I came across an article on edible flowers some time ago and while I was thinking of something to blog about, I remembered this and I was quite surprised that I have quite a few of them that grow in my garden (some from Spring to Summer). Of the 35 or so flowers mentioned, I have 21 of them!! These blossoms are used in teas or salads. The borage flower has a light cucumber flavour, the chamomile has a honey flavour and it great as a tea, The marigold is spicy and bitter, and the lemon blossom is good for making citrus water. The jasmine has a delicate sweet flavour and the lemon verbena is perfect for a lemony tea. If you want something spicy or peppery, use Nasturtiums or carnations.
Personally, I would make teas out of the sweet blossoms, like Verbena, Borage, Jasmine and Chamomile and know that they are health giving and delicious to drink. The others I can add to any plate or table for decoration – whether I will actually eat them is another thing!
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Lemon (Citrus) blossom[/one_half]
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Chamomile[/one_half_last]
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Fuchsia[/one_third]
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Mint[/one_third]
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Rosemary[/one_third_last]
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Thyme[/one_half]
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Lavender[/one_half_last]
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Pansy[/one_half]
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Lemon Verbena[/one_half_last]
[one_half]
Coriander[/one_half]
[one_half_last]
Squash flower[/one_half_last]
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Borage[/one_half]
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Chive[/one_half_last]
The corn flower
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Sweet Basil[/one_half]
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Dandelion[/one_half_last]
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Sunflower[/one_half]
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Viola[/one_half_last]
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Carnation[/one_half]
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Marigolds[/one_half_last]
[one_half]
Nasturtiums[/one_half]
[one_half_last]
Jasmine[/one_half_last]
Well, not all beautiful flowers are edible – some are actually poisonous!! Can you believe that the Azalea, Clematis, Daffodil, Deadly Nightshade (Belladonna), Delphinium, Nandina, Iris, Lobelia, Potato flower, Sweta Pea, Yesterday-Today-Tomorrow are ALL in the POISONOUS CATEGORY?
Well, be careful and Happy Gardening xxxxx
17 replies on “Edible flowers in my garden”
I have always wanted to experiment with edible blooms but have been a bit afraid…I will again look into it and create a wonderful list to use…thx for inspring me to finally do this.
Thanks Donna – I love using Borage in salads or just to decorate a dish and young Chamomile leaves as well – they are so tasty in a mixed green salad, and I am sure really healthy too. 🙂
A beautiful, and tasty, assortment of plants you have. Enjoy!
Thanks for the heads up. I love adding flowers to salads and dinner tables when I’m hosting. It’s good to know which ones won’t agree with you though!
All of that was nice to know! Thanks for information.
Satu
Thanks Satu! 🙂
I grow jasmine and did not know you could use them in tea. I have had jasmine tea, but never thought about brewing with the flowers. Does it work the same as making mint tea?
I think so! But I would only use the flowers. As soon as mine starts to flower, I’m going to try it!
I am in Southern Brazil, so “my weather” is almost equal to South Africa climate. But I never did get to grow chamomile here in the winter (rest of the year is ok…) BTW, this winter is been VERY cold and DRY here, with a couple of days warmer. Indeed, we’re in a severe drought since january…. The chamomile seeds that I plant in june or just grow so little or simply died in complete frozen 🙁
Oh no!! Mine are self-seeded. They just come up everywhere – maybe because we have had good rains! Sorry to hear about drought! A challenge for any gardener!
We are continents apart, yet have the same edible flowers in our gardens. Amazing. Nasturtium is my favorite.
Fuchsia is edible?! I had no idea! So it’s stunning and edible–wow! Thanks for letting us know. My harvest has been less than stellar because of the drought this year, but I hope to join in the meme in August.
Oh no – drought can be so devestating. But it can also bring innovative ideas to garden. Good luck with yours! 🙂
I’ve wanted to do a little research on this for a while but haven’t had time. Your post was perfect for what I wanted to know and your blooms are beautiful… or should I say delicious looking. 🙂
Oh Thanks Caroline!! I was so glad I had so many in my garden that I could actually do a post on them 🙂
I am a fan of edibles, you know!
Out of all of these, Chamomile is my favorite! I think this is the first year that I don’t have some volunteers in my yard, and I’m sad about that.
I think it’s funny that you have to say that “Deadly Nightshade” flowers are not to be eaten. 🙂
I have to agree – Chamomile is also my favourite – I had 2 plants last year and now they have self-seeded and I have transplanted tons of them all over my veggie patch – can’t wait! 🙂