The Ultimate Guide to Growing Fresh Edible Flowers

Did you know that certain flowers are edible and can be used for both decoration and cooking? Edible flowers have been growing in popularity in both gardens and kitchens because of their unique and delicious flavors as well as their beautiful appearance. We love to experiment with them here on the farm and are looking forward to expanding our flower garden this year! I can't wait! Let’s take a look at some helpful tips for planting and using edible flowers!

Growing edible flowers at home is a simple process that anyone can do with the right climate, conditions, and care! In this guide, you’ll find some of our favorite gardening tips and a few of the best edible flowers to plant, plus creative uses for your fresh edible flowers. Once you decide which edible flowers to grow, you’ll be on your way to unlocking a ton of creative ways to use them!

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What Are Edible Flowers?

Edible flowers are safe for people to consume and cook with. Some of the most popular ones include nasturtiums, pansies, calendula, and lavender, but there are plenty of different types of edible flowers to grow and enjoy!

Although a key feature of edible flowers is that they’re grown without the use of harmful pesticides or chemicals, it’s important to note that not all types of flowers are edible, and only some parts of the plant might be safe to consume. You should always check your herbal monograph or book before consuming something you’re not 100% sure about. Check out our monograph library for more specific details on each edible flower.

Why Grow Edible Flowers?

There are a number of benefits to growing edible flowers, including the following:

• Fresh edible flowers will add beauty to your garden. The vibrant colors of the flowers are sure to brighten up any gardening space.
• You can use them as flavorful garnishes for dishes. Edible flowers add a unique taste and texture to recipes, and they’ll look beautiful too!
• When you grow your own edible flowers, you help promote much needed pollinators!
• Growing your own flowers is more cost-effective than buying them in-store or online.
• Drying these flowers is also an option to use on desserts or to craft with. Even dried and then powdered to use as colorings!
• You can also grow them to sell to local grocery store and at farmer's markets.

The Best Edible Flowers to Grow

Before we talk about some tips for planting and growing your own, let’s take a look at some details related to the most popular and easy-to-grow edible flowers. Not only do they vary in appearance, but so do their taste and climate needs!

Nasturtiums

Known for their peppery flavor, these flowers grow best in mild to warm temperatures. Nasturtiums grow in a wide variety of vibrant colors, making them eye-catching flowers to use for cooking or decoration.

Pansies

The vibrant color of pansies makes them a beautiful addition to your garden or cooking. Pansies have a mild and slightly sweet flavor, a more subtle flavor compared to other flowers. They grow best in cool to moderate temperatures.

Chamomile

Chamomile is often associated with relaxation. The mild herbal flavor of its flowers is subtle but pleasant, somewhat floral yet somewhat fruity. These flowers grow best in cool to moderate temperatures.

Roses (select varieties)

If you choose to grow edible roses, keep in mind that some varieties of roses are better for culinary use than others. Roses do best in moderate temperatures and differ in their flavor profile depending on the variety. While some roses have a fruity or mild flavor, others have more sweet or spicy notes.

Calendula

Calendula flowers are known for their warm, beautiful, golden appearance and for how versatile they are in cooking. They have a mild peppery and slightly bitter taste and thrive in cool to mild climates.

Tips for Growing Edible Flowers

Here are some of the most important steps and tips to keep in mind when planting and growing edible flowers.

• Find the perfect garden spot where your flowers can get the right amount of sunlight and air.
• Prepare your soil with organic fertilizer to allow the edible flowers to grow to their full potential.
• Consider companion planting with vegetables or herbs to improve their growth.
• Harvest at peak bloom for best results, in the morning just after the dew has dried, using clean scissors or shears to cut the fresh edible flowers.
• Handle the flowers gently so they don’t wilt or bruise.
• Store for up to 2-3 days in the refrigerator, keeping them in an airtight container and on a moist paper towel for maximum freshness.

When it comes to caring for your edible flower garden, proper watering, pruning, and pest management is essential. Most edible flowers need to be watered once or twice a week to keep the soil moist, but not soggy. Remember to prune your flowers as needed to encourage new, healthy blooms. The more you cut them the more they will bloom! 

Ways to Use Fresh Edible Flowers

We love cooking with edible flowers because they’re just as fun as they are tasty. Plus, there are plenty of fun ways to use edible flowers outside of the kitchen too. Here are just a few of our favorites:

• Salads: Add some extra color and flavor to a salad by topping it off with edible flowers.
• Desserts: Flowers will look amazing on top of cakes and other sweet treats.
• Teas: Dehydrate and use them to make homemade teas.
• Syrups: You can use fresh flowers to make simple syrups for cocktails.
• Cocktails: A fresh, edible flower will make a gorgeous garnish for a drink.

• Decorations: Wreaths, centerpieces, bouquets, and art are all great ways to use your flowers creatively.
• Potpourri: Dry your flowers and add them to a potpourri mixture that smells great and looks stunning.
• Natural dyes: What better way to enjoy the vibrant colors of your flowers than by turning them into beautiful dyes?

Fresh Edible Flowers Frequently Asked Questions

How do I clean edible flowers?

To clean your flowers, submerge them in a bowl of cool water for a few seconds to help remove dirt or dust. Next, dry them carefully, using a paper towel to absorb any excess water.

Which parts of edible flowers are safe to eat?

Different flowers may vary in terms of which parts are safe to eat. For example, some edible flowers have leaves that are safe to consume too. It’s always a good idea to check with an expert source if you’re unsure.

Can I freeze edible flowers?

Making ice cubes with edible flowers is a great way to jazz up any clear beverage. To make flower ice cubes, you’ll want to fill an ice tray halfway with water and add up to 3 petals per well (depending on the size). Freeze, then fill to the top with more water and freeze again.

Growing Your Creativi-tea

Growing edible flowers is worth the effort — there are so many different ways to use them! Whether you use them as garnish, in teas, or for decoration, fresh edible flowers will surely be a beautiful addition to your home.

If you want to learn more about how you can beautify your own garden to get it ready for flowers and other plants, be sure to check out our FREE Ebook on Affordable & Durable Raised Garden Box Plans!

Which edible flowers are you looking forward to adding to your garden?

Learn More about Edible Flowers & Flower Gardens

• Make Edible Flower Popsicles + Printable Recipe
• Plant Lavender & Other Edible Blooms
• How to Preserve Flowers for Tea
• DIY Simple Syrup with Flowers
• Dehydrating Flowers, Fruits & Botanicals
• How and When to Harvest Herbs