Best Edible Flower Seeds to Grow: Nasturtiums, Violas & More
Edible flowers are one of the most rewarding things you can grow from seed. They're beautiful in the garden, stunning in arrangements — and they bring a whole new dimension to cooking, entertaining, and kitchen gardening. The best part? Many of the most gorgeous edible flowers are also the easiest to grow from seed.
In this guide, we've rounded up the best edible flower seeds to grow — all varieties we carry, all fully edible, and all available to order directly from our store. Whether you're growing for your plate, your vase, or both, these are the ones worth planting.
1. Nasturtium Jewel Mix – The Classic Edible Garden Flower
If you only grow one edible flower from seed, make it a nasturtium. The Nasturtium Jewel Mix is a brilliant blend of red, orange, and yellow semi-double blooms on compact, mounding plants. Every part is edible — flowers, leaves, and even the unripe seeds (pickled like capers). The flavor is peppery and bright, making nasturtiums a favorite for salads, garnishes, and edible arrangements.
They're also one of the easiest flowers to direct sow — no fussing, no transplanting. Just press seeds into the soil after your last frost and watch them go.
2. Edible Viola Penny Purple Picotee – Elegant & Delicate
Violas are among the most beloved edible flowers in culinary circles — and the Penny Purple Picotee is one of the most striking. Deep purple petals edged with a delicate white picotee border make these violas as beautiful on a plate as they are in the garden. Their flavor is mild and slightly floral — perfect for decorating cakes, cocktails, and charcuterie boards.
Penny violas are compact, cold-tolerant, and bloom prolifically from early spring through summer. They're ideal for containers, borders, and window boxes.
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3. Edible Viola Penny Orange – Bright, Bold & Cheerful
For a pop of warm color, the Penny Orange Viola delivers. These vivid orange blooms are fully edible with a mild, slightly sweet flavor that pairs beautifully with fruit salads, desserts, and spring cocktails. The rich orange color holds up well even after being placed on food, making them a top choice for culinary presentation.
Like all Penny violas, this variety is compact, free-flowering, and performs well in both cool and mild weather — giving you a long harvest window for edible blooms.
4. Viola Penny All Season Mix – Maximum Color, Maximum Harvest
Can't choose just one color? The Penny All Season Mix gives you a full spectrum of edible viola blooms — purples, yellows, oranges, whites, and bicolors — all in one packet. This is the go-to choice for edible flower gardeners who want variety and abundance throughout the season.
The All Season Mix is bred for extended bloom time, so you'll have a steady supply of fresh edible flowers from early spring well into summer. Perfect for anyone growing for the kitchen or for edible flower arrangements.
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5. Penny Mickey Edible Viola – Whimsical Bicolor Blooms
The Penny Mickey Viola is one of the most distinctive edible violas available — a charming bicolor with deep purple and bright yellow petals that give it an almost face-like appearance. It's fully edible, perennial in mild climates, and a showstopper in both the garden and on the plate.
Penny Mickey is especially popular for edible flower garnishes on desserts and cocktails where visual impact matters. The contrast of purple and yellow makes every bloom a statement piece.
6. Viola Penny Tiger Face – Bold Patterns, Edible Beauty
For something truly eye-catching, the Penny Tiger Face Viola features dramatic dark-veined blooms with a bold face pattern in violet and deep purple. These are fully edible with the same mild floral flavor as other Penny violas — but the visual impact is unmatched. They're a favorite for upscale culinary presentations, edible flower cakes, and cocktail garnishes.
Tiger Face violas are compact, prolific bloomers that thrive in cool weather and containers. A must-grow for anyone serious about edible flower gardening.
Shop All Edible Flower Seeds – Product Gallery
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Nasturtium Jewel Mix Shop Now |
Viola Penny Purple Picotee Shop Now |
Viola Penny Orange Shop Now |
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Viola Penny All Season Mix Shop Now |
Penny Mickey Viola Shop Now |
Viola Penny Tiger Face Shop Now |
Browse our full selection at Trailing Petunia – Shop All Flower Seeds.
Tips for Growing Edible Flowers from Seed
- Start violas early: Violas prefer cool weather and can be started indoors 10–12 weeks before your last frost for early spring blooms.
- Direct sow nasturtiums: Nasturtiums dislike transplanting — direct sow after your last frost for best results.
- Harvest in the morning: Pick edible flowers in the early morning when they're freshest and most flavorful.
- Rinse gently: Rinse blooms in cool water and pat dry before using in food. Never use flowers treated with pesticides.
- Store properly: Keep harvested edible flowers in a damp paper towel in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Grow organically: Since you'll be eating these flowers, avoid synthetic pesticides and fertilizers.
Edible Flower Seeds FAQ
Are all violas edible?
All Viola cornuta (horned viola) and Viola tricolor varieties are edible, including all of the Penny series violas we carry. They have a mild, slightly floral flavor and are safe to eat fresh. Always confirm the variety before consuming any flower.
Are nasturtiums really edible?
Yes — completely. Nasturtium flowers, leaves, and unripe seeds are all edible. The flowers have a peppery, slightly sweet flavor. The leaves taste similar to watercress. Unripe seeds can be pickled and used like capers.
What edible flowers are easiest to grow from seed?
Nasturtiums are the easiest — they direct sow quickly, thrive in poor soil, and bloom within 50–60 days. Violas are also beginner-friendly, especially when started indoors in cool conditions. Both are excellent choices for first-time edible flower gardeners.
Can I grow edible flowers in containers?
Absolutely. All of the varieties in this guide grow beautifully in containers, window boxes, and raised beds. Use well-draining potting mix and ensure pots have drainage holes. Compact Penny violas and mounding nasturtiums are especially well-suited to container growing.
When should I plant edible flower seeds?
Violas prefer cool weather — start indoors 10–12 weeks before last frost or direct sow in early spring. Nasturtiums are warm-season flowers — direct sow after your last frost date when soil reaches 55°F. In mild climates (Zones 8–10), nasturtiums can also be sown in fall for winter and early spring blooms.
How do I use edible flowers in cooking?
Edible flowers shine in salads, as cake and dessert decorations, in cocktails and mocktails, on charcuterie boards, and as garnishes for savory dishes. Nasturtium flowers can be stuffed with soft cheese. Viola blooms are popular for pressing into butter or floating in drinks. Always use flowers that have been grown without pesticides.
Do edible flowers come back every year?
Nasturtiums are annuals but self-seed prolifically. Penny Mickey violas are perennial in mild climates (Zones 6–9). Most other Penny violas are grown as annuals or biennials but may overwinter in warmer zones.
Related Reading
- How to Grow Nasturtiums from Seed: The Complete Guide
- Nasturtium Seeds 'Jewel Mix' – Colorful, Edible Flowers for Every Garden
- Flower Seeds: The Complete Professional Growing Guide for Greenhouse & Garden Success
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