Chatting with plot neighbour Joe the other week I noticed a nearby plant covered with vivid blue flowers. On asking what it was he said a chicory plant which he was going to collect the seed from. I’m rather impressed with it so he’ll give me some to sow and grow.
Later I wondered what other vegetables people grow just for the flowers.
I have a Globe artichoke which is at least four feet high and has several flower heads forming.
I’ve also got two clumps of Jerusalem artichokes which are growing well and will hopefully flower later on. Both of these are impressive plants to grow.
Another plot neighbour Trevor had let some salisfy flower recently and kindly gave me some seeds.
Over on the Allotments 4 All forum I asked the same question and among the replies were carrots, parsnips and parsley.
I’m sure that there are people who feel that it’s a waste to grow any vegetable just for the flowers but it seems that some of us are quite happy to do so!
A weed that I’m sure that everyone would rather not see on the allotment or in the garden is hedge bindweed which can grow to ten feet and tangles itself round everything. However I do let it grow on the wild area as it does have lovely all white flowers that the bees love.
There’s also some field bindweed which has smaller, and rather pretty, two-tone flowers growing under, and through, the pallet patio.
Have a good weekend!
Flighty's plot 
Did you know that bindweed was Prince Albert’s favourite flower? I learned this on a tour of Osbourne House, Isle of Wight. Bindweed flowers are intwined within the decorations of some lamps and lightshades.
I rather like them, too, but only because I am a fan of things that grow in profusion. Perhaps if I were a proper gardener I would be less impressed!
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Oanh no I didn’t know that although I have been to Osbourne House albeit a very long time ago!
You curse it if you gardened or plotted like we all do! xx
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I can’t think of any veg which I grow just for the flowers, but I do grow flowers on the allotment to mingle in with the veg. I also have things such as chives which I leave to flower for the bees.
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Jo I would guess that more herbs are grown just for the flowers. xx
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I grew asparagus once and then could not be bothered with it.
The single plant appeared and I just let it grow. It went on to grow into a beautiful delicate fern about four foot high, it flowered and then had little berries which turned bright orange and then flaming red. It is beautiful and comes back every year.
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Mrs K I don’t grow it but it is a lovely plant, although I’ve never seen it with flowers or berries. I think that’s another one to add to my list! xx
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I think if I had room, I’d grow artichokes for the flower, too — as well as the unique foliage! I love seeing the small field of them growing a few miles from where I live.
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Nikki they are such an impressive plant. Thankfully the one I have is situated in just the right place! xx
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I grew borage for the first time this year, and I’m glad I did. The blue flowers are so pretty and the bees love them. And the flowers on carrots are lovely – but I only found this out thanks to laziness and not clearing the allotment! I’m not keen on bindweed though, despite the pretty flowers!
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Ellie I agree what you say about borage, and grew some last year but didn’t save any seed! I might leave a few carrots to see what they’re like.
I’m not surprised that you don’t like bindweed as there can be few, if any, gardeners who do! xx
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Great photos as usual. Interestingly I was photographing Chickory a few days ago. I have a nostalgic relationship with it (and Buttercups and Daisies) because they remind me of my childhood.
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Doris thanks! They’ll all lovely flowers so I’m not surprised that you remember them with affection. xx
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Flighty great photos, I don’t grow any veg just for flowers but do grow French marigolds from seed each year to pack into the greenhouse and never have a problem with whitefly (I resist the temptation to dead head them!). The colour amongst all the lush greenery is fantastic.
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Damo thanks! Anyone with a greenhouse should do that, I certainly would if I had one!
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