I am curious what types of edible flowers that can be used in salads and meals are good or less difficult to grow in our climate? Has anyone had any success with edible flowers?
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In addition to Amaranth, 2 more that immediately come to mind that I also have are Pineapple Guava & Chuparosa. Pineapple Guava has an outstanding sweet flower that is great in salads & Chuparosa has a bit of a hint of cucumber. In addtion, I am also growing Edible Hibiscus--it is a little frost tender but most of the plant is edible.
I agree, the Chuparosa is very tasty, not to be missed. Also Ocotillo flowers are edible. And as Rachel said Nasturtiums are great, they are not perennial but come back every year from seed if you just let the plant go. Also the Nasturtium seeds can be used as a substitute for black peppercorns, the whole plant is spicy-zesty and one of my personal favorites!
There are a few books at the public library (mostly at the central location) on edible plants of the Southwest that could be very helpful for you.
One big one I know of that supposedly grows VERY well here, and is so pretty it's commonly used as a landscaping plant is Amarath. The flowers themselves are not what you eat - you eat the seeds as a kind of grain afterwards and the leaves are also edible.
Another one would be roses. You can candy or make syrup from the petals., and eat or make tea out of the hips.
Replies
In addition to Amaranth, 2 more that immediately come to mind that I also have are Pineapple Guava & Chuparosa. Pineapple Guava has an outstanding sweet flower that is great in salads & Chuparosa has a bit of a hint of cucumber. In addtion, I am also growing Edible Hibiscus--it is a little frost tender but most of the plant is edible.
-Jeff
Bachelor buttons (cornflower) come in many colors and have done well for me.
Here's a good link...
http://whatscookingamerica.net/EdibleFlowers/EdibleFlowersMain.htm
There are a few books at the public library (mostly at the central location) on edible plants of the Southwest that could be very helpful for you.
One big one I know of that supposedly grows VERY well here, and is so pretty it's commonly used as a landscaping plant is Amarath. The flowers themselves are not what you eat - you eat the seeds as a kind of grain afterwards and the leaves are also edible.
Another one would be roses. You can candy or make syrup from the petals., and eat or make tea out of the hips.
Hope this helps!