Edible Flowers

Agriculture at Colorado State University Cooperative Extensioin

no. 7.237

Edible Flowers

by K.B. Badertscher and S.E. Newman ¹

Quick Facts...

Proper identification of edible flowers is important.
Use flowers that are grown without pesticides.
For best flavor, use flowers at their peak.
Introduce new flowers into the diet slowly to be able to pinpoint allergic reactions.
Edible flowers also may be preserved in oils or vinegars.

Edible flowers have been used in the culinary arts for flavor and garnish for hundreds of years. Early reports indicate that the Romans used flowers in cooking, as did the Chinese, Middle Eastern and Indian cultures. During Queen Victoria's reign, edible flowers were popular and they are again popular in North America and Europe.

Many flowers are edible. However, proper identification is essential because some flowers are poisonous and should not be eaten. (See Table 1.)

Pick flowers early in the day. Use them at their peak for the best flavor. Avoid unopened blossoms (except daylilies) and wilted or faded flowers. They may have a bitter or unappealing flavor. Do not use flowers that have been sprayed with pesticides, and generally avoid purchasing flowers from florists, Garden centers or nurseries. These flowers are not grown for consumption. Table 2 lists many plants that can be added to food for flavor, aroma, color or garnish.

Fresh flowers also can be preserved for later use. Choose flowers with larger petals, such as pansies, and paint the petals with an egg-white wash. Use a soft brush and dehydrated egg whites to avoid food poisoning. These flowers are edible if the dehydrated egg powder is pasteurized. After painting, dust the petal with super-fine granulated sugar and dry it. Store preserved flowers in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. Avoid dark-colored petals; they turn dark.

Figure 1: Flower parts.

Using Edible Flowers

To avoid stomach upset or to determine if there is an allergic reaction, introduce yourself slowly to new flowers. Edible petals or entire flowers can be eaten. However, remove stems, anthers and pistils because they may be bitter (Figure 1). Use flowers that are free of insects and diseases.

Many edible flowers are high in vitamin C and/or vitamin A, along with other essential nutrients. Use them as garnishes and in salads. Recipes for flowers may be found in the following areas: baking, sauces, jelly, syrup, vinegars, honey, oil, tea, flower-scented sugars, candied flowers, wine and flavored liquors. Pick the flowers, rinse and place between damp paper towels. Refrigerate until ready to use. Some varieties may last longer if not washed until they are ready to use. Some flowers may be dried and used like dried herbs.

Reference

Lampe, Kenneth F. AMA Handbook of Poisonous and Injurious Plants, 1985. American Medical Association.

Scientific name	Common names	Scientific name	Common names
Table 1: Some common Garden plants with toxic flowers (not a complete list).
Clematis spp.	Clematis, virgin's bower	Nicotiana spp.	Flowering tobacco
Colchicum spp.	Crocus	Phoradendron spp.	Mistletoe
Daphne mezereum	Daphne	Rhododendron spp.	Azaleas, rhododendrons, rose bay
Digitalis purpurea	Foxglove, digitalis	Ricinus communis	Castor bean, African coffee tree
Hippeastum spp.	Amaryllis	Zatedeschia aethiopica	Calla lily
Lobelia spp.	Cardinal flower	Zigadenus spp.	Death camas, alkaligrass, wild onion

Plant name	Type¹	Flower color	Bloom	Taste	Fragrance	Comments and hints
Table 2: Recommended plants with edible flowers.
Abelmoschus aesculentus Okra, gumbo, gombo	A	Yellow, red	Mid-July to August	Mild, sweet and slightly mucilaginous	--	Full sun, hot weather; prefers clay to clay loam.
Agstache foeniculum Anise hyssop	P	Lavender	July to frost	Strong anise, sweet, licorice	--	May die back to the ground;readily resows; full sun to light shade; well-drained soil.
Alcea rosea Hollyhock	P	Various	July to frost	Little, slightly bitter	--	Best as a garnish or container for dip. Full sun to light shade.
Allium schoenoprasum Chive	P	Lavender, red to purple	May to June	Onion, strong	Onion	Separate florets to serve. Forms clumps; part shade to full sun; indoors.
Allium tuberosum Garlic chive	P	White	August to frost	Onion, strong	Onion	Separate florets to serve. Partial shade to full sun; also indoors.
Anethum graveolens Dill	A	Yellow	June to frost	Stronger than leaves	Dill	Resows readily, tolerates poor soil but prefers well-drained soil; full sun.
Anthemis nobilis English chamomile	P	White petals; yellow center	Late June to frost	Sweet apple flavor	--	Ragweed sufferers may be allergic to chamomile; drink no more than one cup of tea per day. Prefers moist, well- drained soil; full sun to part shade.
Anthriscus cerefoliumChervil	A	White	May to June	Parsley-like, hint of citrus, tarragon	--	Start in cold frame.
Begonia x tuberhybrida Tuberous begonia	TP	White, pink, yellow, red, orange and combinations	July to August	Citrus	--	Grow indoors or out; dig tubers each fall, just after frost and store; prefers moist, fertile soil; part to full shade.
Bellis perennis English daisy	P	White to purple petals	April to September	Mild to bitter	--	Use as garnish or in salads. Thrives incold weather; prefers full sun, moist soil.
Borago officinalis Borage	A	Blue, purple to lavender	June to July	Cucumber	--	Use as garnish; may be candied. Full sun; light, poor, dry soil. Attracts bees.
Brassica spp. Broccoli, cauliflower	B (grown as A)	Buds: blue-green; yellow flower, white buds in cauliflower	June to August	Broccoli	--	Vegetable. Prefers full sun; rich, well-drained soil. Sow indoors six weeks prior to transplant.
Brassica spp. Mustard	A	Yellow	April to May	Mustard, hot	--	Salad garnish. Watch for allergies.
Calendula officinalis Calendula, pot marigold	A	Yellow, gold/orange	June to August	Tangy and peppery	--	Ornamental. Dries well. Prefers cool weather; rich loam; direct sow.
Carthamus tinctorius Safflower, American safflower, saffron	A	Yellow to deep red	August	Bitter flavor	--	May impart yellow color to cooked foods. Full sun; light, dry, well-drained soil; start indoors and transplant.
Cercis canadensis Redbud	P	Pink	April	Beanlike to tart apple	--	Native tree to U.S. ; may be marginal in Colorado. Full sun to part shade; sandy loam; difficult to transplant.
Chrysanthemum coronarium Garland chrysanthemum, shungiku	P	Yellow to white	August to October	Mild	--	Ornamental. Full sun; rich, moist, well-drained soil.
Chrysanthemum leucanthemum Oxeye daisy	P	White/yellow center	April to August	Mild	--	Use as garnish or in salad. Full sun; rich, moist, well-drained soil, invasive.
Cichorium intybus Chicory	P	Blue to lavender	July to frost	Pleasant, mild-bitter similar to endive	--	Considered a weed. Grows in most soils; sun to shade; invasive.
Citrus limon Lemon	P	White	Varies with variety	Citrus, slightly bitter	Sweet floral	Subtropical tree but may be grown indoors.
Citrus sinensis Orange	P	White	Varies	Citrus, sweet/strong	Perfume,sweet	Subtropical tree but may be grown indoors.
Coriandrum sativum Coriander	A	White	June to frost	Like leaf but milder	Fragrant	Herb. Sow continuously for several harvests; sun; rich, well-drained soil.
Cucurbita spp. Squash or pumpkin	A	Orange, yellow	July to August	Mild, raw squash	Slightly floral	Vegetable. Enrich soil with compost; prefers full sun.
Cynara scolymus Artichoke	A	Immature head: green	Fall	Artichoke	--	Prefers rich soil, abundant moisture; propagate from division for annual harvest.
Dendranthema x grandiflorum Chrysanthemum	P	Red, yellow, pink, orange, purple, white	August to October	Varieties differ, strong to bitter	Pungent	Ornamental. Full sun; rich, moist, well-drained soil.
Dianthus spp. Dianthus or pinks	P	Pink, white and red	June to August	Spicy, cloves	Some varieties are spicier	Ornamental.Tolerates wide range of soils; full sun.
Eruca vesicaria Rocket, arugula	A	White	May to frost	Nutty, smoky, less piquant than leaves	--	Salad green. Sow continuously for harvest; full sun to light shade; well-drained soil.
Feijoa sellowiana Pineapple guava	P	White to deep pink	Grow indoors	Floral flavor; papaya or exotic melon	--	Grow indoors in a greenhouse. Rich,well-drained soil; full sun-light shade.
Foeniculum vulgare Fennel	P	Pale yellow	July to August	Licorice, milder than leaves, sweet	--	Tolerates wide range of soils; part shade to full sun.
Galium odoratum Sweet woodruff	P	White	May	Sweet, grassy, vanilla	Vanilla	Herb or ground cover. May be invasive; prefers shade.
Gladiolus spp. Gladiolus	TP	Various except true blue	6-8 weeks after planting	Mediocre	--	Best as a container for garnish or dips or spreads.
Hemerocallis fulva Daylily	P	Tawny orange	June to July	Cooked, combination of asparagus/zucchini	--	All parts are edible. Full to part shade; easy to grow.
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis Hibiscus, China rose, Rose-of-China	P	Orange, red or purplish red	Late summer	Citrus/cranberry flavor	--	Subtropical tree but may be grown indoors. Used in many tea flavorings.
Hibiscus syriacus Rose-of-Sharon	P	Red, white, purple, violet	July to August	Mild, nutty	--	Shrub. Prefers well-drained soil; full sun to part shade; deadhead to keep blooming.
Hyssopus officinalis Hyssop	P	Blue, pink, white	July to October	Bitter; similar to tonic	--	Used to flavor chartreuse, a liqueur; strong flavor. Prefers part shade and well-drained soil.
Lavandula angustifolia Lavender	P	Lavender, purple, pink, white	June to early August	Highly perfumed	Floral	Taste may be very strong depending on the plant.
Levisticum officinale Lovage	B	Yellow, white	August	Mild celery	--	Herb.
Malus spp. Apple or crabapple	P	White to pink	May	Slightly floral to sour	Sweet floral	Petals may be candied. Seeds are poisonous. Specimen tree, prefers full sun, fertile soil.
Melissa officinalis Lemon balm	P	Creamy white	July to August	Lemony, sweet	Lemon	Herb. May be invasive.
Mentha spp. Mint	P	Lavender, pink to white	July to September	Minty; milder than leaves	Fresh, minty	Herb. May be invasive; tolerates a wide range of soils; prefers part shade.
Monarda didyma Bergamot, bee balm, Oswego tea	P	Red, pink,white, lavender	July to August	Tea-like, more aromatic than leaves	Sweet, perfumed	Attracts hummingbirds and butterflies; part shade to full sun; prefers moist, rich soil. Powdery mildew when grown in part shade.
Muscari atlanticum, M. botryoides, Grape hyacinth	P	Pink, blue	April to May	Grapey, slightly sour with bitter aftertaste.	Grapey	Bulb.
Ocimum basilicum Basil	A	White to pale pink	July to frost	Milder than leaves, spicy	--	Sow continuously for several harvests; well-drained rich soil; full sun.
Origanum spp. Oregano	P	White	June to August	Spicy, pungent-like leaves	--	Herb. Prefers full sun and dry, alkaline, well-drained soil.
Origanum majorana Marjoram	TP	Pale pink	June to August	Spicy, sweet	--	Herb. Prefers full sun and dry, alkaline, well-drained soil.
Pelargonium spp. Scented geranium	TP	White, red, pink, purple	Varies	Like variety selected, e.g., rose, lemon; varies	Mild	Ornamental. Prefers full sun; light, dry well-drained soil.
Phaseolus coccineus Scarlet runner bean	TP	Bright orange to scarlet	July to August	Raw bean but milder	--	Vegetable. Flower crunchy; use in salad.
Pisum sativum Garden pea	A	White, tinged pink	May to June	Raw peas	--	Vegetable. Prefers full sun; sandy, well-drained soil.
Poterium sanguisorba Burnet	P	Red	July to August	Cucumber	--	Salad herb. May be invasive; tolerates wide range of soil; sun or part shade.
Prunus spp. Plum	P	Pink to white	April to May	Mild, like flower nectar	Sweet	Petals candy well. Pits of mature fruit are poisonous.
Raphanus sativus Radish	A	White, pink, yellow after planting	One month	Spicy	--	Prefers full sun; well-drained, sandy soil but will grow in almost any soil.
Rosa spp. Rose	P	White, pink, yellow, red, orange	May to June, September	Highly perfumed; sweet to bitter	Rose	Ornamental. Remove sour petal base. Full sun; rich, well-drained soil.
Rosmarinus officinalis Rosemary	TP	Pale blue, dark blue, pink, white	Depends on cultivar	Mild rosemary	Delicate	Herb. Do not cook flower. Tolerates full sun to part shade; well-drained, evenly moist soil.
Salvia elegans Pineapple sage	TP	Scarlet	September	Pineapple/sage overtones	--	Herb. Prefers full sun; light, well-drained soil; may be invasive.
Salvia officinalis Garden sage	P	Blue, purple, white, pink	May to July	Flowery sage, slightly musky	--	Herb. Full sun to light shade; sandy, well-drained soil; may be invasive.
Satureja hortensis Summer savory	A	Pink	July to August	Mildly peppery, spicy	--	Herb. Prefers full sun; light, sandy soil.
Satureja montana Winter savory,	P	Pale blue to purple	July to August	Mildly peppery, spicy	--	Herb. Prefers full sun; light, sandy soil.
Syringa vulgaris Lilac	P	White, pink, purple, lilac	April to May	Perfume, slightly bitter	Lilac	Candies well. Prefers well-drained, alkaline soil; sun to part shade.
Tagetes erecta African marigold	A	White, gold, yellow, red	May to September	Variable; some cultivars are strong and bitter	Strong, pungent	Ornamental. Prefers full sun; well-drained soil.
Tagetes tenuifolia Signet marigold	A	White, gold, yellow, red	May to September	Citrus; milder than T. erecta	--	Ornamental. Prefers full sun; well-drained soil but tolerates many soils.
Taraxacum officinale Dandelion	P	Yellow	May to June; fall	Bitter	--	Eat cooked only. Cool weather; full sun; tolerates wide range of soils.
Thymus spp. Thyme	P	Pink, purple, white	July to August	Milder than leaves	--	Herb. Most creeping thymes have little flavor.
Trifolium pratense Red clover	P	Pink, lilac	June to September	Hay	Hay	Scatter florets on salad. Tolerates most soils; self sows.
Tropaeolum majus Nasturtium	A	Varies	July to August	Watercress, peppery	--	Container or in salads. Grow in full sun and well-drained soil.
Tulbaghia ciolacea Society garlic	A or TP	Lilac	Spring	Onion flavor	--	Best in full sun; tolerates part shade; prefers rich, moist, well-drained soil.
Tulipa spp. Tulip	P	Various except true blue	April to May	Slightly sweet or bitter; little flavor	--	Bulb. Best used as garnish or container. Prefers full sun to part shade and well-drained soil.
Viola odorata Violet	P	Violet, pink, white	April to May	Sweet	Sweet	Ornamental. Candies well. Sun to part shade; moist, well-drained soil.
Viola x wittrockiana Viola tricolor Pansy or Johnny Jump-Up	A	Violet, white, pink, yellow, multi-colored	May to July	Stronger than violets	--	Ornamental. Prefers cool weather; moist, rich, loamy soil but tolerates many soils.
Yucca filamentosa Yucca	P	Creamy white with purple tinge	July	Hint of artichoke, slightly bitter	--	Ornamental. Full sun; well-drained, sandy soil.
¹A = annual; B = biennial; P = periennial; TP = tender periennial

¹K.B. Badertscher, Colorado State University Extension horticulture agent, Boulder County; and S.E. Newman, Extension horticulture specialist, horticulture and landscape architecture. Reviewed by D.E. Whiting, Extension ornamental horticulture specialist, horticulture and landscape architecture. 12/96. Reviewed 12/03.

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