How to Buy Edible Flowers by the Pound

Edible Nasturtiums

Buying edible flowers is not as easy as one might think. Flowers are abundant in our world, but finding companies or people who grow and sell them can be daunting, especially for people who live in small towns or rural areas. There is so little demand for edible flowers that most commercial growers sell them to wholesalers and distributors, who in turn sell them to restaurants and high-end gourmet grocery stores. There are a few companies that grow flowers that are safe to eat, and will sell them to the public either by the pound or by the plant.

Things You'll Need

• Telephone directory
• Book on plants that are safe to eat

Instructions

1. Check at local farmers' markets for someone who sells edible flowers. You need to make sure you buy from a farmer or grower who practices organic gardening techniques.

2. See if there is a gourmet grocery store in your city or town that sells organically grown flowers that are edible. They may even be able to order them for you if they do not sell them on a regular basis.

3. Use the link at the bottom of this page to buy from a reputable edible flower wholesaler. They will sell to the public in small amounts. They sell by the pound or by the plant.

4. Buy organic seeds and plant your own edible flowers in soil that has not been contaminated with chemical fertilizers or pesticides. If you have a patio or a yard, this may be the easiest way to get a hold of edible flowers. If you grow your own, do not use chemically treated soil. Look for potting soil that is certified as organic. You will also have to use organic fertilizers and pesticides to keep the flowers healthy and the bugs at bay.

Tips & Warnings

• Buy or borrow a book on plants and flowers that are safe to eat if you decide to plant your own.

• Never buy flowers from a nursery or a flower shop. These have been sprayed with chemicals that could be toxic to people. Make sure that the flowers you choose are edible, especially if you grow your own. There are lots of flowers that can be eaten, but not all flowers are safe to eat. For example, all parts of the oleander plant that grows in the southwestern states are highly toxic and ingestion can be fatal. People with allergies to flowers need to be careful when eating them. The pollen could cause a serious reaction.

Resources

• Source for Edible Flowers for the Public