Edible flowers have been used for centuries, both raw and cooked. Edible flowers may seem like a strange idea at first, but they are packed with plant nutrients known as phytochemicals, plus a range of vitamins and minerals.
Best of all, you don’t always need a large garden to grow your own edible flowers. Some can be grown in container gardens, window ledges and window boxes.
It’s a case of starting out with good seeds and soil, following instructions about watering, and using natural pest control methods as needed.
Here are some flowers which are perfect for beginners wanting to grow them and add them to recipes. When buying the seeds, always check for the Latin name to make sure you are getting an edible variety and not a potentially dangerous cousin.
Borage (Borago officinalis)
These star-shaped flowers come in pink, violet and blue, and taste slightly of cucumbers. Borage is popular in savory dishes like soups and stews. You can also freeze the flowers in water to make ice cubes to add to summertime drinks for some extra refreshment. It is an excellent dried herb to always keep on hand. It can be grown in any degree of sunlight, 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 do well in most soils as long as they are well-drained.
Daylilies
These flowers taste sweet and floral. They are best harvested when the buds are just about to open. They are used in Asian cuisine, salads and desserts. They thrive in the sun in moist soil which is well-drained.
Geraniums (Pelargonium)
These can vary considerably 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 and then use the cubes to liven up your pitchers or punch bowls. Geraniums like light and well-drained soil.
Lavender (Lavandula)
Lavender has many uses around the home, including as parts of recipes. English lavender varieties (Lavender angustifolia) have the best flavor for recipes, which range from sweet to savory.
Lavender water, candy, sauces and dressings all have a light citrus taste with an underlying tang of rosemary and sage. Remove all the flowers from the stalk when cooking. These plants love sunlight and need well-drained soil.
Nasturtium
Nasturium is the most popular of all edible flowers, and has been used for centuries as a component of salads and as an ingredient similar in taste to watercress.
You can eat both the leaves and flowers. They come in a wide range of colors, so work well as a contrasting color in salads and as a garnish. This plant thrives well in both sun and light shade.
Pansies
Pansies come in a range of colors and generally taste similar to grapes. The flowers are used for garnish, salads and cake decoration. Pansies will grow well in anything except direct sunlight. The moisture levels will vary by the type of pansy, so read the seed packet carefully.
Pinks
Pinks have a delicate flavor with touch of cloves. They are popular as an addition to hot tea and cider. The flowers are also used as an attractive garnish for creamy soups, fruit salad, and cookie platters.
Pinks need a lot of sunlight and a very rich soil in order to thrive. There are different species of pinks, so be sure to read the seed packet carefully.
Enjoy the beauty and flavors of these easy to grow varieties.
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