🌸🌸 The Incredible, Edible Cosmos 🌸🌸

I have loved these flowers for years, without knowing they were edible! 💡

Did you know these can be eaten?? They are annuals so be sure to save some seeds for next year, but they will likely re-seed themselves each year.

However useful they are, cosmos (Cosmos spp.) are not native to Ohio. They are originally native to Mexico and parts of Central and South America. Cosmos are popular in gardens across the U.S., including Ohio, because they are easy to grow, attract pollinators, and tolerate heat and poor soil.

Here is the answer grid: which species did you get right?

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🌸 Easy Cosmos Serving Suggestions

Salad Garnish Sprinkle cosmos petals over mixed greens for color and texture. Floral Ice Cubes Freeze individual petals in ice cube trays for pretty drink coolers. Cake or Cupcake Toppers Use full flowers or petals to decorate baked goods before serving. Herbal Butter Mix chopped cosmos petals into softened butter with herbs for a floral compound butter. Petal-Infused Lemonade Float petals in lemonade or iced tea for a festive, summery look. Cream Cheese Spread Stir petals into whipped cream cheese and serve with crackers or bagels. Floral Vinegar Steep cosmos petals in white wine vinegar for 1–2 weeks, then strain for a mild floral vinegar. Garnish for Cocktails Add a petal or two on top of a cosmopolitan or gin & tonic. Pressed Flower Sandwiches Make cream cheese tea sandwiches and press petals onto the outside for a party-friendly aesthetic. Smoothie Bowl Topping Sprinkle over the top with granola and fruit for visual flair.