Although edible flowers have become common garnishes in restaurants, it's important to know what you're putting into your mouth. Not all flowers are edible, and not all food purveyors are aware of the potential toxicity of some. The most common (and safest edible flowers) are nasturtium, pansy, violet, Johnny-jump-up, calendula, chive, and sage. These flowers are easily grown without the use of chemicals or pesticides. Many roses are delicious, but you need to be sure they are grown organically. A good rule of thumb is: If you cannot positively identify a flower as edible, don't eat it.

continue reading below Pansies

Pansies span every color of the rainbow, so you can have fun decorating food. Plan a party months ahead and grow pansies to match your decor, best outfit, or favorite color. Their flavor is slightly minty.

Add some herbs to your edible garden, and then learn how to preserve them with drying. Click here for tips.

Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums may be vivid yellow, orange, or red as well as muted tones and bicolors. Both the leaves and the flowers have a peppery flavor and are best eaten uncooked. Toss petals into salads.

Roses

Roses may be tasteless, sweet, perfumed, or slightly spicy. Chop the petals and mix with sugar. Let them infuse for a week and use for baking and desserts.

Borage

Borage's star-shape blossoms practically fall off the plant when they are ready to eat. They have a mild cucumber flavor that is delicious in lemonade.

Tulips

Tulips have a wonderful crunch -- especially at the base of the petals. The flavor ranges from pea- to beanlike. Use tulip petals as a low-calorie substitute for chips with dip.

Pink Dianthus

Pinks and other dianthus have a sweet, clovelike taste. Do not eat whole -- remove individual petals. Infuse petals in water for tea, or top a cracker and cheese with several petals. Makes a delectable sorbet.

Marigold

'Tangerine Gem' marigold and the other Gem hybrids are the only good-tasting marigolds, with a citrusy tarragon flavor. Use petals in deviled eggs.

Lilacs

Lilacs are another variable flower, with a grassy taste or a delightful perfumed flavor. Use in chicken dishes and fruit salads.

If you have asthma, hayfever, or other allergies, do not eat flowers. Remove the pistils, anthers, and stamens before eating any flowers.

Never eat flowers from a nursery, garden center, or florist; they are likely to have chemical residues that concentrate in the flowers.

Flower flavors vary with variety (20 different roses will all taste somewhat different) and with growing conditions. As with any herb or spice, you may not like the flavor of all flowers -- that's OK.

Edible Flowers:

• Apple
• Anise hyssop
• Beebalm
• Broccoli
• Chamomile
• Chives
• Dandelion
• Daylilies
• Hollyhock
• Honeysuckle
• Mustard
• Pineapple guava
• Pineapple sage
• Rosemary
• Sage
• Scented geraniums
• Sweet woodruff
• Thyme
• Tuberous begonias
• Violets
• Yucca