5 Flowers You Didn’t Know Were Edible

Jasmine Slatch | July 29, 2025

When we think of edible plants, we usually picture vegetables and herbs but your flower bed might be hiding a few tasty surprises! Some common garden flowers aren't just beautiful, they're also edible. Whether you're looking to garnish a dish or add a pop of colour to a salad, here are five unexpected plants you can actually eat.

1. Snapdragons

People find snapdragons really beautiful - but did you ever know that you could taste them?

These colourful blooms aren’t just pretty. They're edible too, just the flowers, not the leaves or stems! Their flavour is mildly bitter, but their looks make them a showstopper on any plate.

Here are a few exciting ways you can eat them:

• Use them to decorate cakes, cupcakes, or fancy drinks

• Toss them into a salad for a splash of colour

• Stuff the blossoms with cream cheese or herbed spreads for a fun appetizer

Fun Fact: The flower got its name because it “snaps” open like a dragon’s mouth when squeezed. How cool is that?

2. Zinnias

Zinnias are garden favourites with their bold colours and daisy-like blooms. While they don’t pack a ton of flavour (mildly bitter with a grassy taste), their vibrant petals can brighten up your plate in a big way.

Here are a few exciting ways you can eat them:

• Sprinkle the petals on top of salads for a pop of colour

• Use them as a garnish for cakes, cupcakes, or iced drinks

• Freeze petals into ice cubes to make your summer drinks extra special

Fun fact: Zinnias are named after German botanist Johann Gottfried Zinn and they were even grown in space by NASA!

3. Nasturtium

These vibrant, trumpet-shaped flowers don’t just look stunning, they’re totally edible and packed with peppery flavour, kind of like arugula!

They're a favourite among chefs for both their taste and their colour.

Here are a few exciting ways you can eat them:

• Add whole flowers to salads for a spicy kick

• Use the leaves like you would spinach or arugula

• Garnish sandwiches or wraps for extra colour and flavour

• Pickle the seeds - they taste like capers!

Fun fact: Nasturtiums are super pollinator-friendly and grow easily in poor soil, making them both beautiful and helpful in the garden.

4. Begonias 

Begonias are more than just pretty porch plants, some types are actually edible! Specifically, tuberous begonias and wax begonias can be safely eaten.

They have a refreshing citrusy tang thanks to their natural acidity, making them a fun and surprising ingredient.

I was really surprised to find out that begonias are edible. They’ve always been around me and I had no clue they were snack-worthy. Who knew I was living next to edible flowers this whole time?

Here are a few exciting ways you can eat them:

• Add the petals to salads or fruit bowls for a zesty twist

• Use them as a tart garnish on desserts or cupcakes

• Freeze them into ice cubes to add colour and flavour to drinks

Important: Only eat tuberous or wax begonias—and avoid them if you have kidney problems, since they contain oxalic acid.

Fun fact: Begonias have over 1,800 species, but only a couple are safe to eat—so always double-check before snacking!

5. Beebalm aka Monarda

With its wild, spiky flowers and minty scent, bee balm looks like something from a pollinator’s paradise, but guess what? It’s totally edible!

The flowers and leaves have a flavour similar to mint or oregano, making them great for both sweet and savoury dishes.

I always thought bee balm was just a cool-looking pollinator plant, but turns out, it’s also edible and delicious. Nature’s full of surprises!

Here are a few exciting ways you can eat it:

• Brew the leaves into a soothing tea 

• Sprinkle petals over fruit or green salads for a minty zing

• Use leaves and flowers in homemade syrups, baked goods, or even herbal butter

Fun fact: Bee balm got its name from its traditional use in soothing bee stings! The whole plant (above the roots) is edible, and the petals can be used to make Oswego tea—another name it’s known by.

NB: Always double check which species you're consuming.

Contributors: Jasmine Slatch and Carlos Ilunga

Sources:

Phanpradith,P ( 2025, 24 july) Begonias,semperflorens begonias,in the garden, potted begonia [3872 x 2592 px (12.91 x 8.64 in.) - 300 dpi - RGB ]. IStock. https://www.istockphoto.com/photo/begonias-semperflorens-begonias-in-the-garden-gm1221395102-358004684?searchscope=image%2Cfilm

“All about Zinnias.” American Meadows,

www.americanmeadows.com/content/wildflower-seeds/zinnia-flower-seeds/all-about-zinnias?srsltid=AfmBOoqswn9E6-fS3MevGab3Y_Zav4bkce1-HRhzoPrPB42UePxfZ8jR. Accessed 24 July 2025.

DiBella, Amanda. “All Abuzz for Bee Balm!” The Arboretum at Penn State, 21 July 2025, arboretum.psu.edu/about/news/all-abuzz-for-bee-balm/.

“First Flower Grown in Space Station’s Veggie Facility.” NASA, NASA,

www.nasa.gov/image-article/first-flower-grown-space-stations-veggie-facility-2/. Accessed 24 July 2025.

May 1, 2020. “Nasturtiums: Food for Birds and Bees and Thee.” UC Agriculture and Natural Resources, 31 Mar. 2025, ucanr.edu/blog/uc-master-gardeners-san-mateo-san-francisco-counties/article/nasturtiums-food-birds-and-bees.