Crawford Road, was originally an edible flower farm. It was our humble beginnings that soon ballooned into a busy flower farm where I grew fresh flowers for all the top restaurants, bars and cakeries in Tauranga and shipped dried petal blends and pressed flowers nationwide. During the crazy flower farm days I learnt very quickly everything about edible flowers and also the different lesser known varieties that can be classed as edible.
When selecting what edible flower to use. You need to think of it's purpose. Is it to go in a salad or drink, or is it going to sit atop a cake. (I have seen far too many wedding cakes with toxic flowers on top of them)
Violas and Pansies
These cheerful flowers are easy to grow. You can pick up punnets in every colour way from all local garden centres. They add a touch of colour and seasonal charm.
Cornflower
Cornflowers were a staple in our gardens at Crawford Road. They are easy to grow, come in a variety of colours and don't wilt immediately. We also dried the cornflowers and used their petals to form the base of our rainbow confetti petal blend.
Dianthus
Dianthus have a peppery clove like taste but were very popular for their pink and mauve tones.
Other favourites we grew - marigold, calendula, candytuft, stock, snapdragon, roses particularly the variety fairy rose.
Favourites for cake decorating that don't wilt - zinnia, dahlia, strawflower
