How to Grow Crimson Butterflies
Wikimedia Commons
Crimson Butterflies
Rumex sanguineus
vegetableCrimson Butterflies is a decorative leafy green featuring deep red-purple veining on tender green leaves with a butterfly-like shape. It's a gourmet salad green that combines visual appeal with mild, slightly earthy flavor. This modern cultivar is prized by chefs for both culinary and ornamental qualities.
When should you plant Crimson Butterflies in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Crimson Butterflies timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Crimson Butterflies
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
Harvest Crimson Butterflies
Around May 17≈ 30 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Crimson Butterflies dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-10; prefers cooler seasons in zones 8-10
Sign up free to see if Crimson Butterflies grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my Crimson Butterflies timeline →Growth Stages
Germination
7-10 daysSeeds sprout and tiny cotyledons (seed leaves) emerge from soil
Keep soil moist but not saturated. Maintain soil temperature around 60-70°F. Thin seedlings to 6 inches apart once they have their first true leaves
Seedling
2-3 weeksFirst true leaves appear with characteristic butterfly shape and red veining becoming visible
Provide bright indirect light or 12-14 hours under grow lights. Water gently to avoid damaging delicate leaves. Begin light feeding with diluted liquid fertilizer
Vegetative/Leaf Development
3-4 weeksPlant produces increasingly larger leaves with deep crimson-purple veining on green blade; rosette form develops
Maintain consistent moisture and cool temperatures (60-70°F ideally). Apply compost mulch around base. Remove any dead or yellowed leaves. Begin harvesting outer leaves once plant has 6-8 leaves
Maturity/Harvest Ready
2-4 weeks of ongoing harvestPlant forms full rosette with 12+ developed leaves displaying vibrant red veining; leaves are tender and packed with color
Begin regular leaf harvesting using cut-and-come-again method. Pinch off flower buds as they appear to extend harvest and maintain leaf tenderness. Keep well-watered during harvest period
Bolting
Variable; can begin 4-6 weeks after planting in warm conditionsPlant produces a central flowering stalk with small flowers; leaves may become tougher and more bitter
Bolting occurs when temperatures exceed 75°F or days lengthen significantly. Remove flower buds promptly to extend harvest. Provide afternoon shade in warm climates. Consider succession planting for continuous supply
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Spray with strong water stream; use insecticidal soap or neem oil; encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings
-
and
Hand-pick early morning or evening; create barriers with copper tape or diatomaceous earth; remove leaf litter; encourage ground beetles and toads
-
Use floating row covers on young plants; spray with neem oil or spinosad if infestation is severe; maintain adequate soil moisture
-
Use yellow sticky traps; spray with insecticidal soap; encourage natural predators; avoid excessive nitrogen fertilization
-
Remove affected leaves immediately; use row covers; apply spinosad if severe; plant resistant cultivars
Uses
Gourmet Salad Green
CulinaryCrimson Butterflies leaves add striking visual appeal and mild, slightly earthy flavor to fresh salads, grain bowls, and composed plates. The decorative red veining makes it a favorite for high-end restaurant presentations and farm-to-table cuisine. [source]
Cooked Greens
CulinaryYoung leaves can be lightly sautéed with garlic and olive oil, steamed, or added to soups and stir-fries. The red pigmentation adds visual interest to cooked dishes while contributing mild flavor. [source]
Edible Garnish & Plating
HouseholdThe butterfly-shaped leaves with striking crimson veining serve as beautiful, edible garnishes for plates, appetizers, and cocktails. Perfect for culinary presentation and adding sophistication to any dish. [source]
Nutritional Leafy Green
MedicinalRich in vitamins A, C, K and minerals including iron and calcium, Crimson Butterflies provides nutritional benefits as part of a healthy diet. The red pigmentation indicates anthocyanin antioxidants. [source]
Ornamental Kitchen Garden Plant
CraftWith its striking red-veined leaves and compact rosette form, Crimson Butterflies serves as an attractive edible ornamental in kitchen gardens, containers, and decorative vegetable beds. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Begin harvesting outer leaves once plant has 6-8 fully developed leaves using the cut-and-come-again method. Pinch or cut leaves 1 inch above soil level, leaving inner leaves to continue growing. Harvest in early morning for maximum crispness and water content. Young, tender leaves (2-3 inches) offer the best flavor and texture. Remove flower buds promptly to extend harvest period. Can be harvested continuously for 4-6 weeks before bolting occurs
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Crimson Butterflies is a modern cultivar of red sorrel, developed to emphasize the butterfly-like leaf shape and deep red veining that make it particularly prized by upscale restaurants and chef gardeners
- 🌱 The deep red color in the veins comes from anthocyanin pigments, the same compounds found in blueberries and red wine, which provide antioxidant health benefits
- 🌱 This plant is relatively heat-sensitive and performs best as a spring or fall crop in most climates; in cooler regions (zones 3-6) it can be grown throughout much of the growing season with succession planting
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Crimson Butterflies planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Crimson Butterflies seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.
Get my Crimson Butterflies timeline →