These edible flowers are preserved in ice. (Courtesy)

Imagine elevating a simple dish with the addition of edible flowers.

Edible flowers can be used as a garnish in green salads, add colorful decorations to cakes, make creative additions to cheese platters, add color to a baked potato or float on top of punch. There are many edible flowers that can be grown in home gardens.

A few examples include bachelor’s buttons (Gomphrena globosa), begonias (Begoniaceae), borage (Boraginaceae), calendulas (Asteraceac), lavender (Lamiaceae), nasturtiums (Tropaeolaceae), pink dianthus (Caryophyllaceae), primrose (Primulaceae), rose petals (Rosaceae), rosemary flowers (Lamiaceae), sweet cicely (Umbelliferae), thyme flowers (Lamiaceae) and violets (Violaceae).

Bachelor’s buttons are a member of the family Gomphrena globosa. The flowers are very similar to small-scale carnations that have pointed paper-like petals. They are grown in an assortment of colors like peacock blue, pink, purple, rose and white. The flowers’ light fragrance is like peppered cloves with a hint of sweet spice.

The wonderful thing about using bachelor’s buttons is they thrive in hot, dry conditions. Each plant can develop dozens of individual flowers, which are approximately 1 inch across. Bachelor’s buttons are readily available and bloom from summer until late fall.

Calendulas, also known as pot marigold, are a member of the family Asteraceac and are a very popular garden flower. They are very much like a carnation.

The flowers are made up of multiple layers of petals that overlap, and the petals get smaller and condensed at the center. The blooms can be single or double and have a variety of colors including yellow, orange and red. Edible pot marigold flowers have a light citrus to a mild spice flavor.

Marigold flowers are like the bachelor’s buttons as they bloom from summer into the fall. Old blooms need to be removed to encourage new growth, and they are heat tolerant. Also, they are considered “everlastings” and will retain their color when dried.

The brilliant color of pot marigold flowers is perfect for use on wedding cakes, or they can float on top of a special drink or punch bowl. Often, the flowers are used as a garnish on serving dishes.

Pink dianthus is a member of the family Caryophyllaceae. They have delicate petals with serrated edges. They are grown in various shades of pink, but can produce intense red or pure white blossoms that can be a single color or two colors. The flowers can produce a sweet to spicy fragrance much like that of cloves.

They prefer well-drained soil and will thrive in partial shade, but in full sun they will produce the very best blossoms. Pink dianthus are used most often for decorative purposes, but can be added to an assortment of dishes like green salads, fruit salads, sorbets or soups. They are an elegant addition to any serving platter.

Growing your own edible flowers is preferable. That way you can be confident that the selected flowers are clean and free from pests and disease. Edible flowers should be picked the day you plan to serve them by removing the edible portion of the flower from the stem. Give them a gentle saltwater bath and then dip them in ice water, which will perk them up. Place the flower portion between paper towels for drying. Flowers may be frozen in ice cubes for later use.

Not all flowers are edible, so remember to rely on a credible source like a good quality reference book on plants or your county Extension office. When using the internet make sure the source is trustworthy, like https://aggie-horticul

ture.tamu.edu.