When collecting flowers for eating, keep the following in mind;

• Accurate identification of flowers is essential – if you are in doubt, don’t eat
• Pick young flowers and
  A bud is a small, undeveloped shoot that contains the potential for new growth. Buds are typically found on stems, where they can be apical (found at the tip) or axillary (found between leaf axils) and may develop into leaves, shoots or flowers.

  buds on dry mornings, before the sun becomes too strong, so the colour and flavours will be intense
• Use flowers immediately for best results or refrigerate in a plastic bag for a couple of days. Dried or frozen flowers are best used in infusions or cooked
• Generally, only the petals are used, so discard stamens, pistils and calyces of large flowers like hollyhocks, roses, lilies and hibiscus. For some flowers it's worth removing the bitter ‘heel’ at the base of the petal
• Petals of daisies, borage and primroses can easily be separated from the calyx
• Smaller flowers in umbels like fennel and dill can be cut off and used whole

Home-grown flowers, free from

Pesticides are substances designed to kill or control the growth and behaviour of living organisms. They are also known as plant protection products and include insecticides, fungicides, herbicides and molluscicides. The RHS doesn’t support the use of pesticides and recommends that gardeners use non-chemical control options whenever needed.

A pesticide is a substance designed to kill or control the growth and behaviour of living organisms. It is also known as plant protection product and includes insecticides, fungicides, herbicides and molluscicides. The RHS doesn’t support the use of pesticides and recommends that gardeners use non-chemical control options whenever needed.

pesticide

Alpine pinks (Dianthus) – a clove-like flavour ideal for adding to cakes as flavoured sugar, oils and vinegars
Bergamot (Monarda didyma) – a strong spicy scent, makes good tea and complements bacon, poultry, rice and pasta
Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum) – petals flavour and colour creamy soups, fish chowder and egg dishes in the same way as calendula
Daisy (Bellis perennis) – not a strong flavour but petals make an interesting garnish for cakes and salads
Day lily (Hemerocallis) – add

A bud is a small, undeveloped shoot that contains the potential for new growth. Buds are typically found on stems, where they can be apical (found at the tip) or axillary (found between leaf axils) and may develop into leaves, shoots or flowers.

Herb flowers like basil, chives, lavender, mint, rosemary and thyme impart a more subtle flavour to food than the leaves. 

Borage (Borago offincinalis) – the cucumber flavour of these attractive blue flowers adds interest to cakes, salads and pate. Flowers are easily removed and can be frozen in ice cubes or crystallized
Basil (Ocimum basilicum) – sweet, clove-like flavour compliments tomato dishes as well as oils, salad dressings and soups. Use aromatic leaves of both green and purple in Mediterranean dishes
Dill (Anethum graveolens) – aniseed flavour, ideal addition to salads, vegetables and fish dishes. Add flowers to mayonnaise, white sauce and pickles
Chives (Allium schoenoprasum) – mild onion flavour, good in salads, egg dishes and sauces for fish
Clover (Trifolium pratense) – both red and white clover flowers can be used to garnish fruit and green salads or make wine from whole red flowers
Courgette or marrow flowers (Cucurbita cvs) – can be eaten hot in a tomato sauce or cold stuffed with cooked rice, cheese, nuts or meat. Use male flowers so as not to reduce yield (unless you're suffering from a glut!)
Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) – all parts are edible and enhance salmon, pâtés and salads. Flowers preserved in vinegar can be used in winter
Garden pea (Pisum sativum) – add flowers and young shoots to salad for a fresh pea taste
Mint (Mentha spp) – apple, pineapple and ginger mint, plus peppermint and spearmint flowers can all be used in vinegar and butter for both sweet and savoury dishes
Pumpkins and squashes (Cucurbita cvs)– pick male flowers once the females are pollinated. Use in the same way as courgette flowers.
Rosemary (Salvia [formerly Rosmarinus] officinalis) – a sweet flavour similar to the leaves can be used fresh to garnish salads and tomato dishes or to flavour butter
Salad rocket (Eruca vescaria) – adds peppery flavour to salads

Correct identification is important. If in any doubt do not eat. RHS members can contact RHS Gardening Advice for help with identification.

Other things to take into consideration include:

• Avoid old, faded or dusty flowers from roadsides and areas frequented by livestock or dog walkers
• Beware of bees and remove small insects from flowers by giving them a shake to encourage bigger insects to leave, then dipping them in a bowl of cold salt water and dry on paper towel
• People susceptible to allergy, especially pollen, should not eat flowers
• Insects and diseases are best dealt with by cutting back and encouraging regrowth as no
  Pesticides are substances designed to kill or control the growth and behaviour of living organisms. They are also known as plant protection products and include insecticides, fungicides, herbicides and molluscicides. The RHS doesn’t support the use of pesticides and recommends that gardeners use non-chemical control options whenever needed.

  pesticides are specifically approved for use by home gardeners on edible flowers