Edible Arugula Flowers

Learn how useful and beautiful edible arugula flowers are, both in cooking and in the garden.

Arugula Flowers are Edible

Right off the bat, you should know that arugula flowers (and buds) are completely edible and super delicious. The gorgeous purple and white flowers are also lovely to decorate dishes. Just like arugula, the arugula flowers are peppery but softer to eat than the leaves. Here are some fun ways to eat them.

• Sprinkled on top of salads
• On top of summer gazpacho
• Made into ice cubes for a refreshing drink (think bloody marry, etc.)
• Over savory dishes

Pollinators Love Arugula Flowers

One of the biggest benefits to letting arugula flowers grow is that it benefits pollinators. I planted arugula last fall and it overwintered well. Late spring when it bolted into flowers, I noticed that the plants were covered with bees when very little other plants were available to them. Bees absolutely love them, and hop from flower to flower, dipping their heads into the flowers. Any chance I get to help the pollinators, I’m there, and this is such a simple step in the right direction.

With Flowers Come Seed Pods

One of the simplest and most fun things I can do as a gardener is to save my own seeds. Simply let the plant bolt, and they’ll create flowers and seed pods along the stem. When dried, these seed pods will then feed more birds (I have to learn to share) and will also provide me for seeds for the next season. I spend a lot of time gathering my own seeds so that I don’t have to purchase any in the future. And just one plant sacrificed for seeds will yield plenty for the seasons to come. To find out more about saving seed, visit this post.

Farmers Vs. Gardeners: I wanted to let you know that my opinion is not shared by farmers. That’s because I’m a gardener, and I’m super small scale. I’ve talked to farmers who mentioned that letting something go to seed is not efficient for them, since their growing season is short, time is of the essence, and they can always buy seeds. I prefer, on the other side, to let the plants grow and save my own seed. For production, I can definitely see their perspective. When crops are in question, it’s true that letting a plant bolt takes up valuable space. For that reason, I let some of them go to seed, and the rest of them I harvest. But I’m happy to contribute something edible to pollinators, and to save some seeds in the process. It makes me happy.

Add Them To Flower Arrangements

I love creating flower arrangements with both edible and non edible flowers ~ phlox with chive flowers and zinnias. Get creative, and enjoy the process! A flower is a flower is a flower.

Enjoy the Cycle

I especially love watching the cycle of things. Seed to seedling, to plant, to bolting plant, to flowers, to seeds. There’s something inherently miraculous about it, and for no other reason, I simply love watching the development and seasons of nature take their steps. I hope you can enjoy this process as much as I have.