This post shows you edible flowers that are easy to grow in containers!
Nothing makes a home feel more alluring than fresh flowers! They can brighten up anyone’s mood and come in an array of colors and scents to make a space feel enchanting.
Traditionally, we might display flowers in a vase or add them as an accent color for our garden. But did you know that some flowers are edible?
As Spring approaches and you have an urge to garden, consider trying something new. Transform your culinary experiences with something fresh from nature to your table.
There’s something uniquely enchanting about edible flowers and bonus, the flowers on this list are pretty easy to grow, each with its distinct charm and flavor to transform your day!
Tips for How to Grow Edible Flowers in Containers
- Consider more than flowers. Some flowers are annuals and perennials but others are flowers from herbs and vegetables. Peas and squash have blooms that are not only edible but are tasty! Consider the amount of light you have in your space and choose a variety.
- Go for plants that thrive in poor soil anywhere. Go for hardy flowers like Zinnias that can thrive in pretty much any soil and conditions for the best results and quick wins for beginners.
- Think garnish for drinks, salads, and desserts! The flavors range depending on flavor so expand your taste buds and culinary knowledge by adding edible flowers to your cooking!
- Better to be safe, than sorry. Many flowers look similar but aren’t edible so ALWAYS do your proper research to know what you are eating and to ensure it’s safe. If you have any doubt, it might be better to just admire your flowers from afar.
Here’s 15 Edible Flowers to Grow That Are Container Friendly
1. Calendula
Calendula which is also known as pot marigold, has vibrant orange and yellow blossoms that thrive under the sunset. The entire flower is edible, but most of the time the petals are used for teas. Easy to grow from seed, they thrive in containers with well-draining soil and full sun.
Harvest tip: Pluck the petals when fully open, and add them to salads or dry them for teas!
2. Nasturtium
Nasturtiums are a gardener’s favorite and come in various shades of red, orange, and yellow, making them a visually stunning addition to any garden. These fast-growing flowers prefer poorer soils and bright sunlight. The flowers, seeds, and leaves are edible. The petals offer a peppery flavor, similar to watercress.
Harvest tip: These flowers are picky! Pick them before they get too mature. Too young and they are too small to bother with. Too old and they get very tough and a little woody.
3. Violas
Violas were super popular during the Victorian era, with their delicate petals in shades of purple, yellow, and white, which are a charming addition to salads and desserts. They thrive in partial shade and well-drained organic soil and have a mild wintergreen flavor.
Harvest tip: Harvest violas they during early morning hours when flowers are moist!
4. Pansies
Similar to violas, pansies offer a wide range of colors and a slightly milder flavor. Plant them in containers with fertile, well-drained soil, and water regularly.
Harvest tip: Harvest the blooms in the morning when they’re fully open for the best flavor.
5. Borage
Borage is known for its striking blue star-shaped flowers and cucumber-like flavor. These resilient plants thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. Once established, they require minimal maintenance, and both the flowers and leaves are edible. They also attract great pollinators!
Harvest tip: Pick the flowers before they fully bloom and are still fresh when possible.
6. Lavender
Lavender’s fragrant purple blossoms not only add beauty to your garden but also a subtle floral flavor to culinary creations. Plant them in containers with sandy, well-draining soil and place them in a sunny spot.
Harvest tip: Harvest the flowers just as they begin or right before they open for optimal flavor!
7. Chamomile
Chamomile’s daisy-like flowers are not only soothing in herbal teas but also lovely as a garnish in salads and desserts. Grow them in containers with well-drained soil and partial sun.
Harvest tip: Harvest the flowers when fully open and dry them for future use.
8. Carnations
Dianthus, also known as carnations or pinks, offer a wide array of colors and a sweet, clove-like flavor. Plant them in containers with fertile, well-drained soil and full sun. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering.
Harvest tip: Harvest shortly after the flowers start to open
9. Roses
Roses are not only a symbol of love and beauty but also a delightful addition to culinary creations. Choose fragrant, organically grown varieties for the best flavor. Plant them in large containers with well-drained soil and ample sunlight.
Harvest tip: Harvest petals early in the morning for optimal fragrance and flavor.
10. Marigold
Marigolds, with their bright orange and yellow blooms, are not only attractive but also offer a spicy, tangy flavor. Plant them in containers with well-drained soil and full sun.
Harvest tip: Harvest the petals when fully open and use them fresh or dried in various dishes.
11. Cornflower
Cornflowers, with their striking blue hue, add a pop of color to salads and desserts. Grow them in containers with well-drained soil and full sun.
Harvest tip: Harvest the flowers when fully open and use them fresh or dried.
12. Lemon Verbena
Lemon verbena’s fragrant leaves and tiny white flowers impart a citrusy flavor to dishes and beverages. Plant them in containers with well-drained soil and full sun. Prune regularly to encourage bushier growth.
Harvest tip: Harvest leaves and flowers as needed!
13. Dandelion
Dandelions may be considered weeds by some, but their cheerful yellow flowers are edible and nutritious. Grow them in containers with well-drained soil and partial sun.
Harvest tip: Harvest the flowers when fully open and use them fresh in salads or to make dandelion wine.
14. Squash Blossoms
Squash blossoms, with their bright yellow petals, are not only beautiful but also delicious when stuffed and fried. Grow them in containers alongside your squash plants, ensuring they receive ample sunlight and water.
Harvest tip: Harvest male flowers, leaving some for pollination.
15. Johnny Jump-Up
Johnny jump-ups, with their cheerful purple, yellow, and white faces, add a whimsical touch to any garden. Plant them in containers with well-drained soil and partial shade.
Harvest tip: Harvest the flowers when fully open and use them fresh in salads or as cake decorations.
Final Thoughts
This post has shown you how to grow edible flowers that are container-friendly! Whether you add flowers to your salads, tea, or dessert, it is sure to be a delightful sensory experience!
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