A garden isn’t just a place to grow edible vegetables and fruit. There are many flowers that are grown for their edible parts. Here are some edible flower facts you might consider.

Broccoli is a flower.

Broccoli is usually grown for its green heads. But if the broccoli head is not cut, it goes to the flower stage. These tiny yellow clusters of flowers are just as edible as the tight broccoli head.

Did You Know?
1.  California is the United State’s biggest producer of broccoli, accounting for 98% of the broccoli grown for US consumption.
2.  Broccoli is related to crops such as cauliflower, Brussels sprouts and Kale. They are known as cole crops.
3.  The stalk of the broccoli, about one-third of a pound,  contains more vitamin C than two and a half pounds of oranges.

Squash blossoms are edible.

The fruit of the squash, the part normally associated with the squash, actually grows from the flower (as most fruiting bodies in the garden do). But if you pick the squash blossoms before they fruit, you can fry up the blossoms and eat them. They are also edible raw. Just remember: You won’t have squash grow from these as you took away their energy from the fruit. Just plant a few extra squash plants.

Did You Know?
1.  Squash are in the same family as cucumbers and melons.
2.  Squash have been around for at least 5000 years when Native Americans considered them part of their staple diet.
3.  Zucchini are squash.

Dandelions are edible including the flower.

Those pesky little weeds that gardeners and land owners seem to hate are edible. Though the dandelion greens are usually eaten, the flowers are just as edible. Use them in a stir fry or on salads.

Did You Know?
1.  The dandelion first came from Asia but now exists almost everywhere on the planet!
2.  The dandelion pollen is preferred by many insects including the honey bee.

Many herbs equal as edible flowering plants.

Many herbs are grown for the leaves. But a lot of herbs can be grown for edible flowers too. Basil, mint and oregano are just a few of the herbs that produce edible flowers.

Did You Know?
1.  Basil is closely related to mint, thus its strong, aromatic mint-like smell and flavor.
2.  Mint is a very invasive plant and will easily spread everywhere taking over many plants if it grows wild.
3.  Oregano is often used as an anti-infective.

Pansies and Violas

Pansies and violas (also known as Johnny Jump Ups in some places) are edible. They have a taste similar to a grass and give an otherwise boring salad some much needed color.

Did You Know?
1.  Pansies are actually derived from violas.
2.  Pansies and violas come in a huge range of colors including orange and black.
3.  Pansies and violas are related to violets.

Nasturtium

The nasturtium is a vining plant that produces red, orange and yellow edible flowers. It has a peppery flavor and is great for additions to salads or a stir fry. Nasturtium is often called water cress, or Indian cress in some places.

Did You Know?
1.  All parts of this plant are edible.
2.  It was often used for blood cleansing when it was first introduced to Europe in the late 1600s.

Roses

All rose flowers are edible, even the wild roses. Roses also have a variety of tastes as well as their variety of colors. Rose petals are used to flavor water and used in candy making. Some people use rose flowers in a salad.

Did You Know?
1.  In the early 19th century, rose petals were used to make jellies.
2.  Rose oil is used as a cholesterol lowering agent.

Precautions and Exploration

Always take precautions when introducing new flowers into your diet. Make sure the flower you are eating is absolutely edible. Get a good identification book or contact a local agriculture center to make sure the flower is edible. Make sure the flowers you pick have not been sprayed with harsh chemicals like pesticides and herbicides. Always introduce the edible flowers slowly into your diet, especially if you have never eaten any of these particular flowers. Be aware of any allergic reactions you may have.

If you have taken all these above precautions, then you are ready for the world of edible flowers.