- Naomi Stephens | Permaculture Designer
Edible Flowers for Your Container Garden: How to Add Beauty and Flavor
Updated: Dec 16, 2022
If you're looking for a way to add both beauty and flavor to your container garden, edible flowers are the perfect solution! In this blog post, we will discuss some of the best flowers to grow in your garden, as well as how to use them. Edible flowers can be used in salads, desserts, drinks, and more! So why not add a little bit of extra flavor and color to your garden?
The Best Edible Flowers for Your Container Garden
Edible flowers are a beautiful and delicious addition to any dish. And while you can find some of them at your local grocery store, some are impossible to find unless you grow it yourself or find them at a farmers market. If you're planning on starting a container garden, here are some of the best edible flowers to consider planting:
Nasturtiums
Nasturtiums are a cheerful annual flower that also happens to be edible. Their peppery flavor is a perfect complement to salads, and their cascading habit makes them ideal for container gardens.
Nasturtiums come in a variety of colors, including vibrant shades of orange, yellow, and red. Plant them in well-drained soil in full sun, and water regularly to keep the soil moist but not soggy.
Once they start to bloom, you can snip off the flowers and add them to your next salad or use them as a colorful garnish for grilled chicken or fish.
As an added bonus, nasturtiums are also attractive to pollinators like bees and butterflies.
So not only will your container garden look beautiful, but it will also provide a valuable source of food for local wildlife.
Recommended: 70 Heirloom Non-GMO Edible Nasturtiums
At the time of writing this costs $5.99.
Calendulas
Calendulas are often used as edible flowers in a container garden. The petals of the flower can be used to add color and flavor to salads, soups, and sandwiches.
Calendulas are also known for their healing properties and can be used to make a tea that helps to soothe the stomach. If you are growing calendulas in a container garden, make sure to choose a pot that is at least 12 inches wide.
This will give the roots plenty of room to grow and prevent the plant from becoming rootbound. Also, make sure to keep the soil evenly moist and fertilize regularly to promote healthy growth. With a little care, your calendula plants will produce an abundance of bright, beautiful flowers that can be enjoyed in the kitchen and beyond.
Recommended: 1 gram of Heirloom Non-GMO Edible Cal
At the time of writing this costs $4.95.
Bee Balm
Bee balm (Monarda didyma) is a beautiful and fragrant addition to any garden, and it also happens to be edible! The flowers are lovely in salads or as a garnish, and they can even be used to make homemade herbal tea.
Bee balm is an easy plant to care for, and it will thrive in any sunny spot. When planting bee balm in a container garden, be sure to use a pot that is at least 12 inches wide.
This will give the roots plenty of room to spread out, and it will help to prevent the plant from becoming rootbound. Bee balm will provide your garden with color and flavor for many years to come.
Recommended: 400 Heirloom Non-GMO Edible Bee Balm Seeds
At the time of writing, this costs $8.99.
Cosmos
If you're looking to add a splash of color to your container garden, you can't go wrong with cosmos. Not only are these flowers beautiful, but they're also edible! Cosmos come in a variety of colors, including pink, purple, and white.
They're easy to grow and don't require much care. Simply plant them in a sunny spot and water them regularly. You can start harvesting the flowers after they bloom. Add them to salads or use them to decorate cakes and cupcakes.
Recommended: 400 Heirloom Non-GMO Edible Cosmos Seeds
At the time of writing, this costs $8.99.
Rose petals
Rose petals are a good option for container gardens, as they'll add a splash of color and flavor. Make sure to choose petals from roses that haven't been sprayed with chemicals, and give them a quick rinse before eating.
Once you have your rose petals, you can add them to green salads, use them as a garnish on soup or pasta, or even combine them with other ingredients to make homemade vinegar or herbal tea.
