There are a variety of edible flowers you can grow indoors. Why grow them? …
Having plants indoors can help brighten your mood. Plants in your home also helps clean the air. Also, they are a great way to add color and flavor to many dishes in the kitchen.
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Flowers can be used as a garnish for soups, salads, and desserts. Some can even be part of a healthy diet, possessing a range of vitamins and nutrients. The flowers can also be used to make a variety of body care items.
It is important to know which flowers are edible and which are not. Knowing the botanical names can help you interpret the various species.
If you have pets, be aware that not all plants are safe. You need to take precautions with certain flowers, so your pet doesn’t have access. Consider creating a shelf or hanging varieties that may be toxic to pets. For a full list of toxic plants refer to the ASPCA’s list online.
Calendula
Calendula (Calendula officinalis) has yellow, orange or gold flowers that provide a peppery taste. It is often used to color rice dishes instead of saffron. Calendula has a longer blooming season. This allowed it to be used in winter stews. The petals also add a brightness to summer salads.
Another popular option is to make a tea. The tea has mild astringent and antiseptic properties that can ease gastrointestinal problems like cramps and ulcers. Consider combining it with other flowers and herbs to find a taste you like. 1
Chives
Chives (Allium schoenoprasum) have white, lavender, or purple flowers, and a strong onion taste. Usually the green portion is used to top baked potatoes, along with some sour cream. Consider sprinkling some fresh chopped chives or chive blossoms to a bowl of soup.
Chives hanging in the home was believed to drive away disease and evil. Easily move them out to ensure a bountiful harvest every year.
They are mildly toxic to pets causing vomiting and weakness.
Chrysanthemums
Mums (Chrysanthemum morifolium)taste the way they smell, slightly spicy and pungent. The various colors will have varying flavors. They come in a wide range of colors, usually white, yellow or reds. Use sparingly in salads, stir fries and rice dishes; a little usually goes a long way. Although all the varieties are edible, Chrysanthemum cinerariaefolium or Chrysanthemum coccineum are not recommended in an edible garden. These two varieties can have a higher concentration of pyrethrum, a plant-based insecticide.
These are best planted in a window with lots of sunlight. They do well in most soils if they are well-drained.
They aren’t safe for animals due to the sesquiterpene, pyrethrin and other possible irritants.
Hibiscus
Hibiscus (Hibiscus sabdariffa) tea is one of my favorites. The blooms come in lush purple, pink and blueish colors. It is a great source of vitamin C. It is a common ingredient in many different varieties of herbal tea due to its anti-inflammatory properties. As a plant medicine it can sooth headaches, aching limbs, and sooth coughs. Some fun options to make tea, syrup, and jam.
Giving a hibiscus blossom symbolizes that the giver acknowledges the receiver’s delicate beauty.
Nasturtiums
These tasty flowers come in a range of vivid colors and taste like watercress. Both watercress and nasturtium are in the Tropaeolaceae family. Nasturtiums botanical name is Tropaeolum majus. They are often used as a substitute for watercress in sandwiches, salads and as garnish. You can eat both the leaves and flowers; both are rich in Vitamin C. They are easy to grow in well-drained soil near a sunny window.
The flowers symbolize patriotism, what a reason to add this edible to your garden.
Pansies
Pansies (Viola tricolor var.) come in a range of colors. Because of the unique light and dark coloring, they appear to have faces. The flavor is mild and minty. The flowers are used for garnish, salads, and cake decoration. Pansies will grow well in anything except direct sunlight they prefer cooler areas. The moisture levels will vary by the type of pansy, so read the seed packet carefully.
Pansies may help you with your thoughts. The name comes from French pensée meaning thought.
Violets
Violets (Viola odorata) have a lovely color and a delicate floral taste. They have been used for centuries to enhance drinks and desserts. The blossoms can be candied and preserved. Most people use the blossoms, but the leaves also provide a nutrient option.
According to Hildegard von Bingen violet can be used to make a spiced wine for “anyone appressed by melancholy with a discontented mind which then harms his lungs.” 2
They are perfect for a sunny windowsill garden. These plants don’t want a lot of heat; a temperate place near a sunny window works.
Throughout the season these flowers add brightness and joy to all our family meals. I would love to see how you incorporate them into your kitchen.
References:
- Gladstar, R. Rosemary Gladstar’s Medicinal Herbs: A Beginner’s Guide, Storey Publishing 2012
- Throop, P., Bingen, Hildegard von., Hildegard von Bingen’s Physica, Healing Arts Press 1998
