Now that we've finally made it to springtime, it's time to get outside to get the garden going again. I know it's something I look forward to every spring after a long winter. The vibrant colors, the floral scent, being outside, there's nothing better! Flowers are truly the best way brighten up the yard.
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Well, did you know that many of these flowers are actually edible? Not only to they add beauty to your garden, but the flower petals and blossoms can add some interesting flavors to your food and they're super easy to grow right here in America.
Just remember a few things before you eat flowers: only eat flowers that have been grown organically and haven't been treated with pesticides and make sure to wash them throughly. Skip the grocery store or garden center this year because these 10 edible flowers are so easy to grow in your garden.
1. Roses
One of America's most popular flowers and the flower of love is actually an edible flower that's probably already growing in your garden! Roses are in the same family as apples and strawberry and require plenty of direct sunlight (around 6-8 hours per day), along with water.
Available in a variety of vibrant colors (red, pink, yellow, white), the darker flower petals have more of a pronounced flavor. Clip off the bitter, white part at the bottom of each flower petal so you can really enjoy the floral flavor. Use the flower petals to enhance any dish like rose petal jam or ice cream. You can also freeze the rose petals with some water in an ice cube tray to add some bright colors to your drink.
2. Nasturtium
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Tropaeolum majus or simply, garden nasturtium is a flower species that has become popular in certain states in America. These bright orange, yellow, and red edible flowers love the sun and bloom from midsummer until fall. They also do well if planted in containers.
The entire flower is edible: flower petals, leaves and seeds. The flowers have a spicy, peppery flavor, which is similar to watercress and can be perfect in a salad.
3. Chive Blossoms
Think again before you throw away those chive blossoms! Chives, which are part of the onion family, have more of a mild, sweet taste to them and make a delicious garnish to some dishes. The purple flower buds, or chive blossoms, can add in some extra flavor to casseroles, soups or salads.
Chives are cool-weather perennials that you can start growing early spring. Make sure you you plant chives in a sunny area with a lot of space since they do tend to spread.
4. Lavender
Lavandula or simply, lavender happens to be one of my favorite edible flowers that I always have in my garden. Known for its pretty color and calming scent, lavender is also know to add floral flavor to dishes.
And as you can see from the picture above, lavender spreads like crazy! If you are planting more than one of these perennials in the springtime, make sure to space them at least 3 feet apart.
5. Squash Blossoms
One of the best things about growing squash plants are the squash blossoms. Stuff em' with some cheese, dip them in a batter or breadcrumbs and fry those suckers for one of the tastiest snacks ever! You can also eat them in a healthy salad.
Squash is super easy to grow and usually produces a lot, but requires an area with a lot of sun. The bright yellow flowers are pretty large, but only last about a day so pick them the day you use them. Squash blossoms have a mild, sweet taste and so dang delicious!
6. English Daisy
The edible white flower petals and flowers buds from an English daisy can be picked off for a garnish or you can use the flower in a fruit salad or green salad. English daisies have a mildly bitter taste to them so use sparingly.
English daisies are perennials that grow tall in full sun and well-drained soil.
7. Violets
Violets and their gorgeous color, bring a very perfume-like but sweet flavor to food. The flower petals are tender and you might see them coated in sugar or in candy like lollipops. The flowers are also fun to use to decorate cakes and cupcakes.
Growing violets is very simple and are best grown in small pots in warmer weather conditions. Violets make great houseplants and can brighten up any room with their vibrant color.
8. Johnny-Jump-Ups
Johnny-jump-ups have pretty purple, yellow and white flower petals and are relatives of pansies. However,there are a few differences between the two. Johnny-jump-ups flowers are a little smaller and the plant holds up to the heat better.
Use these edible flowers to decorate space around tree where there is enough sunlight. Johnny-jump-ups have a mild, minty flavor that can be a nice decorative addition to a salad, cocktail or dessert.
9. Anise Hyssop
Anise hyssop, a purple perennial edible flower that's part of the mint family, is commonly found all around North America. They are know to attract bees and butterflies and have a strong aroma of licorice and mint. The flowers are sweet tasting and can be added to dessert, soup or salad.
10. Hibiscus
This beautiful edible flower is actually quite simple to grow and will make your yard look like a tropical paradise! The red flowers are large and colorful, which attract hummingbirds and butterflies. One common type of hibiscus, tropical hibiscus,can be grown year round in containers. Tropical hibiscus will not survive in freezing temperatures or frost, so bring them indoors when the cool weather hits.
Hibiscus has a citrus flavor to it and the flower petals can be use in cocktails or salads. You can also dry out the petals to make tea.
