Edible Flowers and More Newsletter<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/sandonspaldingstaging.com\/DirtDr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Dirt%20Doctor_Button_SubscribeNews_200px_01.png\")
<\/a> ![\"\"](\"https:\/\/sandonspaldingstaging.com\/DirtDr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Dirt%20Doctor_Button_VisitNewsArchives_200px_01.png\")
<\/a><\/strong><\/h1>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/sandonspaldingstaging.com\/DirtDr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Dirt%20Doctor%20-%20New%20Newsletter%20Banner_Jan2016_960wide_library.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
Edible Flowers and More<\/span><\/h1>\n\nSeveral questions about what plants are the best for attracting pollinators and other beneficial insects. Variety is the key but two especially good choices are <\/p>\n
almond verbena<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n and <\/p>\n
white Gregg\u2019s mistflower<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n. Another group of plants that work in this category are the edible flowering plants. Here\u2019s an update:\n <\/p>\n
\nEating flowers has been done throughout the world for centuries. Roses and orange flowers are commonly used in Middle Eastern and Persian foods; lilies are used in China; cherry blossoms and chrysanthemums are used in Japan; lavender is a favorite in England and France; and the Mediterranean countries enjoy saffron in their food.<\/p>\n
\nOf course, not all flowers are edible — some are poisonous either naturally or from the use of toxic chemical pesticides. <\/p>\n
Only eat flowers grown organically. Flowers from florists, nurseries, and traditional garden centers should not be eaten<\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n If your garden center is organic, eat away. After these plants have been under <\/p>\n
The Organic Program<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n in your garden, they should be good to eat.<\/p>\n
RULES FOR EDIBLE FLOWERS OTHER PLANT PARTS<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n1. Not all flowers are edible. Some are poisonous. Learn the difference.\n <\/p>\n
\n2. Eat flowers only when you are positive they are edible and non-toxic.\n <\/p>\n
\n3. Eat only flowers that have been grown organically.\n <\/p>\n
\n4. Do not eat flowers from florists, nurseries or garden centers unless you know they\u2019ve been maintained organically.\n <\/p>\n
\n5. Do not eat flowers if you have hay fever, asthma or allergies.\n <\/p>\n
\n6. Do not eat flowers growing on the side of the road.\n <\/p>\n
\n7. Remove pistils and stamens from flowers before eating. Eat only the petals of the larger flowers.\n <\/p>\n
\n8. Introduce flowers into your diet the way you would new foods to a baby – one at a time in small quantities.\n <\/p>\n
NOTE<\/strong><\/p>\n: Pregnant women should avoid all strong herbs and no plant should be ingested in excess by anyone at anytime. Edible flowers can be used to enhance food at breakfast, lunch and dinner. They can also be used in teas. Here are some of the best edible flower choices and uses.<\/p>\n
TREES<\/strong><\/p>\n SHRUBS<\/strong><\/p>\n GROUND COVERS<\/strong>Clover<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n – tea from leaves and flowers<\/p>\n
Creeping thyme<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n – teas and food flavoring<\/p>\n
\nGotu kola – tea from leaves<\/p>\n
Mints<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n – food and teas from flowers and leaves<\/p>\n
Oregano<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n – teas and food flavoring<\/p>\n
Violets<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n – leaves in salads and tea from flowers and leaves<\/p>\n
PERENNIALS<\/strong>Anise hyssop<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n– edible flowers, foliage for tea<\/p>\n
Blackberries<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n – edible berries, foliage for tea<\/p>\n
Chives<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n – edible foliage and flowers<\/p>\n
Garlic<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n – edible flowers, greens and cloves<\/p>\n
Hibiscus<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n – edible flowers<\/p>\n
Hoja santa<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n – leaves for cooking with meats<\/p>\n
Horsemint<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n – insect repellent and tea<\/p>\n
Jerusalem artichoke<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n – roots for food<\/p>\n
Lavender <\/span><\/a><\/p>\n– teas and insect repellent<\/p>\n
Monarda<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n – edible flowers and leaves for teas<\/p>\n
Oxalis<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n – (yellow sorrel) leaves & flowers <\/p>\n
Peppers<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n – edible fruit<\/p>\n
Purple coneflower<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n – all plant parts for teas<\/p>\n
Rosemary<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n – food and tea from leaves and flowers<\/p>\n
Roses<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n – petals and hips for tea<\/p>\n
Salvia<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n – edible flowers, foliage for teas<\/p>\n
Sweet marigold<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n – food, flavoring and tea from leaves and flowers<\/p>\n
Tansy <\/span><\/a><\/p>\n– chopped and crushed foliage repels ants<\/p>\n
Turk\u2019s cap<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n – flowers & fruit for tea<\/p>\n
ANNUALS<\/strong>Amaranthus<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n – edible leaves and seeds<\/p>\n
To take this topic one step further, there are also parts of your vegetable crops, beyond just the crop itself, that can be eaten. This table of common veggie crops will help you decide if you want to eat more of the plant in the future (if you follow the organic program).<\/p>\n
<\/a> <\/a><\/strong><\/h1>\n<\/p>\n
Edible Flowers and More<\/span><\/h1>\n\nSeveral questions about what plants are the best for attracting pollinators and other beneficial insects. Variety is the key but two especially good choices are <\/p>\n
almond verbena<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n and <\/p>\n
white Gregg\u2019s mistflower<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n. Another group of plants that work in this category are the edible flowering plants. Here\u2019s an update:\n <\/p>\n
\nEating flowers has been done throughout the world for centuries. Roses and orange flowers are commonly used in Middle Eastern and Persian foods; lilies are used in China; cherry blossoms and chrysanthemums are used in Japan; lavender is a favorite in England and France; and the Mediterranean countries enjoy saffron in their food.<\/p>\n
\nOf course, not all flowers are edible — some are poisonous either naturally or from the use of toxic chemical pesticides. <\/p>\n
Only eat flowers grown organically. Flowers from florists, nurseries, and traditional garden centers should not be eaten<\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n If your garden center is organic, eat away. After these plants have been under <\/p>\n
The Organic Program<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n in your garden, they should be good to eat.<\/p>\n
RULES FOR EDIBLE FLOWERS OTHER PLANT PARTS<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n1. Not all flowers are edible. Some are poisonous. Learn the difference.\n <\/p>\n
\n2. Eat flowers only when you are positive they are edible and non-toxic.\n <\/p>\n
\n3. Eat only flowers that have been grown organically.\n <\/p>\n
\n4. Do not eat flowers from florists, nurseries or garden centers unless you know they\u2019ve been maintained organically.\n <\/p>\n
\n5. Do not eat flowers if you have hay fever, asthma or allergies.\n <\/p>\n
\n6. Do not eat flowers growing on the side of the road.\n <\/p>\n
\n7. Remove pistils and stamens from flowers before eating. Eat only the petals of the larger flowers.\n <\/p>\n
\n8. Introduce flowers into your diet the way you would new foods to a baby – one at a time in small quantities.\n <\/p>\n
NOTE<\/strong><\/p>\n: Pregnant women should avoid all strong herbs and no plant should be ingested in excess by anyone at anytime. Edible flowers can be used to enhance food at breakfast, lunch and dinner. They can also be used in teas. Here are some of the best edible flower choices and uses.<\/p>\n
TREES<\/strong><\/p>\n SHRUBS<\/strong><\/p>\n GROUND COVERS<\/strong>Clover<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n – tea from leaves and flowers<\/p>\n
Creeping thyme<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n – teas and food flavoring<\/p>\n
\nGotu kola – tea from leaves<\/p>\n
Mints<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n – food and teas from flowers and leaves<\/p>\n
Oregano<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n – teas and food flavoring<\/p>\n
Violets<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n – leaves in salads and tea from flowers and leaves<\/p>\n
PERENNIALS<\/strong>Anise hyssop<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n– edible flowers, foliage for tea<\/p>\n
Blackberries<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n – edible berries, foliage for tea<\/p>\n
Chives<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n – edible foliage and flowers<\/p>\n
Garlic<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n – edible flowers, greens and cloves<\/p>\n
Hibiscus<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n – edible flowers<\/p>\n
Hoja santa<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n – leaves for cooking with meats<\/p>\n
Horsemint<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n – insect repellent and tea<\/p>\n
Jerusalem artichoke<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n – roots for food<\/p>\n
Lavender <\/span><\/a><\/p>\n– teas and insect repellent<\/p>\n
Monarda<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n – edible flowers and leaves for teas<\/p>\n
Oxalis<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n – (yellow sorrel) leaves & flowers <\/p>\n
Peppers<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n – edible fruit<\/p>\n
Purple coneflower<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n – all plant parts for teas<\/p>\n
Rosemary<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n – food and tea from leaves and flowers<\/p>\n
Roses<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n – petals and hips for tea<\/p>\n
Salvia<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n – edible flowers, foliage for teas<\/p>\n
Sweet marigold<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n – food, flavoring and tea from leaves and flowers<\/p>\n
Tansy <\/span><\/a><\/p>\n– chopped and crushed foliage repels ants<\/p>\n
Turk\u2019s cap<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n – flowers & fruit for tea<\/p>\n
ANNUALS<\/strong>Amaranthus<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n – edible leaves and seeds<\/p>\n
To take this topic one step further, there are also parts of your vegetable crops, beyond just the crop itself, that can be eaten. This table of common veggie crops will help you decide if you want to eat more of the plant in the future (if you follow the organic program).<\/p>\n
and <\/p>\n
white Gregg\u2019s mistflower<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n . Another group of plants that work in this category are the edible flowering plants. Here\u2019s an update:\n <\/p>\n \nEating flowers has been done throughout the world for centuries. Roses and orange flowers are commonly used in Middle Eastern and Persian foods; lilies are used in China; cherry blossoms and chrysanthemums are used in Japan; lavender is a favorite in England and France; and the Mediterranean countries enjoy saffron in their food.<\/p>\n \nOf course, not all flowers are edible — some are poisonous either naturally or from the use of toxic chemical pesticides. <\/p>\n Only eat flowers grown organically. Flowers from florists, nurseries, and traditional garden centers should not be eaten<\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n If your garden center is organic, eat away. After these plants have been under <\/p>\n The Organic Program<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n in your garden, they should be good to eat.<\/p>\n RULES FOR EDIBLE FLOWERS OTHER PLANT PARTS<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n \n1. Not all flowers are edible. Some are poisonous. Learn the difference.\n <\/p>\n \n2. Eat flowers only when you are positive they are edible and non-toxic.\n <\/p>\n \n3. Eat only flowers that have been grown organically.\n <\/p>\n \n4. Do not eat flowers from florists, nurseries or garden centers unless you know they\u2019ve been maintained organically.\n <\/p>\n \n5. Do not eat flowers if you have hay fever, asthma or allergies.\n <\/p>\n \n6. Do not eat flowers growing on the side of the road.\n <\/p>\n \n7. Remove pistils and stamens from flowers before eating. Eat only the petals of the larger flowers.\n <\/p>\n \n8. Introduce flowers into your diet the way you would new foods to a baby – one at a time in small quantities.\n <\/p>\n NOTE<\/strong><\/p>\n : Pregnant women should avoid all strong herbs and no plant should be ingested in excess by anyone at anytime. Edible flowers can be used to enhance food at breakfast, lunch and dinner. They can also be used in teas. Here are some of the best edible flower choices and uses.<\/p>\n TREES<\/strong><\/p>\n SHRUBS<\/strong><\/p>\n GROUND COVERS<\/strong>Clover<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n – tea from leaves and flowers<\/p>\n Creeping thyme<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n – teas and food flavoring<\/p>\n \nGotu kola – tea from leaves<\/p>\n Mints<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n – food and teas from flowers and leaves<\/p>\n Oregano<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n – teas and food flavoring<\/p>\n Violets<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n – leaves in salads and tea from flowers and leaves<\/p>\n PERENNIALS<\/strong>Anise hyssop<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n – edible flowers, foliage for tea<\/p>\n Blackberries<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n – edible berries, foliage for tea<\/p>\n Chives<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n – edible foliage and flowers<\/p>\n Garlic<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n – edible flowers, greens and cloves<\/p>\n Hibiscus<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n – edible flowers<\/p>\n Hoja santa<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n – leaves for cooking with meats<\/p>\n Horsemint<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n – insect repellent and tea<\/p>\n Jerusalem artichoke<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n – roots for food<\/p>\n Lavender <\/span><\/a><\/p>\n – teas and insect repellent<\/p>\n Monarda<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n – edible flowers and leaves for teas<\/p>\n Oxalis<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n – (yellow sorrel) leaves & flowers <\/p>\n Peppers<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n – edible fruit<\/p>\n Purple coneflower<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n – all plant parts for teas<\/p>\n Rosemary<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n – food and tea from leaves and flowers<\/p>\n Roses<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n – petals and hips for tea<\/p>\n Salvia<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n – edible flowers, foliage for teas<\/p>\n Sweet marigold<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n – food, flavoring and tea from leaves and flowers<\/p>\n Tansy <\/span><\/a><\/p>\n – chopped and crushed foliage repels ants<\/p>\n Turk\u2019s cap<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n – flowers & fruit for tea<\/p>\n ANNUALS<\/strong>Amaranthus<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n – edible leaves and seeds<\/p>\n To take this topic one step further, there are also parts of your vegetable crops, beyond just the crop itself, that can be eaten. This table of common veggie crops will help you decide if you want to eat more of the plant in the future (if you follow the organic program).<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/sandonspaldingstaging.com\/DirtDr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/signature.jpg\")
<\/p>\n