Gardening enthusiasts are often on the lookout for new and creative ways to enhance their gardens, and one way to do this is by growing edible flowers. These unique plants not only add beauty and aesthetic appeal to your outdoor space, but they also have many culinary uses.
In this article, we will explore five edible flowers you can easily grow in your garden.
Eating Flowers
Edible flowers have been a part of human diets for centuries, and they can provide both visual and flavorful delight when incorporated into various dishes. From salads and desserts to cocktails and teas, these versatile blooms can brighten up your meals while adding interesting flavors and textures.
Additionally, some edible flowers also have medicinal properties, making them a useful addition to your home garden.
Before diving into the specific types of edible flowers to grow, it is essential to understand the importance of growing them organically and avoiding the use of pesticides. This ensures that the flowers you consume are safe and free of harmful chemicals.
Now, let’s take a closer look at five edible flowers you can include in your garden for both beauty and nourishment.
5 Edible Flowers To Grow In Your Garden
Growing edible flowers in your garden can serve multiple purposes, including aesthetic appeal, attracting beneficial insects, and providing a delicious and nutritious addition to your meals. Below are five different flowers that you can grow in your garden for their taste, versatility, and visual charm.
Nasturtium
Nasturtiums are a popular edible flower choice due to their vibrant colors and peppery taste. The leaves and flowers of nasturtium can be added to salads or used as a garnish for a distinctive touch of flavor.
These flowers are easy to grow and can thrive in containers, making them a great addition to any garden.
Calendula
Calendula, also known as pot marigold, is another edible flower known for its beautiful orange-yellow petals. The flowers have a mildly sweet to tangy taste and can be used in salads, teas, or even as a natural food dye.
Calendula is also prized for its skin-soothing properties when used in creams and ointments.
Borage
Borage is an attractive herb with blue, star-shaped flowers that have a light, cucumber-like taste. The flowers can be added to salads, drinks, and desserts or used as a garnish.
Borage is edible and serves as a companion plant in the garden, attracting pollinators and repelling pests.
Viola
Violas, including pansies and violets, offer a range of colors and delicate, sweet flavors that make them a delightful addition to lollipops, ice cubes, and cakes. The entire flower is edible, and they grow well in a variety of conditions, making them a versatile option for gardeners in zones 2-10.
Chamomile
Chamomile is a well-known herb for its calming properties when used in teas. The tiny, daisy-like flowers are mildly sweet and fruity, suitable for adding to teas, desserts, or salads.
Chamomile is an easy-to-grow plant that can be harvested and dried for year-round use.
Benefits of Growing Edible Flowers
Growing edible flowers in your garden offers numerous advantages. One significant benefit is adding a variety of flavors, textures, and colors to your meals.
Edible flowers can enhance the taste and appearance of salads, desserts, beverages, and more. For instance, begonia flowers provide a tart, lemon-like flavor and a crisp texture, making them a delightful addition to a wide range of dishes.
Another benefit is the potential health benefits offered by some edible flowers. For example, lavender flowers possess a pleasant citrus flavor and contain well-known beneficial properties such as easing anxiety and promoting better sleep.
Edible flowers can also serve as a natural, eco-friendly alternative to conventional garnishes and food decorations. Growing your own edible flowers reduces waste and minimizes your carbon footprint by eliminating the need for plastic containers and transportation associated with store-bought garnishes.
Furthermore, incorporating edible flowers into your garden promotes biodiversity and encourages pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds to visit your garden. This, in turn, supports a healthy ecosystem and enhances your garden’s overall health and productivity.
Culinary Uses
Salads and Garnishes
Edible flowers can add color, flavor, and texture to a variety of dishes. For example, daylilies offer a crunchy texture and citrus tang, while nasturtiums provide a spicy, peppery bite. Calendula and petunias can add a slightly sweet touch, while marigolds contribute a strong, lingering flavor.
Simply pluck the petals from the stem and add them to your favorite salad mix to use these flowers in salads.
Teas and Beverages
Many edible flowers have flavors that complement teas and other beverages. Bee balm, for instance, has an Earl Grey-like taste with citrus undertones, making it an excellent addition to homemade teas.
Edible flowers can also be frozen into ice cubes, adding a touch of visual interest and a hint of flavor to your drinks as they melt.
Desserts
When it comes to desserts, edible flowers can be used in a variety of ways. They can be candied or sugared to decorate cakes, cookies, or candies. Flowers like violets can be incorporated into sweet recipes like violet-infused whipped cream.
Additionally, some edible flowers, like dandelions, can be picked when young and used to create a sweet, honey-like flavor in desserts, such as dandelion syrup.
Growing and Harvesting Tips
When you plan to grow edible flowers in your garden, it is essential to consider factors like sunlight, soil conditions, and proper harvesting techniques to ensure healthy and tasty blooms.
To begin, choose a sunny location for your flower garden, as most edible flowers thrive in at least six hours of sunlight every day. Good-quality, well-draining soil is also essential for optimal growth. A mixture of organic compost and soil will help provide the necessary nutrients for these plants.
Follow these guidelines when planting and nurturing your edible flowers:
- Plant seeds or seedlings according to the directions on the seed packet or plant label, paying close attention to proper spacing and depth.
- Water regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist but not overly wet. Morning watering is best as it allows the plants to dry throughout the day, reducing the chances of fungal diseases.
- Monitor your flowers for any signs of disease or pest infestation, and treat them accordingly with organic or chemical solutions when necessary. Keeping your edible flowers free of harmful pesticides and chemicals is essential.
- Prune and deadhead your flowers as needed to encourage continuous blooming.
Harvesting edible flowers at the right time is equally important. Follow these tips for the best-tasting blooms:
- Harvest flowers that are at full bloom in the morning after the dew has dried, as this is when their flavor and aroma are at their peak.
- Choose blossoms that are in perfect condition, avoiding wilted or damaged ones.
- Use clean scissors or garden shears to snip blooms off at the base of the stem.
- Wash flowers gently in cool water to remove any dirt or insects, and then pat them dry with a clean towel or paper towel.
By following these growing and harvesting tips, you can ensure a successful crop of beautiful, delicious edible flowers that will enhance your culinary creations and add unique flavors to your table.
Safety Considerations
When growing and consuming edible flowers, it is essential to keep some safety considerations in mind. Ensuring the flowers are grown and harvested safely will help maximize their flavor and prevent any potential adverse effects.
Firstly, verifying the edibility of the flowers you choose to grow is crucial. Always research and confirm that the specific species and variety you intend to plant are safe for consumption. Not all flowers are edible; some may even be toxic, so exercise caution and consult reliable sources.
Next, consider the growing conditions of your edible flowers. They should be grown in organic soil, free from harmful contaminants and chemicals. Avoid using chemical fertilizers, pesticides, or herbicides, as these can potentially transfer to the flowers and cause health issues if consumed.
Lastly, be mindful of potential allergies, especially if you are serving edible flowers to guests. Some people may have allergic reactions to certain flowers, so it is wise to inform your guests of the flowers used and check for any known sensitivities.
Enjoy Edible Flowers in Your Garden and Kitchen
Some flowers aren’t just pretty faces to enjoy in your garden space – they’re lovely additions to meals as well. Are you already growing any of these edible flowers? If so, try some of our suggestions or look online for other creative culinary ways to use them.
And if you’re not growing any flowers that are edible, why not add some to your garden this year?
For more information about flower varieties, growing and card guides, and uses for different kinds of flowers, visit our Flowers page on the website.
- About the Author
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Matt Cunningham, co-founder of Minneopa Orchards alongside his brother Ryan, is a steward of the land with roots deeply embedded in the farming life. Raised on a farm with both parents imparting their love for agriculture—his father a farmer and his mother a gardener. Matt’s orchard and vineyard journey has blossomed into Minneopa Orchards – dedicated to sharing the joy of growing food with a community of like-minded enthusiasts.