Why you should grow flowers in your kitchen garden

When I first built raised beds for my kitchen garden, I couldn't imagine turning over any of the precious growing real estate to something I wouldn't be able to eat.

Flowers? Psh. Who needs 'em?

Now I know better. While I may not be able to eat all types of flowers (though I can certainly enjoy these edible flowers), their colorful petals attract beneficial insects like butterflies into my garden. Those insects, in turn, make sure the flowers on my fruiting plants are pollinated, which means I can harvest more of the things I can eat.

Not a bad tradeoff, if you ask me.

Plus, flowers add beauty and whimsy to your garden. If your garden is your happy place or at least a space where you like to bring friends and entertain, you really can't go wrong with adding more flowers.

Reasons to grow your own strawflowers

Strawflowers are super easy to grow and will bloom throughout the spring, summer, and fall in many areas. Their beautiful shades of fiery orange, millennial pink, and bright yellow, combined with the stiff, papery texture of their petals (which are actually modified leaves), will bring you lots of joy and benefit your overall garden.

If that's not reason enough, strawflowers are also from my favorite plant family, the Aster family, along with lettuces and many other daisy-type flowers.

Strawflowers can be grown either as an annual started from seed each year or, if you live somewhere with a milder winter, a perennial that will return for two to three years.

Tip number one to grow strawflowers

When blooms have passed their prime, deadhead the flowers. Pruning the dying flowers tells the plant to spend its energy on forming new flowers while the growing season continues. Near the end of the growing season, you can leave the plant to scatter seeds for next year or collect and dry the flower heads to save your own seeds.

Tip number two to grow strawflowers

Strawflowers are native to Australia, and when I think of Australia, I picture wide-open, sun-filled outbacks. That tells you all you need to know about the light preferences of this fast-growing plant.

Grow your strawflowers where they will receive full sun (at least six to eight hours of direct sun per day). If they receive part shade, your plants will still grow, but you won't enjoy nearly as many blooms. Full sunlight will also strengthen the stems so they don't appear leggy and flop over from the weight of the flowers.

Tip number three to grow strawflowers

Plant strawflowers in you cool season after your final frost date has come and gone. Strawflowers thrive when temperatures range from 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and stay around 60 degrees at night.

Start your strawflowers indoors by seed about six to eight weeks prior to your final frost date. Press each seed lightly into the soil without fully covering it. You should begin to see sprouts appear in seven to ten days. Make sure your seedlings receive plenty of light from a window or give them about 16 hours of artificial sun under a grow light. You can transplant your seedlings outdoors once your temps are in the ideal range.

Tip number four to grow strawflowers

Once you've hardened off your seedlings and are ready to transplant them to your kitchen garden, plant them in well-draining soil. Add some compost to the soil to give your plants a nice nutritional boost as they get settled in to their new home. These plants can grow two to three feet tall and span six to 18 inches wide, so make sure to give them some space.

Tip number five to grow strawflowers

Strawflowers are drought tolerant but will flourish with about one inch of water per week during their growing season. You don't want their roots to stay wet (one of the reasons why raised beds with good drainage are so important), so don't water if you've received a lot of rain that week.

Spread the strawflower love

Unlike some other flowers we've highlighted on the Gardenary blog, strawflowers are not intended for human consumption. If you're looking to grow some beautiful blooms that are also edible, check out our posts on calendula, chive blossoms, and marigolds. While zinnias are edible, they do taste a little bitter and are best for adding gorgeous pops of color as a garnish.

I hope you enjoy growing strawflowers in your kitchen garden!