When I serve something like pasta salad I like to make it pretty.  Herbs work well, but flowers are more fun.  So let me give you a list of edible flowers.  First though, I better give you MY definition of edible flowers.  

 

Edible flowers may (or may not) taste good, but you can eat them and they won't kill you.  I love to use them for decoration, and knowing which ones are safe is important!

 

Here is a partial list of commonly grown herbs and flowers that are edible.  

 

Basil,  Bee balm,  Borage,  Chives,  Dill,  Marjoram,  Onions,  Rosemary,  Sage,  Thyme.

 

Bachelor's button,  Calendula,  Chrysanthemum,  Cosmos,  Dahlia,  Dandelion,  Dianthus and Carnations, Hollyhocks,  Love in a Mist,  Marigolds,  Nasturtium,  Pansy,  Squash blossoms,  Sunflowers,  Zinnias.

 

Even some trees have edible flowers:  Redbud,  Black locust,  Elderberry.  

 

CAUTION:  Do NOT consider storebought or florist shop flowers edible.  They are often treated with inedible and dangerous pesticides.  Best to eat only flowers you grow yourself, or at least know their origin.  

 

Just because flowers can be eaten, does not mean to make a meal of them.  It's always a good idea to use any new food sparingly at first.   But do give edible flowers a try, using them in a decorative way.

 

 

HAPPY GARDENING!!