14 Edible Flowers to Grow and Enjoy in the Garden (and Kitchen!)

There’s something magical about edible flowers. They bring beauty, color, and flavor to both the garden and the kitchen table. I love incorporating them into my edible garden, as they provide a unique blend of vibrant aesthetics and diverse tastes. Here’s a guide to some of my favorite edible flowers, along with how to grow them, their flavor profiles, and some pairing recommendations that’ll elevate your dishes.

1. Nasturtium

Growing Tips: Nasturtiums are among the easiest flowers to grow. Plant them directly in well-draining soil in full sun or partial shade. They don’t need much fertilizer—too much, and you’ll get more leaves than blooms! Water them regularly, but let the soil dry out slightly between waterings.

Flavor Profile: The flowers and leaves have a bright, peppery flavor similar to arugula.

Pairing Recommendations: Add nasturtium flowers to salads for a spicy kick or use the leaves in place of herbs in sandwiches. I also love using them as a colorful garnish for summer soups and pasta dishes.

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2. Pansy

Growing Tips: Pansies prefer cooler weather, so plant them in early spring or fall. They thrive in moist, well-drained soil in a sunny or partially shaded spot. Keep the soil consistently moist, but avoid over-watering.

Flavor Profile: Delicate and mildly sweet with a hint of grassiness.

Pairing Recommendations: Pansies are wonderful for decorating cakes, cupcakes, and salads. Their subtle flavor makes them perfect for infusing simple syrups for cocktails or desserts.

3. Viola

Growing Tips: Much like pansies, violas do best in cooler temperatures. Plant them in rich, well-drained soil with partial shade to full sun. Keep them well-watered and regularly pinch back spent blooms to encourage more flowers.

Flavor Profile: Slightly sweet, with a subtle floral taste.

Pairing Recommendations: Garnish desserts, cocktails, and salads with violas for a delicate touch. I love to add them whole to ice cubes for an elegant twist on summer drinks.

4. Calendula (Pot Marigold)

Growing Tips: Calendula grows easily from seed and prefers full sun. Plant in average, well-draining soil and water moderately. Deadhead regularly to promote continuous blooming.

Flavor Profile: Slightly peppery and tangy, with a hint of spice.

Pairing Recommendations: Use the petals to add color to salads, rice dishes, and stews. I often sprinkle them over roasted vegetables, or even use them as a substitute for saffron in soups and paella for a vibrant yellow hue.

5. Borage

Growing Tips: Borage grows best in full sun and well-drained soil. It’s a bit of a self-sower, so plant it once, and you’ll likely see it return year after year. Keep the soil consistently moist for best growth.

Flavor Profile: Mild cucumber-like taste with a slightly sweet undertone.

Pairing Recommendations: Use the star-shaped blue flowers in salads or as a garnish for cocktails. They also add a refreshing taste to summer beverages like lemonade or iced tea.

6. Lavender

Growing Tips: Lavender loves full sun and well-draining, slightly alkaline soil. It doesn’t like to be over-watered, so allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Prune it back after flowering to keep it tidy and encourage more blooms.

Flavor Profile: Sweet, floral, and slightly minty with a hint of citrus.

Pairing Recommendations: Lavender is a classic for desserts—try adding it to cookies, cakes, or infused syrups. It’s also wonderful in lemonade or used to flavor ice cream.

7. Hibiscus

Growing Tips: Hibiscus needs a warm climate and full sun to thrive. Plant it in rich, well-draining soil and water it regularly. In cooler climates, you can grow hibiscus in pots and bring them indoors during winter.

Flavor Profile: Tart and cranberry-like, with a citrusy tang.

Pairing Recommendations: Perfect for making teas, syrups, and jellies. I love using hibiscus in cocktails or adding a few petals to fruit salads for an unexpected tart kick.

8. Chive Blossoms

Growing Tips: Chives are a low-maintenance perennial that thrives in full sun and well-draining soil. Water regularly, especially during dry spells, and harvest the leaves frequently to encourage more blooms.

Flavor Profile: Mild onion flavor with a hint of garlic.

Pairing Recommendations: Sprinkle the blossoms over salads, soups, or compound butters for a pop of color and flavor. They’re also great for infusing vinegar to make a beautiful pink-hued dressing.

9. Rose

Growing Tips: Roses prefer full sun and well-drained, fertile soil. Water them deeply but infrequently, letting the soil dry out between waterings. Choose varieties that are specifically grown for culinary use to avoid pesticides.

Flavor Profile: Sweet, slightly spicy, and fragrant.

Pairing Recommendations: Use rose petals in jams, syrups, and desserts. They add an elegant touch to cakes and can be infused in honey or sugar for a floral note in teas or baked goods.

10. Squash Blossoms

Growing Tips: Harvest squash blossoms early in the morning when they’re fresh and open. Plant squash in rich, well-drained soil in full sun, and keep the soil moist throughout the growing season.

Flavor Profile: Mild, slightly sweet, and tender.

Pairing Recommendations: Squash blossoms are best stuffed with ricotta or mozzarella and then fried. They also make a wonderful addition to omelets, pasta dishes, or as a pizza topping.

11. Chamomile

Growing Tips: Chamomile grows well in full sun and well-draining soil. Sow seeds in early spring and water sparingly. Once established, it’s relatively drought-tolerant and easy to maintain.

Flavor Profile: Sweet, with a hint of apple and a touch of bitterness.

Pairing Recommendations: Chamomile is a favorite for teas, but it’s also great in desserts like panna cotta or sorbet. Infuse the flowers in cream or milk to add a delicate flavor to custards and ice creams.

12. Marigold (Tagetes)

Growing Tips: Marigolds thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. Water them regularly, but don’t overdo it, as they prefer drier conditions. They’re also great companion plants for vegetables, as they help deter pests.

Flavor Profile: Citrusy with a slight bitterness.

Pairing Recommendations: I like to use marigold petals in salads, rice dishes, and savory tarts. Their citrusy flavor pairs nicely with fresh greens, citrus fruits, and even seafood.

13. Dandelion

Growing Tips: Dandelions are hardy and will grow in almost any type of soil. They prefer full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Harvest young flowers and leaves for the best flavor.

Flavor Profile: Young petals have a honey-like sweetness, while the leaves are slightly bitter.

Pairing Recommendations: Add dandelion petals to salads, or use them as a garnish for desserts. They also make a lovely addition to herbal teas, bringing a hint of natural sweetness.

14. Bee Balm

Growing Tips: Bee balm thrives in full sun and rich, well-drained soil. Water regularly and deadhead spent blooms to encourage new flowers. It’s a perennial that will come back year after year.

Flavor Profile: Minty with a touch of spice and citrus.

Pairing Recommendations: Add bee balm flowers to salads, teas, or fruit dishes for a refreshing flavor. They’re especially lovely when used as a garnish for lemonades or summer cocktails.

Growing these edible flowers in your garden not only enhances your outdoor space but also opens up a world of culinary possibilities. Experiment with different pairings and let these blooms transform your dishes into vibrant, flavorful creations!