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Edible Flowers from your Garden

February 15, 1999

Hope you can answer a question for me. I decorate wedding cakes and frequently decorate with fresh flowers what kinds of flowers shouldn't I grow that would be poison if I put them on a cake. Also what flowers from the florist shouldn't I buy? I try to grow as many as I can but always need to fill in with flowers from the florist. Can you answer this for or refer me somewhere that can help? I just learned that Alstromeria are poison, and I have used them on a cake before.

Dandelion in the Garden

First and foremost, there are a few things that I must point out when considering using flowers as an edible garnish!

    1) Flowers are ONLY edible if they are either organically grown or treated with organic pesticides like those used on fruits and vegetables.
    2) You must be aware of peoples allergies when considering which flowers are useable.
    3) Do not eat flowers growing on the side of the road, because of emissions from cars and chemicals used by municipalities may contaminate them.
    4) Flowers from florists, nurseries or garden centers are grown for decoration, and normally have been chemically treated, either by fertilizers or pesticides. They aren't safe unless you know they've been maintained organically.
    5) Remove pistils and stamens from flowers before eating. Eat only the petals.
    6) Do not ingest large quantities of any blossom until you have first tested the effects of a single bud.
    7) Although a flower may be edible, it may not be palatable to some peoples tastes.
    8) The safest method is to grow the flowers yourself, so that you KNOW what has gone into them!


Here is a list of flowers which are considered to be edible

Remember to always wash flowers thoroughly to make certain any chemical or organic pesticide has been removed.
Happy munching!

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