If you’re looking to add a touch of beauty and flavor to your urban garden, then growing edible flowers is the way to go. Not only do they add vibrant colors and enticing aromas, but they also offer a delightful culinary experience. From pansies to nasturtiums, this article will explore popular edible flowers that are not only easy to grow but also bring a burst of flavor to your dishes. So, grab your gardening gloves and get ready to transform your urban garden into a blooming paradise of edible delights.
1. Roses
Roses are a classic and beloved flower that can be found in many gardens. They come in a variety of colors, sizes, and fragrances, making them a versatile choice for any garden. There are three main types of roses that you can consider planting in your urban garden: ordinary roses, English roses, and Damask roses.
1.1 Ordinary roses
Ordinary roses are the most commonly found type of rose, and they are known for their beautiful blooms and sweet fragrance. They are easy to care for and can be grown in containers or directly in the ground. Some popular varieties of ordinary roses include Hybrid Teas, Floribundas, and Grandifloras.
1.2 English roses
English roses, also known as David Austin roses, are a hybrid rose that combines the best characteristics of old-fashioned roses with modern varieties. They have a more natural and bushy growth habit, and their flowers often have a strong fragrance. English roses are a popular choice for their beauty and charm.
1.3 Damask roses
Damask roses are an ancient type of rose that is known for its rich history and unique fragrance. They have been cultivated for centuries and are often used in perfumes and rose water. Damask roses come in a range of colors and can add a touch of elegance to any garden.
2. Marigolds
Marigolds are vibrant and cheerful flowers that make a great addition to any urban garden. They are easy to grow and can help repel pests with their strong scent. There are three main types of marigolds that you can plant: French marigolds, African marigolds, and Signet marigolds.
2.1 French marigolds
French marigolds are small, compact plants that produce an abundance of colorful flowers. They come in a variety of bright hues, including yellow, orange, and red. French marigolds are often used as bedding plants or in containers, and they can help attract beneficial insects to your garden.
2.2 African marigolds
African marigolds are larger and taller than French marigolds, and they produce big, showy flowers. They come in shades of yellow and orange, and their flowers can reach up to four inches in diameter. African marigolds are popular for their long blooming period and their ability to withstand hot and dry conditions.
2.3 Signet marigolds
Signet marigolds are compact and delicate plants that produce clusters of small, edible flowers. They have a spicy and tangy flavor, making them a popular choice for garnishing salads and other dishes. Signet marigolds come in shades of yellow and orange, and their flowers can add a pop of color to your urban garden.
3. Nasturtiums
Nasturtiums are versatile flowers that are not only beautiful but also edible. They are easy to grow and can be a great addition to your urban garden. Nasturtiums have two main edible parts: the leaves and the flowers.
3.1 Edible leaves
Nasturtium leaves have a peppery flavor, similar to watercress. They can be used in salads or as a garnish for soups and other dishes. The leaves are rich in vitamins and minerals, making them a healthy addition to your diet.
3.2 Edible flowers
Nasturtium flowers are not only beautiful but also have a slightly sweet and spicy flavor. They can be used to decorate cakes, salads, and other dishes, and their vibrant colors can add a touch of elegance to any meal. Nasturtium flowers are rich in antioxidants and can have a positive impact on your health.
4. Calendulas
Calendulas, also known as pot marigolds, are popular flowers to grow in an urban garden. They have bright and cheerful blooms that can add a pop of color to any space. There are three main types of calendulas that you can consider planting: pot marigolds, Prince’s feather, and Mexican mint marigold.
4.1 Pot marigolds
Pot marigolds are compact plants that produce an abundance of colorful flowers. They come in shades of yellow, orange, and gold, and their petals can be dried and used in herbal preparations. Pot marigolds are easy to grow and can attract beneficial insects to your garden.
4.2 Prince’s feather
Prince’s feather, also known as Amaranthus cruentus, is an ornamental flower that can add height and drama to your urban garden. It produces long, feathery flower spikes in shades of red, purple, and green. Prince’s feather can be grown as an annual or perennial, depending on your climate.
4.3 Mexican mint marigold
Mexican mint marigold, also known as Tagetes lucida, is a flowering herb that is native to Mexico. It has bright green leaves and small, yellow flowers that resemble marigolds. Mexican mint marigold has a strong anise flavor and is often used as a culinary herb in Mexican cuisine.
5. Pansies
Pansies are cheerful and versatile flowers that are often grown in urban gardens. They come in a wide range of colors and have a mild fragrance. There are three main types of pansies that you can consider planting: Viola tricolor, Johnny jump-ups, and hybrid pansies.
5.1 Viola tricolor
Viola tricolor, also known as wild pansy or heartsease, is a small and delicate flower that can be found in meadows and gardens. It produces flowers in shades of purple, yellow, and white, with distinctive “faces” on the petals. Viola tricolor is a popular choice for its beauty and whimsical charm.
5.2 Johnny jump-ups
Johnny jump-ups, also known as Viola cornuta, are a type of pansy that produces small, dainty flowers. They come in a variety of colors, including purple, yellow, and white. Johnny jump-ups are commonly used as ground cover or in rock gardens, and their flowers can attract bees and butterflies.
5.3 Hybrid pansies
Hybrid pansies are a cross between different species of pansies, creating plants with a wide range of colors, sizes, and patterns. They are known for their large flowers and are often used in containers or flower beds. Hybrid pansies can bring a burst of color to your urban garden and are easy to care for.
6. Lavender
Lavender is a fragrant and beautiful flower that is popular for its calming properties. It can be grown in an urban garden and is relatively low-maintenance. There are three main types of lavender that you can consider planting: English lavender, French lavender, and Spanish lavender.
6.1 English lavender
English lavender, also known as Lavandula angustifolia, is a compact and bushy plant that produces fragrant lavender flowers. It has narrow gray-green leaves and flowers in shades of purple, blue, and white. English lavender is often used in aromatherapy and can add a touch of tranquility to your urban garden.
6.2 French lavender
French lavender, also known as Lavandula stoechas, is a more showy and ornamental type of lavender. It produces large flower spikes with distinctive bracts on top, which give the flowers a unique appearance. French lavender is a popular choice for its vibrant colors and can attract bees and butterflies to your garden.
6.3 Spanish lavender
Spanish lavender, also known as Lavandula dentata, is a hardy and drought-tolerant variety of lavender. It has serrated gray-green leaves and produces short flower spikes with small, dark purple flowers. Spanish lavender is often used in landscaping and can add a touch of Mediterranean charm to your urban garden.
7. Chrysanthemums
Chrysanthemums, commonly known as mums, are a popular choice for urban gardens due to their vibrant colors and long blooming period. There are two main types of chrysanthemums that you can consider planting: edible varieties and non-edible varieties.
7.1 Edible varieties
Edible varieties of chrysanthemums are often used in Asian cuisine and can add a unique flavor and visual appeal to dishes. The flowers can be used in salads, stir-fries, and teas, and they have a slightly bitter and spicy taste. Edible chrysanthemums come in a range of colors, including white, yellow, and pink.
7.2 Non-edible varieties
Non-edible varieties of chrysanthemums are primarily grown for their beautiful and showy blooms. They come in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and colors, including yellows, oranges, reds, and purples. Non-edible chrysanthemums are often used in floral arrangements and can be a focal point in your urban garden.
8. Dianthus
Dianthus, also known as pinks, are popular flowers to grow in an urban garden. They have a delicate and sweet fragrance and come in a variety of colors and patterns. There are three main types of dianthus that you can consider planting: Sweet William, carnations, and pinks.
8.1 Sweet William
Sweet William, also known as Dianthus barbatus, is a biennial plant that produces clusters of small, fragrant flowers. They come in vibrant colors, including red, pink, and purple. Sweet William is often used in borders or as a cut flower, and their flowers can attract butterflies and bees to your garden.
8.2 Carnations
Carnations, also known as Dianthus caryophyllus, are long-lasting flowers that are often used in bouquets and floral arrangements. They come in a variety of colors, including white, pink, and red. Carnations have a sweet and spicy fragrance and can add a touch of elegance to your urban garden.
8.3 Pinks
Pinks, also known as Dianthus plumarius, are a type of dianthus that produce small, fringed flowers. They come in a range of colors, including white, pink, and purple. Pinks are commonly used in rock gardens or as ground cover, and their flowers can add a delicate and whimsical touch to your urban garden.
9. Violets
Violets are delicate and charming flowers that can bring a sense of nostalgia to your urban garden. They are often associated with spring and are known for their vibrant colors and sweet fragrance. There are three main types of violets that you can consider planting: sweet violets, confederate violets, and dog violets.
9.1 Sweet violets
Sweet violets, also known as Viola odorata, are small and fragrant flowers that come in shades of purple, blue, and white. They have heart-shaped leaves and are often found in woodlands and gardens. Sweet violets can be used to make teas, syrups, and even candies, and their flowers can be a delightful addition to your urban garden.
9.2 Confederate violets
Confederate violets, also known as Viola sororia, are native to North America and are known for their deep purple flowers. They have large heart-shaped leaves and can be found growing wild or cultivated in gardens. Confederate violets can be a beautiful and low-maintenance addition to your urban garden.
9.3 Dog violets
Dog violets, also known as Viola riviniana, are a common type of violet that can be found in various habitats, including woodlands and meadows. They have small purple flowers and heart-shaped leaves. Dog violets can attract bees and butterflies to your urban garden and add a touch of natural beauty.
10. Daylilies
Daylilies are vibrant and hardy flowers that can be a great addition to any urban garden. They come in a variety of colors and are known for their long blooming period. There are three main types of daylilies that you can consider planting: Hemerocallis fulva, Asia daylilies, and Stella de Oro daylilies.
10.1 Hemerocallis fulva
Hemerocallis fulva, also known as the orange daylily, is a common wildflower that can be found in many gardens. It produces bright orange flowers and has long, arching leaves. Hemerocallis fulva is known for its hardiness and can tolerate a wide range of growing conditions.
10.2 Asia daylilies
Asia daylilies, also known as Hemerocallis, are a group of daylilies that come in a wide range of colors and sizes. They have large flowers and grass-like foliage. Asia daylilies are popular for their showy blooms and can bring a splash of color to your urban garden.
10.3 Stella de Oro daylilies
Stella de Oro daylilies are a popular and widely grown variety of daylily. They produce deep golden-yellow flowers and have a compact and clumping growth habit. Stella de Oro daylilies are known for their long blooming period and can add a bright and cheerful touch to your urban garden.
In conclusion, there are many popular edible flowers that you can grow in your urban garden. Whether you choose roses, marigolds, nasturtiums, calendulas, pansies, lavender, chrysanthemums, dianthus, violets, or daylilies, you can enjoy not only the beauty of these flowers but also the delightful flavors and health benefits they provide. So, why not embark on the journey of growing your own edible flowers and transform your urban garden into a vibrant and delicious oasis? Happy planting!
