The MGS Forum
Plants for mediterranean gardens => Fruit and Vegetables => Topic started by: John on August 18, 2011, 03:28:23 PM
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This season I was sent some Begonia plugs to trial from Benary a German plant breeding firm started in 1843. In the 1900’s they started breeding semperflorens Begonias. These new plants are called ‘Big’ and are very much like a B. semperflorens on steroids. They are available in red with a green leaf, red with a bronze leaf and rose with a bronze leaf.
They branch well and are prolific in flower tolerating shade or full sun when acclimatised. The reason I have placed it here in vegetables is their recommended culinary use. The slightly sharp but juicy flowers can be used in salads or as a garnish, even in sorbets or jam.
At this point I should say that I believe that all Begonia flowers are edible but perhaps don’t quote me on this!
Used in a planting with other vegetables they would need adequate watering but I assume a veg plot would be watered anyway.
Attached is the rose coloured version planted with Brassica oleracea var. ramose ‘Daubenton Panache’ as in a previous posting.
The second picture has my hand for scale to show just how BIG they are.