A Handy List of Edible Flowers

A Handy List of Edible Flowers

Introduction

If you have a dog, like Tricia does, you may already have a clue about which flowers in your garden are edible -- from watching your canine snack on the blossoms. A more reliable way of knowing which flowers to eat is to read Growing Edible Flowers in Your Garden. Feeling floral? Let's walk into the garden and see what we can pick and eat.

Vegetables with Edible Flowers

Arugula, Broccoli, Okra (we recommend our Burgundy Okra), Squash, Roses

Herbs with Edible Flowers

Trees and Shrubs with Edible Flowers


Ornamental Plants with Edible Flowers


Anise hyssop (Agastache foeniculum), Bachelor Button, Bee Balm, Calendula, Chrysanthemum, Daylily, Dianthus, English Daisy (Bellis perennis), Hibiscus, Hollyhock, Honeysuckle, Johnny-Jump-Up, Marigold, Nasturtium, Pansy, Passionflower, Red Clover, Rose, Scented Geraniums, Signet Marigold, Snapdragon, Sunflower, Sweet Woodruff, Tulip, Violet.

For more information about edible flowers watch our videos about choosing and using edible flowers or raising and using organic roses. We have articles on how to eat and drink your organic roses, and about edible flowers with red-white-and-blue themes (Memorial Day and Fourth of July).

FAQ About Edible Flowers Guide

What are edible flowers, and are all flowers safe to eat?
Edible flowers are blossoms that are safe for human consumption and often used in cooking, teas, or garnishes. However, not all flowers are safe—some are toxic and should never be eaten. It’s important to correctly identify flowers and only consume those known to be edible and pesticide-free.
What are some common vegetables and herbs with edible flowers?
Many plants produce edible flowers, including vegetables like arugula, broccoli, okra, squash, and herbs such as basil, chamomile, chives, dill, mint, and thyme. These flowers are often used to add flavor, color, or aroma to dishes.
Can flowers from trees and ornamental plants also be eaten?
Yes, some trees and ornamental plants produce edible flowers. Examples include apple blossoms, elderflower, lavender, rose, hibiscus, sunflower, and marigold. These are commonly used in teas, desserts, or as decorative food elements.
What are the benefits of growing chamomile?
Chamomile is valued for its calming properties and is widely used in herbal tea. It also attracts pollinators and is relatively easy to grow with proper sunlight, soil, and watering conditions. The flowers have a mild, apple-like flavor and are typically harvested when fully open.
What safety tips should you follow when harvesting and eating edible flowers?
Only eat flowers that are positively identified as edible, avoid flowers treated with pesticides, and usually consume only specific parts (often the petals). Some flowers should be eaten in moderation, and people with allergies (like ragweed) should be cautious with certain varieties such as chamomile.

Resource Area: Chamomile & Edible Flowers

Explore these helpful guides and resources to grow, harvest, and enjoy edible flowers—especially chamomile—in your garden and kitchen:

Chamomile Growing Guides

Seeds & Planting

Videos & Inspiration

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5 comments

Do you have a list of perennial flowers?

Annette Untiet

Linda, I have not found any information that flax flowers are edible. So you might want to go with the side of caution and not eat them. Let the pollinators have them! :)

Suzanne

Hi, I’m trying to find out if the flowers from the Flaxseed plant are edible? I’ve found out the seeds need to be cooked as they contain cyanide and it looks off. So no eating raw seeds. The sprouts are also edible but haven’t found out about the flowers. There are also several colors so wondering if all are edible?
Thank you for your time ,
Linda

Linda Scott

I need your in-put. We will have a demand for edible flowers during winter but this is Kansas City. My neighbor has a wonderful “green-room” but what about pollination to produce flowers? We live in plant hardiness zone 6A. I wonder if some herbs or flowers bloom without pollination. What do you have to offer that will ensure I have blossoms to sell this winter?

Kim

Kim, flowers don’t need to be pollinated to produce flowers. They produce flowers to attract pollinators, but if the flowers don’t get pollinated, it just means that they won’t produce seeds (or fruit). There are so many different edible flowers to choose from, sky is the limit.

Suzanne at GrowOrganic.com

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