Flowers don’t just belong in vases—they can also elevate your plate. At Plantisima, we love finding ways to bring the garden into the kitchen, and edible flowers are one of the most beautiful (and unexpected) ingredients you can use. Whether you’re garnishing a dessert, brightening a salad, or topping cocktails, the right blooms can turn everyday dishes into something spectacular.
In this guide, we’ve handpicked 18 edible flowers that are as tasty as they are stunning. Think peppery nasturtiums, sweet violas, fragrant lavender, and delicate borage—each one adds a different flavor, color, and texture to your creations. And yes, they’re all completely safe to eat (as long as they’re grown without pesticides).
For our Plantisima readers who love gardening and cooking, this is where those passions meet. With a few edible blooms in your backyard or balcony, your meals can look like they came from a five-star restaurant—no culinary school required.
Nasturtium
Bright and peppery, nasturtiums bring a splash of color and a hint of spice to any dish. These stunning flowers are not only visually appealing but also edible – leaves and all. Their bold flavors are reminiscent of watercress, making them a perfect addition to salads and sandwiches. Besides their culinary uses, nasturtiums are easy to grow, even for beginners. Try adding nasturtiums to your garden for an endless supply of fresh, edible embellishments. With their vibrant appearance and zesty taste, they are sure to make your meals bloom with flavor.
Borage
The star-shaped borage flower, with its stunning blue hue, isn’t just a pretty face. This flower has a cucumber-like flavor that makes it a delightful addition to beverages and salads. Imagine sipping a cool glass of lemonade or a gin and tonic, garnished with these vibrant blue blooms. Not only do they add aesthetic appeal, but they also bring a touch of freshness with every sip. Additionally, borage is known for its ease of growth, thriving in various conditions and offering a plentiful harvest.
Viola
With their charming, colorful petals, violas are a picture-perfect addition to desserts and salads. Their delicate flavor is reminiscent of sweet lettuce, adding a gentle touch to any dish. Picture a dessert plate adorned with these dainty flowers, turning ordinary sweets into works of art. Easy to grow in a variety of climates, violas are a favorite among gardeners looking to add edible blooms to their repertoire. Whether used as a garnish or a salad ingredient, violas are sure to enchant with their subtle sweetness and beauty.
Lavender
Known for its calming scent, lavender is also a versatile edible flower. Its floral notes pair beautifully with both sweet and savory dishes. Imagine a lavender-infused cake or a refreshing lavender lemonade, offering a unique twist on traditional flavors. While often associated with relaxation and tranquility, lavender can also add a pop of color and flavor to your culinary creations. Whether grown in your garden or sourced from a farmer’s market, it’s a delightful addition to any dish that deserves a floral touch.
Calendula
Often referred to as “poor man’s saffron,” calendula’s bright orange petals add a splash of color and a hint of spice to dishes. These flowers can be used to brighten up salads, soups, and stews, offering a visually appealing and subtly flavored touch. Calendula is also known for its medicinal properties, used in various herbal remedies. Easy to cultivate, calendula blooms can be a regular feature in your kitchen, bringing both beauty and health benefits to your meals. Try adding them to your next culinary creation.
Hibiscus
Hibiscus is renowned for its tart, cranberry-like flavor, making it a popular choice for teas and cocktails. These vibrant flowers can elevate a simple beverage into a refreshing treat, perfect for hot summer days. Beyond drinks, hibiscus can also be used in savory dishes, adding a unique tangy twist. Native to tropical climates, these flowers offer a taste of paradise, making them a must-have for adventurous cooks. Whether dried or fresh, hibiscus can bring an exotic flair to your culinary endeavors.
Rose
Romance and roses go hand-in-hand, but these flowers also have a place in the kitchen. Rose petals offer a sweet, floral flavor that can enhance a variety of dishes. Envision a delicate rose petal jam or rosewater-infused pastries, adding elegance and aroma. Roses are not only for special occasions; their versatile flavor can be incorporated into everyday meals, from salads to desserts. Growing roses in your garden can provide a continual supply of these delightful petals, perfect for adding a touch of romance to your cuisine.
Chamomile
Famous for its soothing tea, chamomile offers more than just relaxation. These daisy-like flowers impart a gentle, apple-like flavor, perfect for infusions and desserts. Imagine a calming chamomile custard or chamomile-infused honey drizzled over warm pastries. Not only are they a delight to taste, but chamomile flowers are also easy to grow, making them a staple in herb gardens. Their calming properties and mild flavor make chamomile an excellent choice for creating comforting culinary experiences.
Chive Blossoms
Chive blossoms add a mild onion flavor to dishes, making them a wonderful garnish for savory meals. Their small, purple clusters are both decorative and flavorful, offering a unique twist on traditional herbs. Consider sprinkling them over a creamy potato salad or a cheesy omelet for an unexpected burst of flavor. Chive blossoms are not only a culinary delight but also easy to cultivate, providing year-round possibilities for enhancing your culinary creations.
Dandelion
Often seen as a weed, the dandelion is a versatile edible flower with a slightly bitter, earthy flavor. These bright yellow blooms can be used in salads, teas, and even as a wine base. Their robust flavor pairs well with sweet and savory ingredients, offering a unique culinary experience. Dandelions are resilient and easy to find, making them an accessible option for those looking to experiment with edible flowers. Incorporate dandelions into your meals to discover their hidden potential and surprising taste.
Marigold
Marigolds are more than just garden favorites; their petals bring a citrusy flavor to the table. These bright flowers are ideal for adding color and zest to dishes, from salads to rice. Think of marigold petals as a natural food dye, imparting a golden hue to your recipes. Their peppery undertones complement a variety of ingredients, enhancing both flavor and presentation. Easy to grow and abundant in blooms, marigolds are a gardener’s delight, offering endless possibilities for culinary experimentation.
Pansy
Pansies are known for their striking, multicolored petals and mild, grassy flavor. These flowers make an excellent garnish, adding a splash of color to both sweet and savory dishes. Picture a plate of appetizers adorned with vibrant pansies, instantly elevating the visual appeal. Easy to cultivate, pansies thrive in cooler temperatures, providing a continuous supply of edible blooms. Their versatility and beauty make pansies a popular choice for chefs looking to enhance both the flavor and aesthetic of their creations.
Squash Blossoms
Squash blossoms are a delicacy in many cuisines, known for their subtle, slightly sweet flavor. These large, yellow flowers are often stuffed and fried, creating a delicious appetizer. Their tender texture and mild taste make them a favorite among chefs, offering endless culinary possibilities. Whether used in gourmet dishes or simple home cooking, squash blossoms bring a touch of elegance and flavor. Easy to grow alongside squash plants, they offer a delightful harvest for those who enjoy experimenting with edible flowers.
Violets
Violets are more than just a garden staple; their sweet, floral notes are perfect for desserts and infusions. Imagine violets candied and used to decorate cakes or steeped in syrups for a fragrant touch. These charming flowers have been used in culinary traditions for centuries, offering both beauty and flavor. Easy to grow in a variety of climates, violets provide a continuous supply of these delightful blooms. Their delicate appearance and taste make them a favorite for those looking to add a touch of elegance to their culinary creations.
Jasmine
Jasmine flowers are celebrated for their intoxicating fragrance, but their flavor is equally enchanting. These small, white blooms can be used to infuse teas and desserts, providing a sweet, floral note. Picture jasmine-infused rice or a delicate jasmine tea, offering a touch of exotic elegance. Native to warm climates, jasmine flowers thrive in sunny gardens, offering a plentiful harvest. Their captivating scent and flavor make jasmine a prized ingredient for those looking to create aromatic culinary delights.
Elderflower
Elderflowers are known for their delicate, floral aroma and subtle, sweet flavor. These tiny, white blossoms are often used to make cordials, syrups, and even wines, offering a refreshing taste. Imagine a crisp elderflower cocktail on a warm afternoon, bringing a sense of sophistication and refreshment. Elderflowers are not only delicious but also versatile, providing endless possibilities for culinary exploration. Growing elderflower plants can ensure a steady supply of these charming blooms, perfect for enhancing various beverages and dishes.
Cornflower
Cornflowers, with their brilliant blue petals, are a striking addition to any dish. Their subtle, clove-like flavor adds a unique touch to salads, soups, and desserts. Imagine a rustic loaf of bread adorned with cornflower petals, creating a feast for the eyes and palate. Easy to cultivate, these flowers thrive in most gardens, offering a beautiful and edible harvest. Their vibrant color and mild taste make cornflowers a favorite for those seeking to add a pop of color and flavor to their culinary creations.
Sunflower
Sunflowers are not just for seeds; their petals are also edible, with a slightly nutty flavor. These bright blooms can be used to garnish salads and baked goods, adding a splash of color and crunch. Imagine a fresh salad topped with sunflower petals, bringing a sunny touch to your meal. Sunflowers are easy to grow and provide a bountiful harvest, making them a popular choice for gardeners. Their cheerful appearance and versatile uses make sunflowers a delightful addition to any culinary repertoire.