Edible Flowers
Edible flowers are a great way to liven up what is on the table. As well as giving interest, they often have their own unique flavour, complimenting the food that they are served with. The small list below consists of the most popular edible flowers that Ben grows in the garden.
Calendula officinalis 'Indian Prince'
A stunning pot marigold that has verdant green foliage and stems and the typical rich orange flowers, although this cultivar the underside of the petals are a contrasting mahogany red that emphasises both the shape and texture of the flower. This easy annual comes true from seed and will look great in the borders, containers, vegetable or cut flower patch. The petals make great additions to salads, visually livening up what’s on your plate. It's also great for cutting and the flowers can be used to make a calming skin cream.
Being a hardy annual great results can be obtained from direct sowing mid to late spring. Alternatively sow earlier under glass, grow on and then plant out late spring when plants have been hardened off. Happy in most soils in a warm sunny position. Dead head to promote and extend flowering right into autumn.
Maximum Height and Spread: 0.4m x 0.3m
Rocket 'Esmee'
A fantastic tasting Rocket with a hot peppery taste. From seed it will form a tight rosette of mid green, deeply lobed leaves in just 3-4 weeks. These are great to cut and will last for another 4-5 weeks before throwing up flower stems. The flowers are a lovely antique shade of cream, which when eaten have the same peppery taste as the leaves along with a 'hit' of sweetness from the nectar.
A great Rocket that is slow to bolt making it perfect for sowing throughout summer when growing stresses can occur. When it does finally flower it has many, perfect for picking and a great addition to salads continuing its productivity. Some flowers can be left to go to seed and then collected for future sowing. Will tolerate most soils ideally in a light shaded spot, perfect for inter-sowing with other salad and small vegetables.
Maximum Height and Spread: 0.5m x 0.2m