Image by The Flower Podcast
Recently, I received a batch of edible flowers from a vendor, which sparked my interest in a topic I had only explored briefly before. While I’ve occasionally sourced these flowers for clients, I hadn't given them much thought beyond that. One of the flowers I received was pansies, and with the recent surge in their popularity for cut flower production, I realized this was the perfect moment to dive a little deeper.
At first glance, the flowers were striking—vivid colors, detailed petals, what you expect from flowers but what really stood out to me was their purpose: these flowers weren’t just for our garden beds and arrrangements; they were meant for more, and it became clear that there was a lot of potential in this space that I hadn't fully explored.
The edible flower market is growing fast. In fact, according to the Edible Flowers Market Report from 2022, this industry was valued at nearly $318 million globally, and experts expect it to soar to $503 million by 2032. That’s a significant increase, and as a flower farmer, it’s hard not to see the possibilities. Edible flowers are no longer just a niche trend—they’re becoming a real part of the culinary world. And for us, as growers, that means there’s an opportunity to step into something new, something that could help diversify farms and bring in a new stream of income.
What struck me the most, though, was how they could fit into the broader world of floral design. It’s not just about wedding cakes and cocktails (although, let’s be honest, they make a stunning addition to both). The scope of edible flowers is huge, extending beyond just food and drink. There’s potential for herbal blends, beauty products, and even natural dyes, all of which are on the rise. But for now, I’m focusing on the possibilities from a flower farm’s perspective. I mean somebody has grow to them.
I also can’t ignore how some flowers that were once primarily considered ornamental are now gaining popularity in the cut flower industry. Take pansies, for instance. They’ve always been a garden favorite, but, their use in cut flower production is on the rise. Pansies are readily available, come in a wide range of colors, and offer a delicate, colorful touch. I also received marigolds, which I had never thought of as edible but rather as pest deterrents and fabulous summer flowers. It turns out the list of edible flowers is quite extensive, many we may already be growing. As more people embrace blooms, it feels like the perfect time for flower farms to explore growing flowers not just for the traditional use in the floral industry, but as edible flowers for culinary purposes too.
For flower farms, diversifying with edible flowers can open up a lot of doors. Growers are already producing high-quality, beautiful flowers, so it seems natural to start expanding into this new territory. With a little extra care and attention to growing conditions, we could be offering something unique to the market—flowers that serve both as stunning visuals and edible treats.
One of the big benefits here is the potential for more diverse income. Edible flowers are often sold at a higher price because they’re seen as a premium product. People are willing to pay more for flowers that not only look stunning but are also safe to eat and have a distinctive taste. If done right, this can increase the farm’s profitability without needing to expand too much. They might even open the door to a restaurant or grocery store that wants to carry this trending product in return opening the door to take a look at your bouquets or other cut flowers.
On top of that, edible flowers are a great way to reduce waste. Not every flower will meet the standards for an arrangement, but there’s still value in those blooms beyond the vase. That means there’s less waste from the flowers that don’t make the cut for bouquets, and we can still make the most of everything we grow.
I also see a lot of potential in partnerships. Local chefs, event planners, bakers—imagine the possibilities. Beautiful cakes with pansies or violets, floral cocktails, or unique dinner party dishes. These are the kinds of collaborations that could really set a farm apart. And it’s not just about selling flowers. We could host workshops, too, teaching others how to work with edible flowers, whether it’s in the kitchen or as part of their floral designs. It’s a way to expand the farm’s role in the community and share something new with people.
But, as with any new product, it’s important to be careful. Not all flowers are safe to eat, and it’s vital that we grow them with the same care and consideration that we give our other blooms. Sourcing flowers responsibly and ensuring they’re grown organically without harmful chemicals is crucial for maintaining customer trust. These blooms aren’t just for decoration; they’re being consumed, so we need to be sure they’re safe along with following the guidelines in your area.
In the end, the potential for flower farms to expand into edible flowers is vast. It's an opportunity not just to grow new varieties, but to cultivate something that brings added value to the customer and to the farm. As the demand for edible flowers continues to grow, I believe it’s an exciting and rewarding path for flower farmers who want to explore something fresh and unique. By offering these blooms, we’re not just adding another product to our inventory; we’re offering our customers an experience—one that connects beauty with flavor, and creativity with sustainability.
After receiving that batch of edible flowers, I’m more inspired than ever to explore this niche and see how it could fit into great possibilities in our industry.
Edible Flowers
Nasturtiums'
Marigolds (Calendula)
Dandelions
Tulips
Bee Balm (Monarda)
Jasmine
Chrysanthemums (Edible Varieties)
Snapdragon
Tulips
Red Clover
Scented Geraniums
Mint Blossoms
Sweet Violet
Sage Blossoms
Red or Pink Begonias
Lavender
Pansies
Violas
Lavender
Fuchsia
Daylilies
Rose
Clover
Lemon Balm
Elderflowers
Apple Blossom
Evening Primrose
Borage
Anise Hyssop
Sunflower Petals
Cornflower (Bachelor's Button)
Peony
Note: This is an example list of edible flowers. Many herbs, like basil, rosemary, thyme, and oregano, also produce edible flowers that are beautiful and flavorful. Always ensure to research and confirm that the specific variety of herb or flower is safe for consumption before using.
