Edible Flowers and Organic Seeds: What You Need to KnowUpdated 10 days ago

When it comes to growing edible flowers such as pansies and violas for culinary use, many gardeners wonder whether they need to purchase organic seeds to ensure their safety for consumption. Here’s a guide to help you understand the key factors involved.

Organic Seeds vs. Non-Organic Seeds

The term “organic” refers to how seeds are produced, specifically that they were grown using organic farming methods. Organic seeds are important for farmers who require USDA organic certification for their produce, but the organic label on seeds does not directly affect the safety of the plants grown from them in a home garden.

Non-organic seeds, like those on our website, can still be safely used for growing edible flowers, provided you follow safe gardening practices. The safety of the plant depends more on how you care for it than on whether the seeds are organic.

Safe Gardening Practices for Edible Flowers

To ensure the flowers are safe for consumption, the critical step is in your gardening methods, not the seeds themselves. Whether you grow organically or use conventional methods, consider the following tips:

• Avoid applying pesticides or fertilizers directly to the flowers. This is especially important for edible flowers, as you’ll be consuming the part of the plant that could come into contact with chemicals. Organic or conventional, many products should not be applied directly to the edible part of the plant.

• Use organic gardening practices if you prefer, but keep in mind that any seeds, whether organic or conventional, can be grown using organic methods. Organic products tend to break down faster in the environment and are less likely to pose long-term risks to pollinators or other wildlife.

• Water thoroughly and wash flowers before consumption. Even if you don’t apply anything harmful to your flowers, it’s always good practice to wash edible flowers before using them in culinary preparations.

Impact on Pollinators

Even if flowers aren’t consumed, it's a good idea to avoid spraying anything directly on them. Pollinating insects like bees and butterflies visit those flowers, and chemicals—whether organic or conventional—can have adverse effects on their health. Organic products typically have a shorter half-life and do not linger in the environment as long as synthetic products, but all should be used with care around pollinators.

Edible Flower Recommendations

From our selection, the following flowers are edible and safe for consumption when grown using proper gardening methods:

• Pansies: Got The Blues and Swiss Giants Blend varieties.
• Violas: Johnny-Jump-Up and King Henry varieties.

We also carry other edible flowers such as nasturtiums, zinnias, and marigolds, which can add both flavor and visual appeal to your dishes.

Final Considerations

Always check with your doctor or a nutritionist if you have any concerns about consuming any plants, especially if you have allergies or specific health conditions. We offer general gardening advice but cannot provide medical guidance, so it’s best to consult a healthcare professional before adding anything new to your diet.