is required for germination; cover seeds just enough to hold them in place, or use a fine layer of vermiculite to maintain moisture and prevent algae growth while allowing light through. Maintain soil temperature between 65, 75°F. Bottom-water or mist lightly to avoid displacing seeds. Germination typically occurs within 6, 15 days.
Transplant seedlings to cell packs when they develop true leaves, then harden off over 7, 10 days by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions. Plant out after the last frost date, spacing plants 4 inches apart. Soil should be well-draining and pH-balanced between 6.0 and 7.0. These half-hardy plants tolerate light frost but perform best when nighttime temperatures are consistently above 50°F.
For cut flowers, harvest in the morning when stems are fully hydrated and flowers are just opening, using a clean knife dipped in a 10% household bleach solution to prevent disease spread. A few drops of bleach added to the vase water will extend the life of cut arrangements. For edible flowers used as garnish, pick individual blooms as needed once they have fully opened and hardened off.
Pinch back young seedlings or transplants to encourage branching and a fuller, more compact plant shape. This promotes multiple flowering stems rather than a single tall spike, maximizing both cut flower yield and garden display.
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