Last week I discussed ornamental edible flowers. This article features some of the edible flowers from vegetable, fruit and weed plants.

Precautions and Harvesting Review

A reminder: before consuming edible flowers, one should always proceed with caution. The flowers should come only from your garden or other trusted sources that have not been sprayed with pesticides. Many flowers share common names, so always look for the scientific name (genus and species) to ensure you have the right flowers, since not all flowers are edible.

Harvest fully opened flowers in the morning right after the dew has dried. Carefully wash them, and as needed remove the stamens, styles, pistils, and sepals (the parts that hold the pollen and the green stems that hold petals together). Use as soon as possible for maximum flavor.

Edible Flowers from Fruits & Vegetables

We tend to think of ornamental flowers as the sole source of edible flowers, but there are many edible flowers in your vegetable patch and on your fruit trees which can also taste great!

• Squash flowers are often used in Mexican and Latin American cuisine. Use male flowers that have been removed after pollination. They can be stuffed with a variety of foods, and fried or baked as appetizers and side dishes. In addition to being delicious, they look stunning.
• Pea flowers: Rather than letting some flowers become pea pods, pick a few of these flowers to add a mild pea flavor to a salad.
• Onion/Chive flowers are grown primarily for their bulbs or stems. However, the flowers, along with other parts of the plants from this family have a mild garlic or onion flavor that works well in a range of recipes. Some varieties can remain green all year, thus providing a year-round source of flavor for salads, soups, etc.
• Elderflowers are one of the most common examples of edible flowers and are used in a wide range of drinks such as elderflower cordial or syrups.
• Cherry blossoms are also edible from fruiting cherry trees. They are often an ingredient in Japanese cuisine. They can be pickled in salt and vinegar.
• The blossoms from fruiting plums, peach, citrus, and apple trees, and almond trees are also sometimes eaten, but are generally used as garnish or decoration.

Don't Forget Flowers from “Weeds!”

It is always a good idea to allow some ‘weeds' to grow in your garden for the wildlife, but some weeds' blooms are also edible:

• Dandelion leaves and green ends of the flowers are bitter, while the petals and stamen have a mildly sweet flavor. Like elderberry, dandelion flowers can be used to make cordials or syrups.
• The daisies you might find all over your lawn have little flowers that can be eaten in salads or sandwiches.
• Clover flowers, both the white and red varieties, are both suitable for eating. The red flowers are the most flavorful and can be used in teas, syrups and a range of desserts.

As the two articles from last week and this week on edible flowers show, there is an incredible array of flowers you can choose from to expand your meals, desserts, and decorate your plates. Your local library is a good source for books for ideas, preparation, and recipes. I'm looking forward to collecting summer squash flowers from our vegetable garden, stuffing them, and grilling them!

Denise Godbout-Avant has been a Stanislaus County Master Gardener since 2020.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Did you know? Citrus trees are the most popular fruit trees grown in California. Learn the best time to plant and prune, how to manage pests, and other tips to help you successfully grow your own delicious fruit. Join us to learn more about citrus at a local library location near you.

Sat, 4/1 at 2:00 p.m. – Empire Library
Tues, 4/4 at 6:00 p.m. – Salida Library
Sat, 4/8 at 2:00 p.m. – Riverbank Library
Mon, 4/10 at 6:00 p.m. – Ceres Library
Tues, 4/11 at 6:00 p.m. – Oakdale Library
Thurs, 4/13 at 1:00 p.m. - Patterson Library (new time and date!)
Mon, 4/24 at 5:30 p.m. – Modesto Library  
Wed, 4/26 at 6:00 p.m. – Turlock Library
 

February is a great time to start preparing for your spring and summer vegetable garden, especially if you want to get a head start on the growing season. According to the California Master Gardener Handbook, growing your own transplants from seed indoors can extend your garden season by several weeks, reduce your gardening cost and allow you to grow a more diverse variety of crops.   

Growing from seed is not only fun, but it can also save you money. When stored properly a typical seed packet can last several years. Seeds should be started indoors or in an outdoor hot box or cold frame. Start growing the seeds 6-8 weeks before the date you would like to transplant them and when the threat of frost has passed.

Another benefit of growing vegetables from seed is the wide selection of varieties available from seed catalogs. Growing different varieties is important for an extended harvest and to find plants that grow well in your area. Vegetable plants sold in seedling form are generally available in only one or a few varieties. Plants typically started by seeds indoors include broccoli, cauliflower, eggplant, parsley, tomatoes and peppers. Seeds typically started in the ground include beans, beets, carrots, peas and turnips. 

What do you need to get started?

• Soil mix - The soil media you choose should be fine textured, uniform and airy. Do not use garden soil. It is usually too heavy and often may have disease-causing organisms. A commercial potting mix suited to starting seeds will work well. Fill your growing containers about 2/3 full. 
• Containers - You can start seeds in almost any container that has drainage holes. Sterilize recycled containers in a 1:9 bleach to water solution, rinse them well and let them air dry prior to use. 
• A location with proper light and temperature - A sunny window is usually the perfect spot as it has strong but indirect sunlight. Seed packages should instruct you on sunlight needs. Additionally, keep your seedlings in an area that stays between 65 and 70 degrees during the day and 55-60 degrees at night.
• Quality Seeds – Only plant seeds from a reputable source. Check your seed packets to ensure your seeds have not expired, and that you are planting them at the right time of year. You can also check for seed viability. 
• Water – It is crucial to provide seeds with consistent watering. Seeds and seedlings must be kept evenly moist to thrive.

Our partnership with Stanislaus County Library continues! The librarians have been so helpful and welcoming, and attendees are saying great things about our Master Gardener instructors. 

Fall Vegetable Gardening?

Even though your tomatoes are probably still going strong, now is the time to start planning for your fall vegetable garden! This month we have added the Patterson Library to our schedule. They specifically requested Water Thrifty Gardening, so next month we will offer Fall Vegetable Gardening at their location. 

August Library Branch Schedule

• Monday, August 8, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. - Fall Vegetable Gardening - Ceres 
• Tuesday, August 9, 2022 at 6:00 p.m.   - Fall Vegetable Gardening - Salida 
• Wednesday, August 10, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. - Drip Irrigation/Water Thrifty Gardening – Patterson
• Wednesday, August 10, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. - Fall Vegetable Gardening - Riverbank
• Tuesday, August 16, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. - Fall Vegetable Gardening – Oakdale
• Monday, August 22, 2022 at 6:15 p.m. - Fall Vegetable Gardening – Modesto 
• Wednesday, August 24, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. - Fall Vegetable Gardening - Turlock

Class Descriptions

Fall Vegetable Gardening: Did you know you can grow vegetable plants in fall? Grow your own salad by planting leafy vegetables like lettuce, spinach, and Swiss Chard,and root vegetables like carrots, beets and radishes. These plants can be grown in the ground or in containers. Great class for beginning gardeners.

Water Thrifty Landscaping (now called Drip Irrigation): Want to make your garden more water wise? This class will teach you how to use less water, and includes detailed tips on how to install a drip irrigation system. It also includes recommendations on low-water use plants you can plant this fall once the temperature is cooler.

Ejoying our classes? Have a comment or request? Post a message below. We want to hear from you.

Contact your local library branch to find out more or if your library isn't offering our classes yet, tell them to contact us!