Read by Matilda Longbottom

I find that one of the most delightful secrets in gardening is edible flowers. Imagine that this Winter, while everything outside is gray, your windowsill is alive with color—bright marigolds, purple chive blossoms, and freshly bolted basil flowers. Edible flowers aren’t just for Summer gardens; they can do just as well indoors, adding a pop of color and flavor to your cooking even on the coldest days.

You don’t need a big setup either. With a few pots or a simple hydroponic system, you can keep a small, easy-to-manage garden that brings fresh herbs and flowers to your kitchen. Here’s a straightforward guide on growing edible flowers indoors, so you can enjoy a little taste of your garden all Winter long.

Edible Flowers to Grow Indoors

Safety First
Not all flowers are edible, so it’s essential to choose only those that you’re certain are safe to eat. To avoid any risk, stick with flowers you’ve grown yourself and are sure haven’t been treated with pesticides.

Here’s a list of easy-to-grow edible flowers, along with some herbs whose blossoms are just as delightful to eat:

• Nasturtiums: Known for their peppery flavor, nasturtiums add lively color to your kitchen. They do best in medium-sized pots with good drainage and prefer a spot with bright, indirect sunlight. Place them near a south- or west-facing window. They can tolerate cooler temperatures but keep them away from drafts.
• Pansies: Pansies thrive in small pots and enjoy cool indoor temperatures, so they’re great for spaces that tend to stay a bit cooler, like a windowsill or an unheated room with moderate light. They need about 4-6 hours of indirect light daily and will bloom best with a bit of morning sun.
• Violas: These delicate flowers grow well in small pots, making them ideal for windowsills or counters near bright, indirect light. They’re not picky about temperatures but do best in cooler spaces, so avoid placing them near heaters or heating vents.
• Calendula (Pot Marigold): Calendula thrives in medium-sized pots and can handle moderate light, but it blooms best in bright, indirect sunlight. A spot near a sunny window is perfect, and they’re forgiving if you don’t have a south-facing window, as long as they get consistent light.
• Bee Balm (Monarda): This plant needs a little extra space since it can get bushy. Use a medium pot and place it in a bright spot, ideally with about 6-8 hours of indirect light daily. A spot near a bright window or under a grow light works well.
• Borage: Borage is best suited for a larger pot near a sunny window. It needs lots of light, so if you don’t have a south-facing window, consider supplementing with grow lights. It does well in temperatures around 65-75°F, away from drafts.
• Chamomile: Chamomile is easygoing and will grow well in small to medium pots. It tolerates moderate light, so it doesn’t require a bright windowsill, but it appreciates indirect sunlight. A slightly cooler spot works well, and it’s fine with temperatures down to around 60°F.

Edible Flowers from Herbs

• Chive Blossoms: Chives grow well in small pots and prefer a bright location with at least 6 hours of sunlight daily. They do well in kitchen windowsills, where the warmth from the kitchen can help them thrive even on colder days. A south-facing window is ideal.
• Lavender: Lavender does best in a sunny spot, such as a south-facing window, where it can get about 8 hours of light daily. It needs a larger pot with good drainage and prefers a drier environment, so place it where it’s not too humid.
• Dill Blossoms: Dill needs plenty of light and does best in a larger pot to accommodate its deep roots. It grows best near a sunny window or under grow lights, requiring around 6-8 hours of light daily. Keep it away from drafts and in temperatures around 65-75°F. Dill needs a tall space to grow, but the blossoms are lovely.
• Basil: Basil likes warmth and bright light, so place it near a sunny window or under grow lights. It grows well in medium pots and will flower if it’s not pinched regularly. A kitchen windowsill with consistent warmth is perfect for basil. Let your basil grow long enough to bolt and flowers will appear!
• Sage Blossoms: Sage is hardy and will thrive in a medium pot with plenty of light. It needs around 6-8 hours of sunlight daily and does well in a sunny window. Sage is fairly tolerant of indoor conditions but appreciates consistent warmth, so a kitchen window is a good spot.

Getting Started: Growing Edible Flowers and Herbs Indoors

Growing edible flowers indoors does take a bit of planning, but it’s worth it for the fresh flavors and colors you’ll have at your fingertips all Winter long. Here’s how to get started:

Growing in Pots

1. Choose the Right Containers
   Select pots with good drainage to prevent waterlogging. Herbs like basil, chives, and chamomile do well in smaller pots, while larger plants like calendula may need more space to thrive.
2. Provide Adequate Light
   Indoor herbs and flowers need about 6-8 hours of light daily. A sunny windowsill can work, or you can add grow lights if your indoor space lacks natural light.
3. Manage Temperature
   Most herbs and flowers prefer temperatures between 65°F and 75°F. Avoid drafts and heating vents, as sudden temperature changes can stress your plants.
4. Water Wisely
   Indoor plants require less water in Winter. Let the top inch of soil dry before watering, and ensure pots have good drainage to avoid root rot.

Growing Edible Flowers and Herbs Hydroponically

Hydroponics allows you to grow plants without soil, which can be ideal for small indoor spaces. Many hydroponic systems come with built-in lights, simplifying indoor Winter gardening.

1. Choose the Right System
   Hydroponic systems vary from basic setups to more advanced options with built-in lights and timers. For beginners, a compact system with a built-in grow light is an easy entry point.
2. Use a Nutrient Solution
   Plants grown hydroponically need a nutrient solution to replace the minerals found in soil. Choose one designed for herbs and flowering plants.
3. Monitor Light and Temperature
   Place hydroponic systems in a well-lit area or use grow lights to ensure plants get sufficient light. Keep them in a space with a consistent temperature to encourage growth.

Pollinating Indoor Flowers for Continued Harvest

Since pollinators like bees aren’t around indoors, you’ll need to hand-pollinate any flowers that require it to produce seeds or continue flowering. Here are simple methods for indoor pollination:

1. Use a Small Brush or Cotton Swab
   Gently brush the inside of each flower with a small paintbrush or cotton swab to transfer pollen, imitating the natural action of bees.
2. Gently Shake Plants
   For self-pollinating flowers like basil or chives, a light shake can help distribute pollen within the flower.
3. Create Gentle Airflow
   Setting a fan on low can help move pollen between flowers, especially for herbs that self-pollinate.

Growing edible flowers and herbs indoors keeps your kitchen stocked with fresh flavors and adds a touch of Spring to Winter. With the right care, you can enjoy a colorful harvest even when it’s cold outside.

Do you have a favorite edible flower or herb to grow indoors? Share your experiences in the comments below, and let us know which flowers bring the most joy to your Winter dishes!