Guide to growing edible flowers
Sunflowers
- Not surprisingly, sunflowers need sun! In hot micro- climates, some afternoon shade may be needed.
- Prepare the soil as you would for vegetables.
- Sunflowers thrive with regular watering, especially tall varieties.
- Harvest sunflowers early in the day after the dew has dried. Remove lower leaves on the stem, leaving two or three higher up. Place harvested stems in a bucket of water for a few hours before arranging them in a vase.
Nasturtiums
- Choose a spot with sandy, well-draining soil for best results. Nasturtiums thrive in sparse soil, providing more colorful blossoms.
- Water regularly, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Potted nasturtiums may need more frequent watering, with occasional dilute fish emulsion to replace lost nutrients.
- Nasturtiums prefer sunny to partially shaded areas in the garden.
- Nasturtiums are butterfly host plants, which can help deter aphids from other plants like roses and cabbage crops.
Johnny Jump-ups
- Plant Johnny-jump-ups 6 to 8 inches apart for small-flowered cultivars and 10 to 12 inches apart.
- Never water pansies in the late afternoon or evening since this encourages disease. Mulch around the plants with 2 inches of organic material to conserve moisture and reduce weed growth.
- Mix a granular slow-release fertilizer into the soil as you are planting. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which can make the plants susceptible to rot.
- Remove old flowers for the longest bloom.