Edible Flowers
Organic edible flowers have gained popularity among gardeners, food enthusiasts, and home cooks for their ability to add unique flavors, textures, and colors to dishes. Growing these flowers in your garden not only provides you with a beautiful visual display, but also a wealth of culinary possibilities. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore some of the more popular common varieties of organic edible flowers, discuss their flavor profiles, and provide essential information about each flower.
Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus)
Flavor profile: Peppery, similar to watercress
Nasturtiums are one of the most popular edible flowers due to their bright, bold colors and peppery taste. Both the leaves and flowers are edible, and they can be used in salads, sandwiches, or as a garnish for various dishes. Nasturtiums are easy to grow from seed and thrive in full sun or partial shade. They prefer well-draining soil and can be grown in containers, making them suitable for small gardens or patios.
Calendula (Calendula officinalis)
Flavor profile: Mildly bitter, tangy, and slightly sweet
Also known as pot marigold, calendula flowers have been used in traditional medicine and culinary applications for centuries. Their vibrant yellow and orange petals can be used fresh in salads or dried and used as a seasoning. Calendula is a hardy plant that can tolerate a range of soil types and growing conditions, but it prefers full sun and well-draining soil.
Borage (Borago officinalis)
Flavor profile: Mild cucumber-like taste
Borage, also known as starflower, produces beautiful blue, star-shaped flowers that have a delicate cucumber flavor. These flowers are commonly used as a garnish for drinks, salads, and desserts. Borage is a hardy annual that grows well in full sun or partial shade and prefers well-draining soil. The plant can reach up to 2-3 feet in height and will readily self-seed, making it easy to maintain in your garden.
Viola (Viola spp.)
Flavor profile: Mild, slightly sweet, and grassy
Violas, which include pansies and violets, are prized for their charming appearance and mild flavor. Their delicate petals can be used to add a touch of color and subtle sweetness to salads, desserts, and even cocktails. Violas grow best in cooler temperatures and can be planted in early spring or late fall. They prefer well-draining soil and can be grown in containers or directly in the ground.
Lavender (Lavandula spp.)
Flavor profile: Floral, slightly sweet, and fragrant
Lavender is a versatile edible flower that is well-known for its calming fragrance and lovely purple hue. Its flowers can be used to infuse sugar, honey, or vinegar and can also be incorporated into baked goods, teas, and cocktails. Lavender is a perennial plant that thrives in full sun and well-draining, slightly alkaline soil. It's drought-tolerant, making it an excellent choice for low-water gardens.
Rose (Rosa spp.)
Flavor profile: Floral, fruity, and slightly sweet
Rose petals are an elegant and flavorful addition to a variety of dishes, including salads, desserts, and beverages. The flavor can vary depending on the rose variety, but most have a delicate, fruity taste. Roses prefer full sun and well-draining soil, and their petals can be harvested throughout the growing season. Be sure to choose roses that have not been treated with pesticides or chemicals, as these can be harmful when ingested.
Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)
Flavor profile: Mild, sweet, and slightly apple-like
Chamomile is a popular herb known for its calming properties and delicate, daisy-like flowers. The flowers can be used fresh or dried, and are commonly infused in teas, added to salads, or used as a garnish for desserts. Chamomile is an easy-to-grow annual that prefers full sun or partial shade and well-draining soil. It can be grown in containers or directly in the ground, and its flowers can be harvested throughout the growing season.
Dianthus (Dianthus spp.)
Flavor profile: Mildly spicy and sweet, with a clove-like taste
Dianthus, also known as carnations or pinks, are known for their ruffled, fragrant petals that come in a wide range of colors. The petals can be used to add color and flavor to salads, desserts, and even savory dishes. Dianthus is a hardy perennial that grows best in full sun and well-draining soil. Be sure to choose varieties that are specifically labeled as edible, and avoid using flowers that have been treated with pesticides.
Daylily (Hemerocallis spp.)
Flavor profile: Mildly sweet, crunchy, and slightly nutty
Daylilies are a popular garden plant with large, trumpet-shaped flowers that come in a variety of colors. The petals, buds, and tubers are all edible, and can be used in salads, stir-fries, and even as a garnish for desserts. Daylilies are perennials that prefer full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil. They can be grown in containers or directly in the ground, and their flowers can be harvested throughout the growing season.
Chive Blossoms (Allium schoenoprasum)
Flavor profile: Mild onion-like taste
Chive blossoms are the flowers produced by the chive herb, and they offer a mild onion flavor that can be used in a variety of culinary applications. The lavender-colored flowers can be used whole or separated into individual florets and added to salads, omelets, or as a garnish for savory dishes. Chive plants are perennials that grow best in full sun and well-draining soil. They can be grown in containers or directly in the ground, and their flowers can be harvested in late spring to early summer.
Organic edible flowers offer a unique and visually appealing way to enhance your culinary creations. With their diverse flavors and striking colors, these flowers can transform your dishes into works of art. By growing your own organic edible flowers, you can ensure that they are free from harmful chemicals and pesticides. With a little care and attention, these plants can provide you with a beautiful, edible landscape that you can enjoy season after season.