can be prone to developing fungal rots when humidity is high and if an overly dense canopy of leaves develops . Media-based hydroponic systems are preferred for squash flower production as the plants have a large root system at maturity . Stone wool or coco fiber slabs , media bags , Dutch buckets with perlite , and similar substrates all work well for these flower crops .
Other Edible Flowers
Calendula and marigold are fast-growing annual plants well-suited to hydroponics and perhaps some of the most widely recognized edible flowers . Their petals have a slightly bitter and peppery flavor and a bright orange-yellow color . Elderberry is a small shrub that produces a large inflorescence of tiny white blooms with a sweet floral fragrance and flavor . These flowers are traditionally used to make cordials and syrups but can be cooked and used to make desserts and preserves . Lavender flowers have an intense , perfumed flavor that can be overwhelming if used in excess . The flowers can be used in salads , but they are more commonly used in sweet dishes and baking . Nasturtium is an edible flower with a long history of use , particularly in salad mixes . The seed pods , which form after the flower has faded , can also be pickled and used as a caper substitute . Nasturtium flowers come in a range of yellow , orange , and red shades and have a spicy , peppery flavor that can become strong on older plants . Nasturtiums are a flowering annual that is easy to grow from seed . There are also new , more compact bedding plant varieties available for those with limited growing space .
“
A growing environment
that is clean , dust-free , has no contact with manures or pesticides , and protects the delicate petals from outdoor elements produces the highest-quality edible product .”
Pansies , violas , and violets are other edible flowers well-suited to small growing spaces and thrive in NFT systems . These flowers have a mild , slightly sweet flavor and are often candied with sugar and used for cake decorating . Violets are sweetly perfumed and used for scent as much as for flavor . Rose petals have a long culinary history in desserts , preserves , and syrups . The perfumed flavor , however , varies considerably between species and with different growing conditions . Beside the green vegetable , garden peas also produce edible shoots , tendrils , and flowers with a mild pea-like flavor that can be used as garnishes and additions to fresh salads . Sunflowers are a multi-purpose edible flower . The large buds may be harvested before they open . Steamed , these are said to have an artichoke-like flavor . The open petals have a sweeter yet slightly bitter taste .
Nasturtium flowers have a spicy , peppery flavour , while the seed pods can be pickled and used as a caper substitute .
With the increasing trend of seeking out new tastes , textures , and nutritional foods , edible flowers have grown in popularity and are now an established niche market for hydroponic growers . Tasting and trialing different edible flower flavors and textures are a great way to experiment with these diverse and innovative crops . While edible flowers are often very fragile , require careful handling during harvest , and are highly perishable , they are a great addition to a hydroponic system that facilitates direct garden-to-table movement .
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