試すGOLD- Free

WINTER FLOWERS FOR THE VEGGIE GARDEN

The Gardener|May 2023
Winter veggies need full sun, and that can be a tall order for small or high-density properties
- Alice Spenser-Higgs
WINTER FLOWERS FOR THE VEGGIE GARDEN

But if you have such a patch, or can make a plan with containers, why not create a beautiful and productive space by adding edible winter flowers or those that act as companion plants? 

The flowers that immediately come to mind are pansies, violas, calendula and nasturtiums, but there are many more. For instance, cornflowers, carnations and poppies provide nectar for the bees, chamomile stimulates growth, lavender and petunias are pest repellents, and other flowers with edible petals include rose-scented geranium, Bellis perennis (English daisy) and snapdragons. Also look out for day-length neutral sunflowers that come in bumper seed packs. They might take a little longer to germinate but will attract bees when in flower at the beginning of spring.

Don't forget about flowering herbs. Dill is a cool-season herb with large heads of yellow flowers that act as an insect trap, as do nasturtiums. If left to flower at the end of winter, Asian greens such as Mizuna and Tatsoi throw up delicate yellow flowers that also attract bees, and the flowers are edible.

5 edible flowers

When using flowers, keep the dish simple so that the delicate taste of the flower is not overpowered.

1. Rose-scented geranium

Geraniums (Pelargonium species) have very fragrant leaves and flowers. Although the edible mauve flowers only appear in summer, the leaves can be used in winter to flavour biscuits and cakes, or made into a strong infusion for flavouring sauces, custards and jellies. Freeze the leaves in ice cubes and add to drinks. This frost-tolerant geranium grows 80cm high and wide, and does best in full sun in welldraining soil. The aromatic leaves also deter pests.

2. Pansies and violas

この記事は The Gardener の May 2023 版に掲載されています。

7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,500 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。

この記事は The Gardener の May 2023 版に掲載されています。

7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,500 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。

THE GARDENERのその他の記事すべて表示
Preserving apples
The Gardener

Preserving apples

The end of the apple season means that apples need to be preserved for the next six months until the next harvest is ready.

time-read
3 分  |
July/August 2025
Golden Oregano
The Gardener

Golden Oregano

Origanum vulgare ‘Aureum’, as its name suggests, is golden yellow in full sun and cool weather. These bright herbs are highly fragrant, with a classic oregano taste and aroma, and are often used in the kitchen for pasta and pizza. In summer, the yellow leaves will be covered with small pink and purple flowers.

time-read
1 min  |
July/August 2025
Potting up a conifer
The Gardener

Potting up a conifer

Conifers generally are well-behaved plants with interesting, evergreen foliage and mostly formal and neat growth habits. This makes them stately candidates for roomy containers.

time-read
1 min  |
July/August 2025
Enduring and venerable trees
The Gardener

Enduring and venerable trees

There cannot ever be a good reason not to plant a tree, and somewhere there is just the right tree for you...

time-read
3 分  |
July/August 2025
Daylilies make a comeback
The Gardener

Daylilies make a comeback

Daylilies are making a comeback in 2025 with even more shapes, twists, ruffles, pleats, picotees, curves, and stunning colours and colour combinations. There are singles and doubles, big and small flowers, each unique, and yes, they only last a day! They do, however, have another flower bud just behind that one, ready to show off the next day.

time-read
1 min  |
July/August 2025
How to make a fat ball
The Gardener

How to make a fat ball

Some birds love a fat ball in winter to boost their energy levels. These are easy to make and a fun project to do with the kids.

time-read
1 min  |
July/August 2025
The Princess and Obsession
The Gardener

The Princess and Obsession

It only takes two wonderful modern hybrids of old garden favourites to prepare a garden and containers for an unforgettable spring performance.

time-read
1 min  |
July/August 2025
Pink and pretty
The Gardener

Pink and pretty

Pink colour shifters with hot appeal...

time-read
2 分  |
July/August 2025
GROW the WALL
The Gardener

GROW the WALL

If you want lots of flowers in plantable concrete retaining wall blocks or lush stems and foliage cascading over dry stone walls, we have good plant suggestions for you!

time-read
5 分  |
July/August 2025
Winter indoor plant care
The Gardener

Winter indoor plant care

Winter can be a tough time for your houseplants; a drop in natural light, drier air, and cold drafts can all influence their lush appeal. As plant lovers, spending more time indoors in winter creates opportunities to keep a close eye on your leafy companions and make some changes to avoid these common winter blues.

time-read
1 min  |
July/August 2025

当サイトではサービスの提供および改善のためにクッキーを使用しています。当サイトを使用することにより、クッキーに同意したことになります。 Learn more