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Top 25 Edible Flowers for Gardeners with Culinary Skills

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For some time now, it has been common for us to have a salad, a cake or a salty dish decorated with edible flowers. To the people who haven’t used it before, it would look like something new and reserved for the new cuisines and fancy pastries. However, the use of flowers to complement a recipe comes from centuries ago when places like Mexico used the pumpkin flowers, the Romans used the violets, or the Indian desserts were adorned with rose petals.

But well, as you can imagine, not all flowers are edible. Even with those that could be eaten, we must bear in mind that those from nurseries destined for florists should not be ingested because they are loaded with pesticides since its purpose is ornamental and not for food. The flowers to add to our dishes must be those edible species grown by us or bought from organic farming and harvested for food.

Tips to Prepare Edible Flower

  1. Cut them in the morning before it is time for more solar intensity.
  2. Choose the best ones and the ones with a good smell.
  3. Discard the stamens, stems, pistils and the white base of the petals because they usually provide a bitter flavor.
  4. Before use, wash them well with cold water, drying them with absorbent paper, taking care not to spoil the petals or hanging them upside down to drain them little by little.
  5.  Edible flowers cannot be stored for a long time, so it is best to collect only those that we are going to use or if they are commercial, store them in a container in the fridge where they are kept for a week.

Edible flowers have been the choice of garnish for many chefs around the world! If you are into gardening and are a wizard in the kitchen, then this is the right place for you to be!

Here, I have a list of the top edible flowers names for gardeners who have culinary skills! Use those skills and the advantage of these fragrant edible flowers in India to elevate your dish to another level altogether!

1. Cape Flowers

Although Cape flowers might seem like something quite snobbish or reserved for the great chefs outside our kitchens, the truth is that we consume them more often than we think! This is because broccoli, cauliflower, cloves or saffron are in the end, all Cape flowers.

2. Basil (Ocimum Basilicum)

White or purple basil has a taste similar to the plant, but softer. It is perfect in salads where it brings a Mediterranean flavor and aroma to our dishes.

3. Poppy (Papaver Rhoeas)

It is red in color. Its seeds are mainly used in pastries to flavor biscuits, bread and fruit salads. The leaves of the flower are used in salads, but before the inner cocoon is formed, it acquires certain toxicity. The petals of Poppy are used to flavor wines or oils.

4. Orange blossom (Citrus Sinensis)

White flowers from which the orange blossom water is extracted to aromatize bread and pastries are called the orange blossom flowers. They are deeply aromatic and a great addition to any dessert or salad.

5. Begonia (Begonia Semperflorens)

Red, orange, pink or yellow begonias are used with fruit salads or garnished on dishes for their slightly bitter taste, similar to lemon.

6. Borage (Borago Officinalis)

Of a nice bluish color and flavor similar to cucumber, Borage is used mainly to aromatize beverages.

7. Zucchini and Squash (Maximum Cucurbita or Cucurbita Pepo)

This flower has an intense yellow color with a sweet flavor and a smooth texture. They are use fried, stuffed and to make quesadillas and soups in the Mexican gastronomy.

8. Calendula (Calendula Officinalis)

Calendula is usually orange or yellow in color with a slightly spicy flavor and similar to pepper or saffron. It is used for some much-needed freshness in salads and to give aroma to soups or desserts. It is also simply used to decorate.

9. Chamomile (Chamaemelum Nobile)

White and yellow in color, the Chamomile flowers are sweet in taste and are used mostly in salads and desserts. They are slightly spicy and similar to watercress. The petals are used in salads and to accompany legumes, rice or soups.

10. Onion, Chives

The flower of the onion plant, along with the garlic, chives and leeks are edible, providing a softer and more floral version of the vegetables that come.

11. Centáurea (Centaurea Nigra)

Depending on the species, it has different colors with a sweet taste similar to cloves, used to garnish salads.

12. Carnation, Chinese Carnation (Dianthus Spp)

Depending on the species, they have different colors. Carnations have a spicy flavor reminiscent of cloves and pepper. They are used to dress salads, in butter or simply as a garnish in sweet recipes such as cookies.

13. Chrysanthemum

It is the most common and widely used flower in the mix of edible flowers of varied colors and bitter taste like cauliflower. Its petals are used for salads, sauces or vinaigrettes.

14. Dandelion (Taraxacum Officinale)

Dandelions have an intense yellow color with a sweet and mellow flavor, which is ideal for salads and rice dishes.

15. Dill (Anethum Graveolens)

Also, the yellow Dill flower tastes like the plant. It is used to combine with fish, seafood, soups, and sauces.

16. Geranium (Pelargonium spp)

With varied colors, the Geranium flowers have fruity and citrus flavors. They are used for confectionery, drinks, salads or simply as a garnish.

17. Sunflower (Helianthus Annuus)

Yellow in color, its petals have a bitter taste, which is eliminated by steaming the flowers for a few seconds. It is used for salads and soups. In addition to that, the cocoons of a sunflower can be steamed like an artichoke.

18. Hibiscus (Hibiscus Rosa Sinensis)

Of a sweet flavor and varied colors, Hibiscus is used in poultry and seafood dishes, salads and candied pastries.

19. Fennel (Foeniculum Vulgare)

With a yellowish green color, a fennel flower presents an aniseed flavor with a subtle flavor of licorice, which combines very well in sweet preparations and soups.

20. Jasmine (Jasminum Officinale)

A jasmine flower comes in an intense white color with a sweet flavor and is very aromatic. The flowers are used for poultry dishes, seafood, and infusions.

21. Lavender (Lavandula Angustifolia)

The lilac flowers possess a slightly spicy taste. They go very well in dishes of game meat, chicken and in creams and salads. Also, they complement all the food items in confectionery for ice creams and sweets.

22. Lilac (Syringa Vulgaris)

 

Lilac, as its name suggests, has an acidic flavor that combines well in bird dishes and fruit salads.

23. Mallow (Althea Rosea)

From white to lilac, Mallow comes in different shades. It is used for its mild flavor in salads.

24. Margarita (Bellis Perennis)

White in color, Margarita has a mild flavor that makes it suitable for salads, although it is used more for its beauty as an ornamental garnish than for its flavor.

25. Thought (Viola Spp)

This is another one of the classics in this flowers list that can be found in various colors. It is used as an ornament in confectioneries, but also in salads and cheese boards. It has a bittersweet flavor.

26. Rosemary (Rosmarinus Officinalis)

Purple in color, Rosemary has a flavor similar to that of the plant, but softer. This flower is used for pizzas, ice cream, meat, fish, soups, and desserts.

27. Rose (Rosa Spp)

Of varied colors, Rose has a flavor that goes from sweet to slightly spicy. Its petals are used fresh for desserts, ice creams, jams, vinegar, fruit salads, creams, stewed meat, and sauces. Also, in confectionery, you can use its frosted petals. In Arab countries, roses are used for couscous dishes and lamb recipes.

28. Violet (Viola Odorata)

Violet flowers have a slightly menthol-ish, sweet flavor and are very perfumed. They are used both fresh and dried. They are most commonly used in confectioneries to make confections, compotes, preserves, and infusions. The petals are also frosted as an accompaniment to pastries as well as ice creams and sorbets.

29. Yucca

The yucca flowers have a crunchy texture with a delightfully sweet flavor and an artichoke aroma. They are an excellent addition to salads.

Bottom Line

As you can see, in these edible flowers list, many flowers can brighten up our dishes with their varied colors and aromatic taste. Of course, we advise you to always be careful before using them in the kitchen, especially when we harvest them ourselves because they can be poisonous from the presence of pesticides and fertilizers.

When in doubt, consult an expert to know the family and species of the eatable flowers, in case they are toxic. That said, edible flowers are a chef’s first choice when it comes to making their creations look more pretty and desirable. Not just that but edible flowers also lend an amazing flavor to dishes that cannot be argued!

So, which edible flower are you going to use in our dish today?

Top 10 Fast Growing Shade Trees for Indian Gardens

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Fast growing shade trees can be great for your garden, primarily to protect your nice fragrant plants. They not only provide a much-needed respite from the merciless sun but also lend a cozy environment that is perfect for reading a book or just taking a nap in the shade.

I have one such gem in my backyard, which is why I understand the importance of shade trees in your garden. However, it was not always smooth sailing. I had a mighty hard time getting myself the right shade tree because since I live in Delhi, the extreme weather conditions here did not really support the fast-growing shade tree I chose. This is probably why the tree died on me pretty soon. Then, I decided to do some thorough research so that the next shade trees I grew in my backyard have long and fruitful lives.

It took some effort and research but bingo! I now enjoy the comfort of multiple fast growing evergreen trees in my backyard. They not only make me feel content on gloomy days but are great to plant shrubs under that do not enjoy the direct sunlight.

When designing a garden, we need to consider how many shade trees we will have in it, either as a hedge or as an isolated specimen. Fortunately, there is a wide variety of trees that grow quickly and provide shade. If you want to plant any of these, it will be necessary to consider the area since a cold climate is not the same as a warm climate.

Fortunately for you, here, I have made a small selection of fast growing shade trees in India for different climates so that people from different parts of India can grow these in their gardens without a worry. You do not have to go through the hassle of finding the right tree for yourself because, from this list, you’ll easily be able to deduce exactly which shade tree to plant in your garden! Many of these trees are also some of the best fast growing evergreen trees that you can easily find in India.

Let’s check out the list of some fast-growing trees in India!

Taxodium Distichum (Bald Cypress or Swamp Cypress)

The Taxodium Distichum is one of the fast-growing shade trees of the Taxodiaceans family. This species adapts adequately to humid or swampy environments. It has a pyramidal shape, and its aerial roots allow it to absorb oxygen from the atmosphere. It’s leaves measure about two centimeters and turn reddish at the end of autumn. The bald cypress needs a sunny exposure or shadow in a sheltered site.

The soil has to be organic and retain moisture. Seed it in a flooded area such as a lake or a pond to avoid watering it constantly, since it needs a lot of water. Add it with organic and mineral fertilizer before planting it in its seat and once a year, fertilize it with manure. Fortunately, it is a tree that is resistant to pests and diseases. It grows at a rate of 45 cm per year, being able to reach 30 meters in height and 12 meters in width.

Acer Negundo (Boxelder maple)

The Acer Negundo is a tree that is perfect for creating shade since it can reach up to 12 meters high in addition to being 3 meters wide. It prefers an Atlantic, Mediterranean, Continental and Mountainous climate to develop properly. It is resistant to frost and needs a fertile, moist, clayey, sandy and well-drained soil. Its exposure should be sunny and the amount of water moderate to last 30 to 100 years.

Fertilize the tree twice a year with compost, the first in spring and the second two months later. Avoid pruning! Only eliminate the branches that are poorly located or damaged as well as withered foliage and pacifiers. Its foliage is light green. It is one of the best fastest growing shade trees that grow up to 2 feet per year and can reach maturity at 15 m in height and 4 m in width.

It is a tree of Asian origin of deciduous leaves that develop perfectly in acidic or alkaline soils, being able to live in humid or dry environments. It is necessary to place it in full sunlight so as not to negatively affect its habitual growth. It is not resistant to frost, and its leaves can turn reddish and brown in autumn before falling.

Paulownia Tomentosa (Princess Tree)

It is a leafy and interesting tree belonging to the Paulowniaceae family. It can grow up to 27 meters high with trunks up to 20 meters wide. Plant it near the other trees and shrubs to achieve a tropical landscape. The Paulownia has large leaves of medium green color and an abundant flowering of lilac-pink color. It prefers fertile and well-drained soils and can withstand temperatures down to -5 ° C.

Alnus Glutinosa (Black Alder)

The Alnus Glutinosa adapts very well to humid climates where the other trees often fail. It grows rapidly when it is young, reaching up to 25 meters high. It requires loose and fertile wet soils in addition to a cool and sunny location.

Delonix Regia (Gulmohar)

The Flamboyant is a very ornamental tree, growing very fast in freezing climates whose red flowers are very striking. It grows up to a height of 12 meters. Although the young specimens do not give much shade, the adults do give a lot, since the Delonix regia, from an early age, has more tendency to grow wide by thickening the trunk.

So, in case you have a small garden or a large one, the flamboyant will be an ideal option for you. This is one of the ideal fast-growing shade trees for small yards.

Ficus Lyrata(Fiddle leaf)

The Ficus is a genus of climbing trees and shrubs distributed throughout the equator. Most of them have roots that are not suitable for small gardens such as Ficus Benghalensis or Ficus Robusta. However, species such as Ficus Benjamina or Ficus Retusa can survive without problems in these types of gardens.

But unfortunately, they are not very apt to shade. Species such as Ficus Lyrata may not give enough shade for us to picnic under but it will provide enough if you want to plant shrubs that do not like the direct sun around them, like for example, small palms like those of the genus Chamaedorea.

Ceratonia Siliqua(Carob Tree)

The Carob tree, whose scientific name is Ceratonia Siliqua, is an ideal tree for gardens of low or no maintenance. It can reach a height of 6-7 meters with a trunk of approximately the same height: about 5 meters. It is a very long-lived species with medium-rapid growth. Resistant to pruning, we can form it as we want.

Acacia Saligna(Golden Wreath Wattle)


The majority of Acacias grow as shrubs or saplings distributed throughout the equator. Most of them do not give shade, but there are some like the Acacia Tortilis or the Acacia Saligna that, once adults, give perfect shade. All Acacia is very fast growing and very resistant to drought, so much so that some species are becoming naturalized in the Mediterranean, where rainfall does not reach 400 liters per year.

Quercus Suber(Cork Oak)

The oak is a majestic tree that can reach a height of 40 meters, with a width of 10 meters. It is a deciduous tree that likes to feel the passage of the seasons of temperate climates. It does not tolerate excessive heat or drought. We can only find it from 600 meters above sea level in slightly acid soils and with winters with frosts. It usually grows along with trees that also give good shade like the Fagus Sylvatica.

Aesculus Hippocastanum(European horse-chestnut)

And finally, we have the Aesculus Hippocastanum. It is a deciduous tree. It can reach 30 meters high and is a fast-growing tree. It likes acid, and above all, broad terrains. It does not resist drought or warm nor dry winds typical of more coastal climates.

Conclusion

So, the million-dollar question now is, “Which of these shade trees would you choose if you had to select one for your garden? Complicated, right? It is best to choose the one that can be adapted to the conditions of your garden so that you can enjoy its shadow without complications! With this list, you can easily choose the ones that suit best to your needs, to the climate in your area and that fulfills your requirements.

You may want a shade tree for the purpose of privacy, or you might want something that is evergreen. You can even choose a tree that gives your favorite fruit. There are several fast-growing privacy trees that not only provide shade on sunny days but also surround your house to create a sort of fence so that you can enjoy your privacy without any prying eyes. Many of these trees also bear fruits which is why they are also known as fast-growing fruit trees. This ensures that you can enjoy the tree’s shade and its fruits in the right season.

Happy shade!