Flowering Herbs: Where Beauty Meets Flavor in Your Garden -

As a floral designer, I’ve got a secret weapon in my garden: flowering herbs. These multitasking plants aren’t just about tasty leaves – they’re showstoppers when they bloom. I often choose my herbs based on their flowering patterns, mixing them into bouquets for a unique twist. Plus, they’re like a two-for-one deal in the garden. You get the usual herby goodness for your kitchen, and when they flower, boom! Instant garden bling. From the delicate blooms of thyme to the showy flowers of bee balm, flowering herbs are my go-to for adding both flavor and flair to my space. In this post, Flowering Herbs: Where Beauty Meets Flavor in Your Garden we dig into these garden MVPs!

A hand tied bridesmaids bouquet filled with flowering herbs.

I quickly gathered flowering Thai basil, purple basil, flowering mint, and oregano from my garden. I combined these aromatic herbs with garden hydrangeas to create a charming, hand-picked bridesmaid’s bouquet.

Table of Contents

Understanding Flowering vs. Bolting

Let’s break down flowering vs. bolting – it’s crucial for getting the most out of your herbs. Natural flowering is part of a herb’s normal life cycle. It’s when the plant matures and produces flowers to create seeds. This usually happens after a period of leaf growth. Bolting, on the other hand, is premature flowering triggered by stress. Heat, changes in daylight, or poor soil conditions can cause herbs to bolt before their time. When an herb bolts, it diverts energy from leaf production to flowering. This often results in fewer, bitter-tasting leaves and a lankier plant. For many herbs, like basil or cilantro, this can mean the end of your harvest season if not managed properly.

Click to get my ebook on From Bud to Bloom: A Guide to Bolting vs. Flowering in Herbs sent to your inbox

cilantro that has bolted with tiny white flowers. — Cilantro Bolting.

Benefits of Growing Flowering Herbs

Growing flowering herbs is like hitting the garden jackpot. Here’s why:

Culinary Delights

Flowering herbs are culinary all-stars. Toss some basil flowers in your salad or sprinkle chive blossoms on your omelet for a flavor kick. These edible flowers add a gourmet touch to your dishes.

Pollinator Paradise

These plants are pollinator magnets. Watch your garden buzz with bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects that’ll help your whole garden thrive. It’s like hosting a garden party for nature’s VIPs.

Potential Wellness Boost

Some herbs have traditional wellness uses – think chamomile tea for relaxation or peppermint for digestion. Just remember, always check with a healthcare pro before using herbs medicinally. They’re not a replacement for professional medical advice.

Garden Eye Candy

Let’s not forget the eye candy factor. From lavender’s purple spikes to calendula’s sunny blooms, flowering herbs add pops of color and texture to your garden. They’re like nature’s bouquet, ready for you to enjoy every day.

holding a bundle of flowering mint. — Flowering Mint.

Spotlight on Popular Flowering Herbs

Let’s dive into some popular flowering herbs, their characteristics, and which ones you need to watch for bolting:

Basil and Thai Basil: Basil’s spiky white or purple flowers are a sight to behold, but watch out! Once it flowers, leaves can turn bitter. Thai basil’s purple stems and pink flowers add a pop of color to your garden. Both are prone to bolting in hot weather, so regular pruning is key.

Ideas for Basil:

Dill: With its feathery leaves and yellow flower umbels, dill is a stunner. Here’s the kicker: dill is meant to bolt! Its flowers are just as tasty as its leaves. Use both in pickling or to add a tangy flavor to salads.

Mint: Mint’s tiny flowers are cute, but let’s be real – it’s all about those fragrant leaves. Peppermint, spearmint, chocolate mint – the varieties are endless. Mint rarely bolts but can take over your garden faster than you can say “mojito.” Grow it in containers to keep it in check.

Tip: To learn more about flowering mint visit my, Do Mint Plants Flower?Everything You Need To Know! post.

Ideas for Mint:

mint with tiny spike like soft purple flowers.

Thyme: Thyme’s tiny pink or white flowers are a pollinator’s dream. This drought-tolerant herb doesn’t typically bolt, so feel free to let it bloom. The flowers are edible too!

Ideas for Thyme:

Lavender: The poster child of flowering herbs, lavender’s purple spikes are iconic. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Lavender is a perennial that’s meant to flower, so no bolting worries here.

Ideas for Lavender:

flowering lavender with deep purple blooms.

Bee Balm: With its showy red, pink, or purple flowers, bee balm is a pollinator magnet. It’s part of the mint family but better behaved. No bolting issues – let it bloom freely for a colorful, edible addition to your garden.

Calendula: These bright orange or yellow flowers are like little suns in your garden. Calendula is an annual that’s supposed to flower, so let it do its thing. The petals are edible and great for soothing skin.

Ideas for Calendula:

Sage: Sage’s purple flowers are as tasty as they are pretty. This drought-resistant herb can handle some neglect. Sage is a perennial that naturally flowers, so no need to fret about bolting.

Ideas for Sage:

Rosemary: This Mediterranean herb sports delicate blue flowers among its needle-like leaves. Rosemary is pretty chill about flowering – it doesn’t affect the flavor much. Let it bloom for the bees!

Ideas for Rosemary:

bright blue-ish purple flowers on rosemary.

Oregano: Oregano’s tiny white or pink flowers are a delightful bonus to its flavorful leaves. Different species offer subtle flavor variations. Like its mint family cousins, oregano doesn’t typically bolt, so enjoy those blooms.

Tip: For suggestions on how to use Flowering Oregano visit my, From Garden to Plate: Are Oregano Flowers Edible and How to Enjoy Them post.

Chives: Don’t overlook chives! Their purple pom-pom flowers are not only gorgeous but also edible. Chives are perennials that naturally flower in late spring or early summer. Unlike basil, flowering doesn’t affect the flavor of chive leaves.

Pro tip: use the flowers to make a beautiful and tasty chive blossom vinegar. Here’s a great Chive blossom vinegar recipe from Leite’s Culinaria.

Tip: For herbs prone to bolting (like basil and dill), regular harvesting and pruning can delay flowering and extend your leaf harvest. For the others, let them flower freely – you’ll get the visual appeal and often some bonus edible blooms!

Growing Conditions for Flowering Herbs

Alright, green thumbs, let’s talk about giving your flowering herbs the VIP treatment they deserve:

Sunlight: Most herbs are sun worshippers. Basil, rosemary, thyme, and lavender? They’re basically sunbathing all day if they could. Give them 6-8 hours of direct sunlight and watch them thrive. But hey, some herbs like to play it cool. Mint, parsley, and cilantro don’t mind a bit of shade. If your garden’s got some partly shady spots, these are your go-to herbs.

Soil: Here’s the dirt on soil – well-draining is the name of the game. Most herbs hate wet feet, so think sandy, loamy soil that doesn’t hold water like a sponge. But don’t stress if your soil’s not perfect. Some herbs are tough cookies. Thyme and rosemary? They’ll grow in poor soil like champs. Just add some organic matter, and you’re good to go.

Water: When it comes to watering, it’s not one-size-fits-all. Lavender, sage, and rosemary are the camels of the herb world – drought-tolerant and perfect for forgetful waterers. On the flip side, basil and bee balm like to stay moist. A good rule of thumb? Stick your finger in the soil. If it’s dry an inch down, it’s watering time.

Maintenance: Keep your herbs in tip-top shape with regular pruning. It’s like a spa day for your plants – encouraging bushier growth and keeping them from getting leggy. For leafy herbs like basil and mint, pinch off the top few inches regularly. This’ll delay flowering and keep your harvest going strong. And don’t forget to give your herbs some breathing room. Proper spacing helps air circulate, keeping those pesky fungal diseases at bay.

Remember, these are general guidelines. Each herb has its quirks, so get to know your plants. They’ll tell you what they need if you pay attention!

flowering purple basil plant. — Flowering Purple Basil.

Effects of Flowering on Herb Flavor and Use

When herbs flower, it’s not just about looks – it can change their flavor profile too. Take basil, for instance. Once it blooms, the leaves often turn bitter, and you might want to bid farewell to your pesto plans. But it’s not all bad news! Chive flowers? They’re like flavor bombs, packing a punch of oniony goodness.

For the best flavor, harvest most herbs just before they flower. That’s when their essential oils are at their peak. But don’t toss those flowers! Herb blossoms can be culinary superstars. Sprinkle chive flowers on your salad for a pop of color and flavor. Lavender flowers? They’re great in desserts or infused in lemonade. And those basil flowers? Use them as a garnish – they’re milder than the leaves.

Remember, flowering is part of the plant’s life cycle. Regular pruning can keep your herbs bushy and delay flowering, extending your harvest. But when they do flower, get creative and enjoy the unique flavors they bring to your kitchen!

a bowl of freshly picked flowering herbs.

Harvesting and Using Flowering Herbs

Timing is everything when it comes to harvesting your flowering herbs:

Leaves: Harvest in the morning, just after the dew has dried but before the sun gets too hot. For most herbs, pick leaves before flowering for the best flavor. Regular harvesting of your herb plants encourages bushier growth.

Flowers: Collect when they’re just opening for peak flavor and aroma. Some, like lavender, are best harvested when about half the flowers on the stalk are open.

To preserve your harvest:

Dry herbs by hanging bunches upside down in a warm, dark place
Freeze herbs in ice cube trays with water or oil
Make herb-infused vinegars or oils

Get creative with your bounty:

Whip up herb-infused honey or sugar
Create your own tea blends
Use flowers as natural food coloring

Fresh is best for most culinary uses, but preserving lets you enjoy your herbs year-round!

scissors with flowering thyme. — Flowering Lemon Thyme.

My Favorite Ways to Use Flowering Herbs: From Bouquets to Bites

Let me share some insider tips on making the most of your flowering herbs.

Floral Design Magic
As a floral designer, I’m always on the lookout for unique elements to make my arrangements pop. Flowering herbs are my secret weapon! Here’s how I use them:

Lavender sprigs add a soft, fragrant touch to rustic bouquets.
Flowering thyme makes a delicate filler, perfect for wildflower-inspired arrangements.
Bee balm’s vibrant blooms create eye-catching focal points in summer bouquets.
Sage flowers offer a soft, muted color that pairs beautifully with pastel roses.

Pro tip: Mix flowering herbs with traditional flowers for arrangements that engage all the senses – sight, smell, and even taste!

Garnishing Genius
Want to elevate your culinary game? Herb flowers are your ticket to dishes that look as good as they taste:

Sprinkle chive blossoms over creamy soups for a pop of color and mild oniony flavor.
Float borage flowers in summer cocktails – they’re not just pretty, they have a subtle cucumber taste.
Top salads with nasturtium flowers for a peppery kick and burst of color.
Use basil flowers as a milder, more visually interesting alternative to basil leaves on Caprese skewers.

Remember, when using herb flowers in food, make sure they’re pesticide-free, fertilized with natural fertilizers and rinse them gently before use.

Beyond Beauty and Flavor
Don’t forget the simple joys:

Create fragrant sachets with dried lavender and rosemary flowers.
Press herb flowers to make beautiful, scented bookmarks or cards.
Infuse herb flowers in oils for homemade beauty products or cooking oils.

The possibilities are endless with flowering herbs. Let your creativity bloom!

summer simmer pot with grapefruit, flowering thyme and lavender. — Summer Simmer Pot

using calendula petals to make vegan soap. — Vegan Soap with Calendula

lavender in honey. — Lavender Infused Honey.

Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, flowering herbs are an excellent choice for any herb garden. From the small yellow flowers of chamomile to the vibrant red flowers of bee balm, these plants offer a wide range of inspired hues that can transform even the smallest outdoor space into a colorful oasis.

Flowering herbs aren’t just about beautiful blooms – they’re a perfect blend of form and function. Their aromatic leaves and flowering tops serve multiple culinary purposes, from flavoring dishes to creating herbal teas. Many, like lemon balm and calendula, have a long history of use in home remedies.

These versatile plants are often drought-tolerant, making them ideal for low-maintenance gardens. They attract essential pollinators, act as good companion herbs to other plants, and many are perennials, returning year after year to grace your garden with their presence.

Whether you’re growing basil plants in a small container or cultivating a diverse collection of native plants, flowering herbs offer something for everyone. From early summer blooms to late summer harvests, they provide a continuous display of color and usefulness.

So why not start your own herb garden? Visit your local garden center or find a reliable source online. With proper care, you’ll soon be enjoying farm-fresh herbs from your own backyard. Remember, the benefits of their harvest go beyond the kitchen – these plants can inspire interior designers with their natural beauty and even help create your own unique color stories in your home.

Enjoy those blooms friends!