Edible flowers are a delightful addition to any garden, adding both color and flavor to your dishes. Some of the best edible flowers to grow include nasturtiums, pansies, calendula, violets, borage, and marigolds.
Each of these flowers brings a unique taste and visual appeal, making them a versatile choice for gardeners and chefs alike. This article will guide you through the basics of growing these edible flowers and how to use them in your cooking.
Nasturtiums: A Peppery Treat
Nasturtiums are a popular choice for edible flowers. They are easy to grow and thrive in most garden environments. Their bright blooms range from yellow to deep red, adding a splash of color to any dish.
Growing Nasturtiums
Nasturtiums prefer well-drained soil and full sun but can tolerate partial shade. They are drought-tolerant, making them a low-maintenance option for gardeners. Plant the seeds directly in the garden after the last frost. Space them about 10-12 inches apart, and water them regularly until they establish themselves.
Using Nasturtiums in the Kitchen
Nasturtium flowers have a peppery flavor that complements salads, sandwiches, and garnishes. The leaves are also edible and can be used in the same way as the flowers. Try stuffing the flowers with soft cheese for a simple, elegant appetizer.
Pansies: Mild and Versatile
Pansies are another excellent choice for edible flowers. They come in a wide variety of colors and have a mild, slightly sweet flavor. Pansies are often used to decorate cakes and desserts, but they also work well in salads and drinks.
Growing Pansies
Pansies thrive in cool weather and prefer well-drained, fertile soil. Plant them in the spring or fall for the best results. Space them about 6-8 inches apart, and water them regularly to keep the soil moist. Deadhead the flowers to encourage continuous blooming.
Using Pansies in the Kitchen
Pansies have a mild flavor that pairs well with both sweet and savory dishes. Use them to decorate cakes, cookies, and fruit salads. You can also freeze them in ice cubes to add a colorful touch to beverages.
Calendulas: The “Poor Man’s Saffron”
Calendulas, also known as pot marigolds, are another great choice. They have a mild, slightly tangy flavor and a vibrant yellow-orange hue. Calendulas are often called “poor man’s saffron” because their petals can be used as a saffron substitute.
Growing Calendula
Calendulas prefer cool weather and can be grown in spring and fall. They do best in well-drained soil and full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
Sow seeds directly in the garden or start them indoors a few weeks before the last frost, spacing them about 12 inches apart. Calendulas are low-maintenance, requiring only regular watering and deadheading to keep them blooming.
Using Calendula in the Kitchen
Calendula petals can be used fresh or dried. They add a pop of color to salads and can be used as a saffron substitute in cooking. The petals also make a beautiful garnish for soups and stews.
Violets: Sweet and Delicate
Violets are a classic edible flower, known for their sweet fragrance and delicate flavor. They are often used in desserts, candies, and teas.
Growing Violets
Violets prefer partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. They are a cool-season flower, best planted in the early spring or fall. Space them about 6 inches apart and keep the soil consistently moist.
Using Violets in the Kitchen
Violets can be used to make syrups, jellies, and candies. They also add a sweet, floral note to salads and desserts. Try crystallizing violets with sugar for a beautiful cake decoration.
Borage: Cucumber Flavor in a Flower
Borage is a unique edible flower with a mild cucumber flavor. Its star-shaped blue flowers are not only beautiful but also versatile in the kitchen.
Growing Borage
Borage is a hardy plant that grows well in most soil types. It prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Plant the seeds directly in the garden after the last frost, spacing them about 12 inches apart. Borage is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal care.
Using Borage in the Kitchen
Borage flowers are often used in salads, soups, and drinks. Their cucumber flavor pairs well with summer dishes. You can also use the flowers to garnish cocktails or freeze them in ice cubes for a refreshing touch.
Marigolds: Bright and Citrusy
Marigolds, particularly the tagetes variety, are known for their bright colors and citrusy flavor. They’re often used in savory dishes and as a natural food dye.
Growing Marigolds
Marigolds are easy to grow and thrive in full sun. They prefer well-drained soil but can tolerate poor soil conditions. Sow marigold seeds directly in the garden after the last frost or start them indoors. Marigolds are drought-tolerant but will produce more flowers with regular watering. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering.
Using Marigolds in the Kitchen
Marigold petals can be used to add color and a citrusy flavor to salads, soups, and rice dishes. They can also be used to make teas or as a garnish for cocktails. Marigolds are often used in Indian and Mexican cuisine for their vibrant color and subtle flavor.
Safety Tips for Using Edible Flowers
Before you start eating flowers from your garden, there are a few important safety tips to keep in mind. First, make sure you’re correctly identifying the flowers. Some flowers are toxic, so it’s crucial to know what you’re picking. Some common toxic flowers include:
- Daffodils
- Lily of the Valley
- Oleander
- Foxglove
- Rhododendron
Never eat a flower if you’re unsure of its identity. Always research before adding new flowers to your diet. Only eat flowers that you’ve grown yourself or that you know haven’t been treated with pesticides or other chemicals.
Also, introduce edible flowers into your diet gradually. Some people may have allergies to certain flowers, so start with small amounts to see how your body reacts.
Tips for Harvesting and Using Edible Flowers
When growing edible flowers, it’s important to harvest them at the right time to ensure the best flavor and freshness. Pick the flowers early in the morning after the dew has dried but before the sun gets too hot. Use a sharp pair of scissors or pruning shears to avoid damaging the plants.
Only use flowers that you know are safe to eat and have not been treated with pesticides or other chemicals. Wash the flowers gently in cool water and pat them dry before using them in your recipes.
Storing Edible Flowers
Edible flowers are best used fresh, but you can store them in the refrigerator for a short period. Place them in a container lined with damp paper towels, and they should stay fresh for a few days. For long-term storage, consider drying the petals or freezing them in ice cubes.
Also Read: How to Harvest and Preserve Your Herbs
Creative Uses for Edible Flowers
Beyond salads and garnishes, there are many creative ways to use edible flowers in your cooking. Here are a few ideas to inspire you:
Herb Butter: Mix finely chopped edible flowers with softened butter and herbs to create a colorful and flavorful spread.
- Floral Ice Cubes: Freeze edible flowers in ice cubes to add a decorative touch to drinks and cocktails.
- Floral Vinegar: Infuse vinegar with edible flowers for a unique and aromatic dressing.
- Flower Syrups: Make a simple syrup infused with edible flowers to use in cocktails, desserts, and teas.
Growing Edible Flowers in Containers
If you don’t have a garden, you can still grow edible flowers in containers. Most edible flowers are well-suited to container gardening, as long as you provide them with the right conditions.
Choosing the Right Container
Choose a container that is at least 6-8 inches deep and has good drainage. Terracotta pots are a popular choice, but any type of container will work as long as it meets these requirements.
Soil and Fertilizer
Use a high-quality potting mix for your edible flowers. If you’re growing them in containers, they will need regular feeding. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every few weeks to keep them healthy and blooming.
Watering and Maintenance
Container-grown plants dry out faster than those in the ground, so you’ll need to water your edible flowers more frequently. Check the soil regularly, and water when the top inch feels dry to the touch.
A Feast for the Senses
Edible flowers are more than just a beautiful addition to your garden; they are also a feast for the senses. With their vibrant colors, unique flavors, and versatile uses, these flowers can elevate your dishes and add a touch of elegance to your cooking.
