The 10 Best Edible Flowers to Grow
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Edible flowers are my favorite way to bring a little something special to both my garden and kitchen.
Not only are they beautiful, but edible flowers also offer really unique tastes that can instantly upgrade your salads, desserts, and even drinks.
I really love discovering which flowers can be used in cooking.
From the bright, peppery flavor of nasturtiums to the delicate sweetness of pansies, there’s a whole world of edible flowers out there.
Here are my top 10 favorite edible flowers that you can grow in your own garden or find at the market, along with some tips on how to enjoy them in the kitchen.
For more flower garden ideas, check out my guides:
I love growing nasturtiums at the edges of my herb garden so that they spill over the side.
Nasturtiums
Nasturtiums are one of those flowers that just make me smile whenever I see them in my garden.
Not only are they incredibly easy to grow, but they also bring a pop of color with their vibrant red, orange, and yellow blooms.
What makes them even better is that these flowers are packed with flavor!
They have a peppery kick to them, almost like a spicy radish or arugula, which makes them the perfect addition to green salads.
I love tossing a handful of fresh nasturtium petals into my salad mix—it adds both a pop of color and a little zing.
And the best part? It’s not just the petals you can use.
The leaves are also edible, so you can include those in your dishes too.
The first time I saw this was at a fancy restaurant where they served ceviche on top of nasturtium leaves—mind blowing.
And I’ve been growing them ever since then.
Plus, they’re known to attract bees and butterflies, which makes them a win for both your kitchen and your garden.
To learn more about growing nasturtiums, check out my guide Growing Nasturtium Flowers: From Seed to Bloom.
Check out these guides for more flower growing tips:
Chive Blossoms
Chive blossoms are one of those things that I always look forward to each year.
They’re so simple yet so full of flavor.
These delicate, lavender-colored blooms add a mild onion flavor to dishes without being overpowering.
I love tossing chive blossoms into a fresh salad—they just add that perfect burst of color and flavor.
What’s even better is how easy they are to grow.
If you’ve already got chives in your garden, you’re likely to see these pretty little flowers pop up in late spring or early summer.
The flowers are edible, and I find they’re especially great mixed into cream cheese spreads or sprinkled over vegetable dishes.
Plus, they last a long time in your garden, and you can keep harvesting the blossoms for multiple uses.
They’re a great way to add a gentle, oniony zing to your dishes without the sharpness of regular onions.
Learn more about growing chives with my guide: The Ultimate Guide to Growing Chives in Pots.
Calendula
Calendula, often called “pot marigold,” is one of my favorite edible flowers because it’s just so versatile.
These bright orange or yellow blooms aren’t just gorgeous to look at, they also have a wonderful, slightly peppery flavor.
You can use them in everything from fresh salads to soups.
The petals are slightly tangy, making them a great way to brighten up both savory and sweet dishes.
One of my go-to uses for calendula is tossing the petals into salads, where they add a pop of color and a mild, zesty bite.
You can also sprinkle them over roasted vegetables, or stir them into rice dishes for a little extra flavor.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even steep them in hot water to make a simple calendula tea.
Plus, calendula is known for its skin-healing properties, so it’s also great for making DIY skincare products.
Calendula is super easy to grow in the garden, thriving in most soil types and conditions, so you’ll be able to enjoy them for months.
To learn more, check out my guide: The Easiest Way to Grow Calendula from Seed.
Grow more with my easy flower guides:
Easy Flowers to Grow from Seed
After growing borage for the first time, I am hooked!
Borage
Borage is one of those flowers that I absolutely love because it’s not just beautiful—it’s also incredibly unique.
The star-shaped, bright blue flowers are simply stunning and always seem to catch the eye in the garden.
Borage has a really interesting cucumber-like flavor, which makes it a really fun addition to summer dishes and drinks.
Borage is fantastic in infused water or lemonade, where its subtle, cool taste pairs beautifully with the crispness of the other ingredients.
If you’re making a fruit salad, borage petals can add a touch of sweetness without overwhelming the flavors of the fruit.
You can also freeze the flowers into ice cubes, which makes them a fun addition to your iced drinks.
Borage is surprisingly easy to grow and thrives in full sun, I grow mine in my herb garden alongside other herbs like sage and thyme.
Learn more: Borage Companion Planting: The Best Pairings.
Sweet William
Sweet William, or Dianthus, is one of those flowers that holds a special place in my heart.
I remember the first time I planted them in my garden—they’re so vibrant, with their clusters of tiny, colorful blooms in shades of pink (or they can be red or white).
What was really surprising to me is that the flowers are edible.
The flowers have a sweet, almost clove-like flavor, which makes them perfect for adding a unique twist to your dishes, or even cocktails.
They’re also amazing as a garnish for cakes or pastries, giving them an extra pop of color.
You can even add Sweet William petals to herbal teas, where they add a mild sweetness and an unexpected floral note.
What’s nice about Sweet William is that it’s so easy to grow, and it thrives in cooler weather, making it perfect for spring and early summer gardens.
It’s also one of those flowers that seems to keep blooming for quite a while, so you get to enjoy its beauty and flavor for weeks.
If you’re looking for a flower that’s not only pretty but also adds something a little different to your meals, Sweet William is definitely worth considering.
To learn more about dianthus, check out my guide: Pruning Dianthus: Quick, Easy Snips for More Blooms.
For more inspiration, check out my guides:
Lavender
Lavender is one of those flowers that always feels a bit magical to me.
There’s something so calming and soothing about its fragrant purple spikes, and it’s definitely one of my favorite flowers to have in the garden.
Not only does it make your garden smell like a peaceful escape, but its delicate, sweet flavor is such great to bring into the kitchen.
You can use lavender in both sweet and savory dishes.
It’s great for infusing in simple syrups for iced drinks, like lemonade or iced tea, and you can even use it to add a floral touch to ice cream.
Beyond cooking, lavender is also fantastic for DIY projects like homemade bath salts or sachets.
It’s a wonderful plant to grow in the garden since it thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, and you can harvest lavender flowers to use all year long.
I always make sure to snip a few sprigs whenever they’re in bloom—they’re a lovely touch to any homemade gift.
To learn more about lavender, check out my guide: How to Create a Lavender Hedge.
Violas
Violas are one of those flowers that always seem to brighten up my garden.
These little beauties come in so many colors, from soft purples and blues to cheerful yellows and whites.
They’re not just pretty to look at, though; their delicate, sweet flavor is a wonderful addition to all sorts of dishes.
Viola petals are a great addition to fruit salads for a pop of color and a subtle floral sweetness.
They’re also perfect for decorating cakes, cupcakes, or even a batch of homemade cookies.
The best part is how versatile they are—they can work in both sweet and savory dishes.
I’ve even tossed them into green salads for a light, floral touch that’s both lovely and tasty.
What’s great about violas is how easy they are to grow.
They thrive in cool weather, which makes them perfect for those spring and fall months.
Plus, they’re low-maintenance, so even if you don’t have a ton of gardening experience, violas are a great option to try.
Pansies
Pansies are one of those flowers that always make me smile.
There’s something about their bright, cheerful colors—purple, yellow, white, and even combinations of all three—that can instantly brighten up any garden.
But what really makes pansies stand out is how wonderfully versatile they are in the kitchen.
The petals have this gentle, mildly sweet flavor with a hint of grassiness that makes them a perfect addition to all kinds of dishes.
I love tossing them into my salads for an instant splash of color and a bit of light, refreshing flavor.
They’re also fantastic for decorating desserts—whether it’s cupcakes or even ice cream.
And let’s not forget about drinks—frozen into ice cubes, pansy petals add an elegant touch to any cold beverage, whether it’s iced tea, lemonade, or a cocktail.
Plus, you can actually eat the whole flower, which makes them a fun and safe flower to experiment with in the kitchen.
For more ideas, check out my guide:
Squash Blossoms
Squash blossoms are delicious.
There’s something about these large, golden-yellow flowers that make them feel so special.
Whether you’re growing zucchini, pumpkins, or other squash varieties, these blooms are the first sign that your garden is really starting to come alive.
I love harvesting them and bringing them straight into the kitchen—because they’re just as delightful to eat as they are to look at.
The flavor of squash blossoms is delicate and mild, with a subtle sweetness that works wonderfully in savory dishes.
One of my favorite ways to enjoy them is by stuffing them with cheese and herbs, then frying them up for a crispy, melt-in-your-mouth treat.
They’re also fantastic added to quesadillas or pasta dishes.
What’s amazing about squash blossoms is how they truly elevate a dish with minimal effort.
And if you’ve got squash plants in your garden, you’re in luck—these flowers are incredibly easy to grow.
You can enjoy them as soon as they bloom, and it’s always fun to see what you can come up with using these gorgeous, edible flowers.
Whether you’re looking to add a special touch to a dish or just want to try something new, squash blossoms are always a good idea.
To learn more about growing zucchini, check out my guide: Maximize Your Zucchini Harvest: Companion Planting Guide.
Cornflower
Cornflowers are really striking—there’s something so cool about their bright, electric blue petals that makes them stand out in any garden.
These wildflowers are known for their vibrant color, these flowers are not just beautiful to look at, but they’re also totally edible, and they bring such a unique, slightly spicy flavor to the table.
It’s that perfect balance of floral sweetness with a little kick that makes them a fun addition to so many dishes.
You can add cornflower petals to salads, where their bold blue hue adds an eye-catching pop.
The mild, clove-like taste works wonderfully with the crispness of leafy greens.
But it doesn’t stop there!
Cornflower petals can also be frozen into ice cubes, which is a super easy way to elevate any cold drink.
You can use them in everything from iced tea to lemonade, and they look just as good as they taste.
Growing cornflowers in the garden is a breeze, too.
They’re incredibly hardy and can thrive in a variety of soil types, which makes them perfect for beginner gardeners.
Plus, they’re great for attracting bees and butterflies, so they’ll help bring some extra life to your garden.
Whether you're looking to add a burst of color to your plate or just want a flower that's both beautiful and flavorful, cornflowers are always a win in my book.
For more tips on growing wildflowers, check out my guide: How to Create a Wildflower Front Yard.
For more growing tips, check out my guides:
FAQs
Are all flowers edible?
No, not all flowers are edible.
Some flowers are toxic to humans and pets, so it’s important to ensure that the flowers you're using are safe to eat.
Stick to flowers that are specifically labeled as edible, such as the ones mentioned above.
What’s the best way to use edible flowers?
Edible flowers can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads to ice cream, fruit salad, and even drinks.
They can also be frozen in ice cubes to add a touch of color to cold beverages.
Just be sure to wash them thoroughly before using.
Are pansies edible for dogs?
Pansies are generally safe for dogs, but it's always best to consult with your veterinarian before feeding any new foods to your pets.
Some dogs may have allergies or sensitivities to certain flowers.
What are the best edible flowers to grow at home?
Some of the easiest and most popular edible flowers to grow in your home garden include pansies, nasturtiums, chive blossoms, and marigolds.
These plants thrive in a variety of conditions and can be grown in containers, raised beds, or in the ground.
Are pansies really edible flowers?
Yes, pansies are indeed edible flowers.
Their petals have a sweet, grassy flavor and can be added to a variety of dishes, from salads to ice cream.
They’re also safe to eat, as long as you’re not allergic to them.
For more flower garden inspiration check out my guides:
Wrap-Up
Adding edible flowers to your garden and meals is such a fun way to experiment with new flavors.
Whether you’re using vibrant petals to garnish a dish or mixing them into your favorite recipes, these tiny flowers bring so much to the table—both in beauty and taste.
From the peppery kick of nasturtiums to the sweet notes of pansies, the flowers taste are as diverse as their colors.
Not only do they make your food look amazing, but they also offer a fresh, natural way to enhance your dishes.
So, if you’re looking to brighten up your garden or take your culinary creations to the next level, consider adding some of these edible flowers to your collection.
With a little bit of care and creativity, you can enjoy both the beauty and the unique flavors that these beautiful blooms bring to your kitchen.
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