Easy Edible Flowers You Can Grow

If you’ve visited here before, you know I love me some flowers! In a previous post, I’ve written about the health benefits of Chamomile, and in this post I thought it would be fun to cover some easy to grow edible flowers you can use to dress up any meal.

Easy Edible Flowers You Can Grow

Edible flowers may seem like a strange idea at first, but they’ve been used in cooking for centuries. They can be eaten both raw or cooked, and you really don’t need a large garden to grow your own edible flowers. Some flowers can be grown in container gardens, and many will even do well on a window ledge or in window boxes. Just start with good seeds and soil, follow the instructions on the seed packets, and use only natural pest control methods as needed.

Below are a few easy to grow flowers which are perfect for beginners. When buying the seeds, always check for the Latin name to make sure you’re getting an edible variety and not a potentially dangerous cousin.

Nasturtium

Nasturtium is the most popular of all edible flowers. Both the leaves and flowers are edible, with a flavor similar to watercress. They come in a wide range of colors, so they’ll make a beautiful contrast in salads and as a garnish. This plant thrives in full sun to light shade.

Pansies

Pansies come in a range of colors and generally taste somewhat like grapes. The flowers make beautiful cake decorations as well as garnishes in salads. Pansies will grow well in anything except direct sunlight. Moisture levels will vary, so read the seed packet carefully.

Borage (Borago officinalis)

These star-shaped flowers come in pink, violet and blue, and taste a little like cucumbers. Use Borage in savory dishes like soups and stews, and also freeze into ice cubes for refreshing summertime drinks. Borage isn’t fussy, and can be grown in most any kind of light and pretty much any soil.

Chrysanthemums (Chrysanthemum morifolium, or Chrysanthemum x grandiflorum)

Mums taste the way they smell, slightly spicy and pungent. Use sparingly in salads, stir fries and rice dishes; a little usually goes a long way. Mums need lots of sunlight and well-drained soil.

Daylilies

Daylilies taste sweet and floral and you want to harvest when the buds are just about to open. They make a great addition to Asian cuisine, and are pretty in salads and desserts. They thrive in full sun in well-drained, moist soil.

Geraniums (Pelargonium)

These can vary quite a bit in taste, from spicy nutmeg or ginger to citrus or peppermint. The lemon and peppermint-tasting varieties work well in ice cream, sorbet, and ice cubes. Freeze the flowers, then use the cubes to liven up your pitchers or punch bowls. Geraniums like light and well-drained soil.

Lavender (Lavandula)

English lavender varieties (Lavender angustifolia) have the best flavor for recipes, which range from sweet to savory. Lavender water, candy, sauces and breads all have a light citrus taste with an underlying tang of rosemary and sage. Make sure to remove all the flowers from the stalk when adding to a dish. Lavender needs well-drained soil and full sun.

Give Edible Flowers a Try

Edible flowers are packed with nutrients, vitamins and minerals. Choose a few varieties to grow this summer and besides adding beauty to your landscape, edible flowers will liven up and add beauty to your meals!

This information is presented as entertainment and not meant to diagnose or treat any illness or disease. Always consult your medical professional before adding anything new to your diet.

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