edible flower bar

start growing february — june

These petals will beautify and infuse flavour to syrups, cakes, cocktails, tarts, desserts, salads, vinaigrette, soups and breads, and may be crystallised or dried.

Start by unwrapping your Growbar and place it with the brown protective paper facing upwards, into a container with plenty of space to allow it to expand; a takeaway food tray is ideal. Gently pour half a litre of water into the tray and position indoors on a warm, bright sunny windowsill. The seeds will need to be a cosy 18°-22° to germinate.

Water regularly and ensure the Growbar is perfectly moist, it should remain the colour of a rich dark ginger cake.

After a few weeks you should have a bar neatly dotted with little seedlings. These will be happy growing together in the bar for a further month in their sunny location.

When the seedlings have produced 4-8 leaves you may then gently separate them, being careful to not damage the delicate roots, and plant them in individual pots or a sunny weed-free spot in the garden. Plants grown in the ground with plenty of space and sunlight will produce more abundant fragrant foliage but it is possible to grow the seedlings in large containers on the balcony or patio.

How to identify your seedlings:

Marigold seedlings have pale-green, long leaves. Marigolds thrive in full sun or partial shade, deadheads should be removed to prolong flowering.

Viola seedlings have small heart-shaped leaves. Viola also enjoy full sun or partial shade, and should be cut back after flowering.

Borage seedlings have oval shaped, slightly bristly leaves and a cucumber fragrance. Borage like full sun or partial shade, and can be left to self seed after flowering.