Beyond Bouquets: Growing Flowers You Can Eat (and Actually Enjoy!)

Imagine strolling through your sun-drenched garden, the air thick with the honeyed scent of blooms. The bees are buzzing, the butterflies are flitting, and the world feels vibrant and alive. But what if I told you that some of those gorgeous flowers weren't just for show, but for savouring too? That's right, I'm talking about edible flowers! For centuries, cultures around the world have incorporated edible flowers into their cuisine, not just for their aesthetic appeal, but also for their unique flavors and surprising health benefits. Today, we're bringing that "farmhouse to table" experience directly to your backyard. In this guide, we'll explore the wonderful world of edible flowers, offering you a beginner's guide to growing, harvesting, and cooking with these beautiful blooms. From adding a peppery kick to your salads to creating stunning desserts, edible flowers are a delicious and sustainable way to elevate your garden and your meals. Let's dig in!

Getting Started: Which Flowers to Choose

Before you start munching on every blossom in your garden, it's absolutely vital to remember: safety first! Never consume flowers unless you are 100% certain of their identity and know they are safe to eat. Use reputable sources, like gardening books or trusted websites (such as the Peterson Field Guides or university extension services), to confirm the edibility of any flower before you take a bite. It's also crucial that any edible flowers you plan to eat are grown organically, or from seed where you know no pesticides or herbicides have been used. Don't ever eat flowers from a florist or nursery, as they are often treated with chemicals that are not safe for consumption.

For beginners, I recommend starting with these easy-to-grow and versatile edible flowers:

• Nasturtiums: These vibrant, peppery flowers and leaves are incredibly easy to grow, even in poor soil. Their spicy flavor adds a zing to salads, sandwiches, and even pesto. The entire plant is edible!
• Pansies and Violets: These delicate blooms have a mild, slightly sweet flavor that makes them perfect for decorating cakes, cookies, and salads. Candied violets are a classic and elegant treat.
• Calendula: Also known as pot marigolds, calendula petals have a slightly peppery, tangy flavor. They can be used to add color to salads, soups, and rice dishes. Plus, they possess anti-inflammatory properties that make them a valuable addition to homemade skin salves (petals only!).
• Squash Blossoms: These delicate, slightly sweet flowers are a culinary delicacy. They can be stuffed with cheese, dipped in batter, and fried for a delicious appetizer or side dish.
• Roses: Not all roses are fragrant, but even more so, not all roses are flavorful. Some roses have a very fragrant aroma and a beautiful flavor that will be highlighted when used for jellies, jams, teas, and liquors.

Flowers to AVOID:

It’s just as important to know which flowers not to eat. Here are a few common garden flowers that are poisonous and should never be consumed: daffodils, oleander, lily of the valley, foxglove, azaleas, and hydrangeas. When in doubt, don't eat it!

Growing Conditions:

Most edible flowers thrive in well-drained soil and full sun (at least 6 hours of sunlight per day). However, some, like violets and pansies, prefer partial shade, especially in hotter climates. Ensure your soil is rich in organic matter by amending it with compost before planting.

Harvesting Tips:

Harvest edible flowers in the early morning, after the dew has dried, when their flavor is at its peak. Gently pluck the blooms from the plant, and remove the pistils and stamens (the reproductive parts) from the center of the flower, as they can sometimes have a bitter taste.

From Garden to Plate: Simple Edible Flower Recipes

Now for the fun part: cooking with your beautiful blooms! Here are a few simple recipes to get you started:

• Nasturtium Pesto: Combine 2 cups of nasturtium leaves and flowers, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1/4 cup pine nuts, 2 cloves garlic, 1/4 cup olive oil, and salt and pepper to taste in a food processor. Blend until smooth. Serve with pasta, grilled chicken, or vegetables. The peppery bite of the nasturtiums adds a unique twist to this classic pesto.
• Candied Violets: Gently brush fresh violet blossoms with a mixture of beaten egg white and water. Sprinkle with superfine sugar and allow to dry completely on a wire rack. These candied violets are perfect for decorating cakes, cupcakes, and other desserts.
• Calendula Salve: Infuse dried calendula petals in olive oil for several weeks. Strain the oil and combine it with melted beeswax and a few drops of essential oil (like lavender or chamomile). Pour into small jars and let cool. This salve can be used to soothe minor skin irritations and promote healing.
• Stuffed Squash Blossoms: Gently rinse the squash blossoms and pat them dry. In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, chopped herbs (like basil and oregano), garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Carefully fill each blossom with the cheese mixture, twist the ends to seal, dip in a light batter, and fry until golden brown. Serve immediately.
• Floral Iced Tea: Steep a combination of edible flowers, such as lavender, rose petals, and chamomile, in hot water for 5-10 minutes. Strain the tea, add ice, and sweeten with honey or agave nectar. This refreshing iced tea is perfect for a hot summer day.

Designing Your Edible Flower Garden: Beauty and Functionality

An edible flower garden can be both a feast for the eyes and a source of delicious ingredients. Here are a few tips for designing a beautiful and functional edible flower garden:

• Companion Planting: Incorporate edible flowers into your vegetable garden to attract pollinators and deter pests. Marigolds, for example, are known to repel nematodes and other harmful insects, making them a great companion plant for tomatoes and other vegetables.
• Creating a Dedicated Edible Flower Bed: Design a visually appealing flower bed using a variety of colors, textures, and heights. Plant taller flowers in the back and shorter flowers in the front. Consider using edging to define the bed and prevent weeds from creeping in.
• Succession Planting: Plant different varieties of edible flowers that bloom at different times of the year to ensure a continuous supply of blooms throughout the growing season.
• Attracting Pollinators: Choose edible flowers that are known to attract beneficial insects, such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. These pollinators will not only help to pollinate your edible flowers, but also your vegetables and fruits.

Preserving the Bloom: Saving Edible Flowers for Later

Don't let your beautiful blooms go to waste! Here are a few ways to preserve edible flowers for later use:

• Drying: Air drying is the easiest method. Simply hang bunches of flowers upside down in a cool, dark, and dry place until they are completely dry. You can also use a dehydrator or microwave oven to speed up the drying process. Dried flowers can be used in teas, potpourri, or as decorative elements.
• Freezing: Squash blossoms can be frozen for later use. Simply blanch the blossoms in boiling water for a few seconds, then plunge them into ice water. Pat them dry and freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag.
• Infusing Oils and Vinegars: Infuse oils and vinegars with edible flowers for a flavorful addition to your cooking. Simply combine fresh flowers with olive oil or vinegar in a jar and let them infuse for several weeks. Strain the oil or vinegar and store it in a cool, dark place.
• Crystallizing: Candied violets are not the only way to crystalize edible flowers, you can use a variety of petals, such as those of roses, to coat in sugar crystals for an eye catching addition to any dessert.

A Celebration of Garden-to-Table Living

Incorporating edible flowers into your garden and diet is a wonderful way to connect with nature, explore new flavors, and enhance your overall well-being. Start small, experiment with different varieties, and don't be afraid to get creative. Gardening is a journey, and there's always something new to learn. So, go ahead, embrace the beauty and bounty of edible flowers, and transform your garden into a delicious and sustainable paradise.

![Person hands gardening glove, smiling garden sun]

Now I'd love to hear from you! What are your favorite edible flower recipes or gardening tips? Share them in the comments below! Or tell me, what edible flower are you most excited to try growing? Share photos of your edible flower creations on social media using #BHHEdibleFlowers, and most importantly, give one of the recipes a shot and tell me how it goes. Happy gardening, and happy eating!