Once you start cooking with your own flowers, you will wonder why you waited. These 10 edible flowers you’ll wish you started growing sooner are easy, pretty and genuinely useful in the kitchen.
| Item | Why it works |
|---|---|
| Salads | Nasturtium, pansy, borage, viola |
| Baking | Lavender, rose, viola |
| Drinks | Hibiscus, borage, rose |
| Savoury dishes | Chive blossoms, squash blossoms |
| Colour | Calendula petals in rice and butter |
Tip: Grow edible flowers without pesticides and identify each one with certainty before eating, start with small amounts in case of allergies or stomach upset, keep them separate from ornamental lookalikes such as foxglove and sweet pea which are toxic, and check with a doctor before eating flowers while pregnant.
What is the easiest edible flower to grow?
Nasturtiums and calendula grow quickly from seed in most gardens.
Can I eat flowers from the shop?
No, shop and florist flowers are often sprayed and not safe to eat.
How do I clean edible flowers?
Shake off insects and rinse gently in cool water, then dry on paper towel.
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