BLOOMS FOR CUTTING, COOKING AND CRITTERS

All flowers have a place in our hearts and on our plots but some have particular merit, as Emma Rawlings explains

- Emma Rawlings

Flowers grown on allotments and veg plots have many benefits, not just to look pretty. They can be grown as a crop for cutting for the house. They can be used to add flavour and decoration to food and they have a role in attracting pollinators and other beneficial insects to the vegetable plot.

Here we have just a few examples of flowers you can grow and their uses.

FLOWERS FOR CUTTING

Flowers for cutting for the house were traditionally important crops on many allotments and gardens in the past and are making a comeback on many plots. There are many that are suitable and here is only a small example of what you can grow.

COSMOS

These are fantastic flowers to grow in gaps in the veg border or grow in formal rows for cut flowers. Support with some horizontally placed netting while the plants are small and allow the stems to grow through. When cutting them, cut above some buds to allow for more shoots to form and produce flowers. So many colours are available. The single flowers will be better if you want to encourage pollinators as well. ‘Cloud of Cosmos’ from the Sarah Raven catalogue comprises four varieties of cosmos including ‘Candy Stripe’, ‘Purity’, ‘Seashells Mixed’ and ‘Xsenia’. The blend gives a stunning mix of pink, white and cerise and patterned flowers.

SUNFLOWERS