Why Grow Edible Flowers?
Edible flowers are one of my favorite ways to bring beauty and flavor into the garden. There’s something magical about plucking a vibrant bloom and knowing it can go straight into a salad, garnish a cake, or steep into a floral tea. When I first started growing edible flowers, I was amazed at how many plants I already had in my garden that were completely safe to eat.
Here in Hawaii, I have the advantage of a year-round growing season, which means I can always have fresh flowers on hand. If you’re growing in a cooler climate, don’t worry—many edible flowers thrive in pots and can be grown on your lanai or indoors with the right light.
Growing edible flowers isn’t just about aesthetics; they also attract pollinators, provide natural pest control, and encourage biodiversity in your garden. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, these 10 edible flowers are easy to grow and will add a unique touch to your meals.
10 Edible Flowers to Grow in Your Garden
1. Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus)
- Flavor: Peppery, slightly spicy (similar to arugula).
- How to Use: Toss into salads, use as a colorful garnish, or blend into herb butter.
- Growing Tips: Super easy to grow! Prefers full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil.
I always have nasturtiums in my garden. They grow like crazy here, spilling out of pots and trailing along garden beds. I love snipping a few flowers to brighten up a salad—plus, the leaves are edible too!
2. Calendula (Calendula officinalis)
- Flavor: Mild, slightly peppery and tangy.
- How to Use: Sprinkle petals over soups, rice dishes, or salads. Also great for making herbal teas and skin-soothing salves.
- Growing Tips: Thrives in cooler weather. Deadhead regularly to encourage blooms.
Calendula is a must-have in my garden. It’s one of those plants that keeps giving—you can harvest flowers over and over again. I love using dried calendula petals in homemade tea blends.
3. Borage (Borago officinalis)
- Flavor: Cucumber-like, refreshing.
- How to Use: Float in summer drinks, freeze into ice cubes, or use as a salad garnish.
- Growing Tips: Loves full sun and well-draining soil. Self-seeds easily.
Borage is one of those flowers that makes me happy just looking at it. The star-shaped blue flowers attract bees like crazy, and they add such a whimsical touch to any dish.
4. Lavender (Lavandula spp.)
- Flavor: Floral, slightly sweet, with a hint of citrus.
- How to Use: Infuse into syrups, bake into cookies, or mix into homemade teas.
- Growing Tips: Needs full sun, well-draining soil, and good air circulation.
I have a few lavender plants in pots on my lanai, and they thrive in the warm breeze. One of my favorite things is making lavender shortbread cookies—they taste like a fancy bakery treat!
5. Pansy & Viola (Viola spp.)
- Flavor: Mildly sweet, slightly grassy.
- How to Use: Decorate cakes, freeze into ice cubes, or add to salads.
- Growing Tips: Prefers cooler temperatures and partial shade.
Pansies are a go-to for decorating desserts. I’ve pressed them into sugar cookies and even used them to garnish homemade cocktails for a pop of color.
6. Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis & Hibiscus sabdariffa)
- Flavor: Tart, citrusy (similar to cranberry).
- How to Use: Brew into tea, make hibiscus syrup, or use in jams.
- Growing Tips: Loves warm climates and full sun.
Hibiscus tea is a staple in my kitchen. Here in Hawaii, it grows easily, and I love making fresh, bright red hibiscus iced tea on hot afternoons.
7. Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)
- Flavor: Light, apple-like sweetness.
- How to Use: Brew into tea, add to desserts, or infuse into honey.
- Growing Tips: Prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
Chamomile is one of the best flowers for a calming evening tea. I always keep some dried chamomile on hand for a relaxing cup before bed.
8. Rose (Rosa spp.)
- Flavor: Sweet, perfumed, slightly spicy.
- How to Use: Make rose syrup, candied petals, or rose-infused water.
- Growing Tips: Needs full sun and regular pruning.
I love using rose petals to make homemade rosewater. It’s surprisingly easy and makes the most beautiful addition to desserts.
9. Sunflower (Helianthus annuus)
- Flavor: Nutty, slightly sweet.
- How to Use: Toss petals into salads or roast the seeds.
- Growing Tips: Loves full sun and well-drained soil.
Sunflowers aren’t just for seeds! The petals are edible too and add a cheerful burst of color to dishes.
10. Bee Balm (Monarda spp.)
- Flavor: Minty, slightly spicy.
- How to Use: Brew into tea or sprinkle onto savory dishes.
- Growing Tips: Loves full sun and moist soil.
Bee balm attracts hummingbirds and makes the most delicious tea. It has a spicy, almost oregano-like flavor that’s great in herbal blends.
Final Thoughts
Growing edible flowers is an easy way to add beauty, flavor, and biodiversity to your garden. Whether you have space for a full flower bed or just a few pots on your lanai, there’s an edible flower for you.
What’s your favorite edible flower to grow? Let me know in the comments!
Want more gardening inspiration? Join the Adventures in Botany Community and connect with fellow plant lovers! Follow us on, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube for more gardening tips, DIY projects, and nature-inspired content.
