- Know exactly what you\u2019re eating. <\/strong>Some edible flowers have not-so-edible lookalikes that can be dangerous if ingested<\/li> <\/ul>
- Know whether you have any floral allergies<\/strong>. <\/li> <\/ul>
- Avoid pesticide or herbicide use<\/strong> while growing flowers.<\/li> <\/ul>
Your menu options in edible flowers:<\/p>
- Appetizers<\/a><\/li>
- Main Courses<\/a><\/li>
- Desserts<\/a><\/li>
- Beverages<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>
Appetizers<\/h2>
Getting hungry but not ready for a full meal? These flowers are perfect to pique your interest or tide over your hunger until the rest of your flowery food is ready.<\/p>
- Dandelion<\/a><\/li>
- Chrysanthemum<\/a><\/li>
- Carnation<\/a><\/li>
- Daylily<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>
![\"Dandelion](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/100700091_def1f4aaa2_c-646x483.jpg\")
Dandelion greens
Photo credit: Laurel F<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ CC BY-SA 2.0<\/a> <\/figcaption><\/figure>Dandelion<\/h3>
Some gardeners may consider dandelions to be a weed<\/a>, but if you\u2019ve made your peace with their presence this humble plant has all sorts of edible uses. Before you\u2019ve picked the flowers to make wishes or dandelion wine<\/a>, harvest the leaves for a peppery, nutrient-packed salad green<\/a> that you can substitute for arugula.<\/p>
USDA Hardiness Zones:<\/strong> 3-10
Sun:<\/strong> At least 6 hours of sun per day
Soil:<\/strong> rich, well-drained soil
Water needs:<\/strong> Keep soil moist, but not soggy
Bloom time:<\/strong> Continuously, but particularly May-June
Mature size:<\/strong> 2-6 inches tall<\/p>![\"Chrysanthemums](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Chrysanthemum-edible-646x443.jpg\")
Chrysanthemums
Photo credit: Kate Graur<\/a> \/ Pexels<\/figcaption><\/figure>Chrysanthemum <\/strong><\/h3>
Many chrysanthemum<\/a> varieties are edible, and each comes with different flavors and recipes. The greens of the garland chrysanthemum are common to many varieties of Asian cuisine, and its tangy flavor lends itself well to stir fries and salads.<\/p>
Other chrysanthemum varieties are perfect as soup and salad garnishes, since the flower petals add a peppery taste. The flowers can also be brewed into chrysanthemum tea or wine<\/a>.<\/p>
USDA Hardiness Zones:<\/strong> 5-9
Sun: <\/strong>At least 6 hours of sun per day, partial shade in warmer zones
Soil: <\/strong>Well-drained, sandy or loamy soil
Water needs:<\/strong> 1 inch per week early in the season, increasing gradually to 6-8 inches per week
Bloom time:<\/strong> Early bloomers start in July, other varieties September-October
Mature size:<\/strong> 2 to 3 feet<\/p>![\"Pink](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/carnation-800-646x440.jpg\")
Carnation
Photo credit: Pezibear<\/a> | Pixabay<\/figcaption><\/figure>Carnation <\/h3>
Carnations<\/a> are likely native to the Mediterranean, but their exact native range is unknown due to extensive over the last 2,000 years. This makes them trusty, adaptable plants that can withstand a variety of conditions and temperatures. The distinctive sweet-and-spicy flavor of carnations makes them a tasty addition to salads<\/a> and rice dishes, as well as a great garnish for soups.<\/p>
USDA Hardiness Zones: <\/strong>5-9
Sun: <\/strong>4-6 hours of sun per day
Soil:<\/strong> Well-draining, fertile soil
Water needs:<\/strong> Carnations are fairly drought tolerant, but water them once per week.
Bloom time:<\/strong> May-August
Mature size:<\/strong> 12-18 inches<\/p>![\"Yellow](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/rsz_img_1250-646x485.jpg\")
Daylily
Photo credit: Jeff Herman<\/a> \/ LawnStarter<\/figcaption><\/figure>Daylily <\/strong><\/h3>
Daylilies<\/a> are popular in Chinese cuisine, and can be prepared in all sorts of ways. The unopened flower buds and tubers can be saut\u00e9ed with butter for a tasty veggie side dish, or mix dried flowers into a warm batch of hot and sour soup<\/a> for a thickening agent. <\/p>
These flowers are so versatile and delicious that in Chinese the dried buds are known as gum jum choi, or \u201cgolden needles<\/a>!\u201d<\/p>
USDA Hardiness Zones:<\/strong> 4-9
Sun:<\/strong> Full sun or partial shade, 4-6 hours of sun per day for best results
Soil:<\/strong> Adaptable to many conditions, but moist, well-drained soil high in organic matter produces the best results
Water needs:<\/strong> About an inch of water per week
Bloom time:<\/strong> Most bloom in June or July, but mixing varieties can create blooms from May through September
Mature size:<\/strong> 8 inches to 5 feet<\/p>Main Courses<\/h2>
If you\u2019re looking for some filling flower food, there are plenty of options right in your backyard. Despite their delicate appearance, edible flowers can be used in hearty dishes perfect for your next garden party.<\/p>
- Nasturtium<\/a><\/li>
- Squash blossoms\/zucchini blossoms<\/a><\/li>
- Calendula\/Pot marigold<\/a><\/li>
- Lavender<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>
![\"Nasturtium](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Nasturtium-646x427.jpg\")
Nasturtium garnish
Photo credit: Tim Pierce<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ CC BY-SA 2.0<\/a> <\/figcaption><\/figure>Nasturtium <\/strong><\/h3>
Nasturtium<\/a>\u2019s gorgeous colors and edible intrigue make it a popular choice for gardening with kids, and it\u2019s an excellent companion for more familiar culinary crops like broccoli, cabbage, pumpkin, and kale. <\/p>
Nasturtium has a peppery flavor similar to mustard, and the flowers make an excellent garnish for soups and salads, while its seedpods can be pickled and substituted for capers in sandwiches, bagels, and more.<\/p>
USDA Hardiness Zones:<\/strong> annuals 4-8, perennials 9-11
Sun:<\/strong> Full sun is best \u2013 will grow in partial shade but not bloom as well
Soil:<\/strong> Neutral, well-draining soil
Water needs:<\/strong> Water 6 inches deep once or twice weekly, or when the top inch of soil begins to dry
Bloom time:<\/strong> May-September
Mature size: <\/strong>1-10 feet tall<\/p>![\"Squash](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Squash-blossoms-646x511.jpg\")
Squash blossom soup
Photo credit: Kent Wang<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ CC BY-SA 2.0<\/a> <\/figcaption><\/figure>Squash blossoms\/zucchini blossoms <\/h3>
Sure, most species of garden squash are edible, but so are zucchini flowers. Squash blossoms stuffed with cheese<\/a> or pan fried on their own are a traditional Italian dish<\/a>, and they can also be made into a flowery frittata.<\/p>
USDA Hardiness Zones:<\/strong> 3-9
Sun: <\/strong>Full sun
Soil:<\/strong> Moist soil high in organic matter
Water needs: <\/strong>Water deeply once a week
Bloom time: <\/strong>Blossoms only bloom for about one day before falling off or closing to turn to squash, 42-52 days after planting
Mature size:<\/strong> 2-3.5 feet<\/p>![\"Calendula](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Calendula-646x430.jpg\")
Calendula
Photo credit: Nina Nelson<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ CC BY-SA 2.0<\/a> <\/figcaption><\/figure>Calendula\/Pot Marigold<\/h3>
Commonly known as \u201cpoor man\u2019s saffron,\u201d the citrusy taste of calendula petals makes them a great addition to soups, stir-frys, and egg dishes, while the leaves are often incorporated into salads. <\/p>
The flowers of calendula also are a traditional colorant for yellow cheeses<\/a>. The flowers also are the star of the show in this calendula paella<\/a> recipe!<\/p>
Note: <\/strong>Though calendula is known as the pot marigold, it shouldn\u2019t be confused with marigolds in the Tagetes family, which are dangerous to eat.<\/p>
USDA Hardiness Zones:<\/strong> Perennial in 9-11, typically grown as an annual
Sun: <\/strong>Full sun to partial shade
Soil:<\/strong> Well-drained soil rich in organic matter
Water needs: <\/strong>Give calendulas 1-1.5 inches of water per week in hot weather \u2013 this plant is fairly drought tolerant, but regular watering will encourage more blooms.
Bloom time: <\/strong>May-early fall; will rebloom constantly if regularly deadheaded
<\/a>Mature size: <\/strong>1-2 feet tall<\/p>![\"Lavender](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/scallops-lavender-sou_800-646x440.jpg\")
Lavender and cumin scallops
City Foodsters<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ CC BY-SA 2.0<\/a> <\/figcaption><\/figure>Lavender<\/h3>
You may have already known that lavender is edible thanks to its common presence in teas and flavor syrups, but this herb is also used as a springtime seasoning<\/a> for fatty meats like lamb, chicken, or salmon, as well as roasted veggies. <\/p>
Lavender also is a great companion plant for other edibles, from roses to cabbage.<\/p>
USDA Hardiness Zones:<\/strong> 5-9
Sun:<\/strong> full sun
Soil:<\/strong> Dry, well-draining soil low in organic matter
Water needs: <\/strong>Once established lavender is drought-tolerant, and prone to root rot and fungi if overwatered.
Bloom time:<\/strong> May-June
Mature size:<\/strong> 2-3 feet tall<\/p>Desserts<\/h2>
Ready to wrap up your flower feast? Don\u2019t forget dessert. These edible flowers are sweet as can be, whether candied, baked into cakes, or made into ice cream.<\/p>
- Violas (pansies and violets)<\/a><\/li>
- Lilac<\/a><\/li>
- Geranium<\/a><\/li>
- Honeysuckle<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>
![\"Chocolate](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Viola-donuts-646x440.jpg\")
Chocolate and viola doughnuts
Photo credit: Valeria Boltneva<\/a> \/ Pexels<\/figcaption><\/figure>Violas (Pansies and Violets)<\/h3>
Both pansies and violets are edible members of the viola family, and their honey-like taste lends another layer of sweet flavor to delicate desserts like shortbread<\/a>, truffles<\/a>, and lollipops<\/a>. These flowers are known to attract plenty of butterflies<\/a> and pollinators, too.<\/p>
USDA Hardiness Zones:<\/strong> 3-8
Sun: <\/strong>Full sun to partial shade, depending on variety
Soil:<\/strong> Rich, moist, well-draining soil
Water needs:<\/strong> Water regularly, but allow the soil to dry out between waterings
Bloom time:<\/strong> Spring or fall (or both!)
Mature size: <\/strong>4-10 inches tall<\/p>![\"Lilac](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/lilac-frosting-646x440.jpg\")
Lilac icing
Photo credit: foshie<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ CC BY-SA 2.0<\/a> <\/figcaption><\/figure>Lilac <\/h3>
Lovely lilac shrubs are members of the olive family, and their fragrant flowers make for delicious additions to cakes<\/a> and pastries. You also can make lilac honey<\/a> by infusing flowers in honey for 6 weeks.<\/p>
USDA Hardiness Zones:<\/strong> 3-7
Sun:<\/strong> Full sun
Soil: <\/strong>Fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil
Water needs:<\/strong> Deep, infrequent watering every 10-14 days
Bloom time:<\/strong> April-June
Mature size: <\/strong>12-15 feet tall<\/p>![\"Baking](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/5848094269_d5db3337f0_c-646x430.jpg\")
Macaroons with geranium oil
Photo credit: Pauline Mak<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ CC BY-SA 2.0<\/a> <\/figcaption><\/figure>Geranium <\/h3>
Geraniums<\/a> are easy to grow and smell delightful, making them a favorite for gardeners looking to add color and fragrance. When the flowers and leaves are consumed, the flavor can range from minty to lemony. Geraniums are delectable in cakes, drinks, and especially geranium jelly<\/a>!<\/p>
USDA Hardiness Zones:<\/strong> Perennial in 9-11, annual in most other climates
Sun: <\/strong>Full sun, or light shade for ivy geranium
Soil: <\/strong>Loose soil with plenty of organic matter
Water needs: <\/strong>Water weekly when the top inch of soil is dry. If perennial, they can typically survive on rainwater once established.
Bloom time:<\/strong> Depending on variety, but typically May-June
Mature size:<\/strong> 5-36 inches tall<\/p>![\"Honeysuckle](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/28482072284_1aeed5126f_c-646x464.jpg\")
Honeysuckle
Photo credit: Conall<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ CC BY-SA 2.0<\/a> <\/figcaption><\/figure>Honeysuckle<\/h3>
Honeysuckles<\/a> can grow on woody shrubs or climbing vines. Along with hollyhocks, they’re a staple of cottage gardens<\/a>, as well as a romantic pair with roses. <\/p>
Honeysuckle\u2019s delicious nectar can be sipped straight from the flower, leading to the flower\u2019s name. For a more formal recipe, harvest the flowers to make a delicately floral honeysuckle ice cream<\/a>.<\/p>
USDA Hardiness Zones:<\/strong> 5-9
Sun: <\/strong>Honeysuckles prefer full sun, but can tolerate some shade
Soil:<\/strong> Organically-rich, well-drained soil
Water needs: <\/strong>Water deeply once a week in the summer unless rain is plentiful, and sparingly in winter
Bloom time: <\/strong>June-September
Mature size:<\/strong> 10-30 feet<\/p>Beverages<\/h2>
From hot tea to ice-cold cocktails, take a sip of these gorgeous flowers with our selection of delicious drinks.<\/p>
- Borage<\/a><\/li>
- Roses<\/a><\/li>
- Hibiscus<\/a><\/li>
- Chamomile<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>
![\"Borage](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/pexels-eva-elijas-5501052_800-646x440.jpg\")
Borage and strawberries
Photo credit: Eva Elijas<\/a> \/ Pexels<\/figcaption><\/figure>Borage<\/h3>
Also known as starflower, borage<\/a> is originally native to the Mediterranean and has a dazzling array of edible uses. All parts of the plant can be consumed except for the roots, and the unique blue flowers can be candied or used as a garnish to add a pop of color to any dish.<\/p>
Our favorite way to prepare borage lends its cucumber-like taste to spruce up refreshing lemonades<\/a> and spring cocktails. It\u2019s particularly well-suited for pairing with gin, so add it to a garden gimlet <\/a>or a classic G&T.<\/p>
USDA Hardiness Zones:<\/strong> 2-11
Sun: <\/strong>Full sun or partial shade
Soil:<\/strong> Borage can thrive in a variety of soils, but prefers moist, well-drained soil
Water needs: <\/strong>Water borage at least every few days while it\u2019s getting established, but once it has taken root you can let the soil dry out between waterings.
Bloom time:<\/strong> June-October
Mature size:<\/strong> Around 2 feet tall<\/p>![\"Rose](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/pexels-charlotte-may-5946990_800-646x440.jpg\")
Rose petals
Photo credit: Charlotte May<\/a> \/ Pexels<\/figcaption><\/figure>Roses <\/h3>
Those gorgeous roses blooming on your bushes are tasty, too! Rose water<\/a> is a common beverage in Middle Eastern, Persian, and Indian cuisine, where it\u2019s often paired with sweet side dishes like baklava or used as an ingredient in other recipes. <\/p>
This beverage is simple to make by steeping rinsed rose petals in distilled water for around half an hour or when the petals lose color. If you make too much to drink, you can also use it as a facial toner or mist.<\/p>
USDA Hardiness Zones:<\/strong> 3-10
Sun: <\/strong>At least 4 hours of direct sunlight is recommended
Soil:<\/strong> Loamy, well-drained soil
Water needs:<\/strong> Water newly-planted roses every two or three days and established plants once or twice a week as needed
Bloom time: <\/strong>Off and on from May-October, with some varieties blooming into the frost
Mature size: <\/strong>Depends on variety \u2013 bushes 4-6 feet tall, climbing roses 8-15<\/p>![\"Spicy](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/28344326864_81bed6ee28_c-646x443.jpg\")
Spicy cherry mock-a-jito with hibiscus syrup
Photo credit: USDA<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ Public domain<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>Hibiscus<\/h3>
Despite their tropical reputation, varieties of hibiscus<\/a> can be found natively in all 48 contiguous states and Hawaii. These brightly-colored flowers with prominent pistils can be infused into water, or brewed into a refreshing fruity tea<\/a> that\u2019s common in Jamaica.<\/p>
Looking for something to sip at happy hour? Try mixing hibiscus syrup with tequila<\/a> or bourbon<\/a> for a delicious summer cocktail!<\/p>
USDA Hardiness Zones:<\/strong> 5-11
Sun:<\/strong> Full sun
Soil:<\/strong> Moist, well-drained soils
Water needs:<\/strong> 1-2 inches of water per week
Bloom time:<\/strong> Mid-late summer - Roses<\/a><\/li>
- Lilac<\/a><\/li>
- Squash blossoms\/zucchini blossoms<\/a><\/li>
- Chrysanthemum<\/a><\/li>
- Main Courses<\/a><\/li>
- Appetizers<\/a><\/li>
- Avoid pesticide or herbicide use<\/strong> while growing flowers.<\/li> <\/ul>
- Know whether you have any floral allergies<\/strong>. <\/li> <\/ul>