When you think about flowers, decorative varieties like roses and daffodils typically come to mind. However, you can grow edible flowers that add colour to your plate and your allotment, while being safe to eat.
Some flowering herbs and vegetables brighten your allotment and attract pollinators. Some of these flowers are edible and can add colour, texture and flavours to your dishes.
There are many edible flowers to explore. We will mainly focus on those that grow alongside common herbs and vegetables. You can use them in salads and garnishes to infuse flavour in refreshments and cooking.
It’s important to note that not all flowers are safe to eat, and some can be toxic. To avoid this risk, you can grow edible flowers in small containers and enjoy them as a bonus when growing pumpkins or squashes.
We have created a complete guide to growing edible flowers in the UK. It will help answer questions such as when to plant edible flowers, when to pick edible flowers, how to harvest edible flowers and more.
When growing edible flowers, start by choosing the type you want, as this will determine where and how to plant them. You can buy pesticide-free seeds or plug plants from a reputable garden store to ensure they are safe for consumption. If using seeds, germinate them in seed trays before transferring them to containers.
It is best to grow flowers indoors initially if you plan to consume them, as this reduces the risk of contamination.
Edible flowers are delicate and cannot be washed as vigorously as fruits and vegetables. Handle them gently to keep them clean without damaging their delicate appearance or flavour.
Other popular flowers grown for consumption are:
You can start planting edible flowers indoors or in a protected space like a greenhouse or cold frame in early spring. This helps you get a head start before the weather warms up, and allows you to harden off the seedlings before moving them outdoors.
When growing edible flowers in the UK, choose a spot that receives about 5-6 hours of sunlight each day, and use well-labelled containers to keep track of each variety. A well-drained, compost-rich soil will give your flowers the best start.
Hardy varieties, such as marigolds, courgettes, chives and chamomile, can be grown outdoors directly. These flowers can double as companion plants, attracting natural pollinators like bees and supporting the overall health of your allotment.
Here are some guidelines to think about before picking the flowers and consuming them.
Flowers are usually ready for harvest from late spring to early autumn. The exact sowing and harvesting schedule varies depending on the plant, so check our individual pages for more detailed guidance.
You can harvest the flowers as soon as they appear, but it is best to pick them in the early morning. Doing this before the sun gets warmer helps preserve their flavour.
Edible flowers can enhance salads, desserts and drinks as a fresh garnish. They are best consumed fresh, though you can store them in a plastic container in the fridge for a few hours without losing quality.
Ready to start growing edible flowers? Allotment Online offers friendly growing guides, crop-specific advice, and a thriving community of allotment growers.
Whether you want to grow edible flowers for an added crunch and flavour or as a natural pollinator attractor, we have tips and advice to help.
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Looking for more growing guides? Check out our advice on courgettes, Brussels sprouts, or potatoes over on the Grow Your Own page.
