Napa County Master Gardeners: Explore the world of edible perennials
When most people picture a summer edible garden, they imagine raised beds overflowing with ripe tomatoes, bell peppers, juicy melons and, of course, an endless supply of zucchini. While there’s nothing wrong with this classic image of abundance, you might consider a different approach—one that easily embraces beauty, longevity and low-maintenance deliciousness.
Instead of replanting annual vegetables every year, why not explore the world of edible perennials? These are plants that live on year after year, offering beauty and bounty without the need for constant reseeding or replanting. Even better, many of them double as ornamentals, making them as pleasing to the eye as they are to the palate.
If the idea of wandering out into your garden and enjoying a little snack any time of day sounds appealing, read on for some of the best edibles you can grow right here, thanks to Napa Valley’s Mediterranean climate.
Fuchsia plants are beloved for their bright, pendulous flowers, but they also produce edible berries. Every flower has the potential to deliver a juicy and sweet fuchsia berry. If you enjoy the gentle flavor of violet, cucumber or pear, you’re likely to appreciate the subtle taste of these berries as well. The fruits range in color from light green to deep purple-black when fully ripe.
A personal favorite is Fuchsia boliviana, which produces large fruit about the size of a green grape that easily pops off the stem when ripe. It’s the perfect snack as you stroll through your garden, or it can be the star ingredient in a unique homemade jam.
Another lesser-known edible is longevity spinach (Gynura procumbens). This tropical perennial is a vigorous, low-growing plant that can trail along the ground or climb a trellis with a bit of support. Its fleshy, mild-tasting leaves are traditionally used in herbal medicine to help manage blood sugar levels and support overall wellness.
Even if you’re not in it for the health benefits, longevity spinach is a tasty addition to your edible landscape. Pluck off a leaf or two as you pass by for a nutritious snack or toss them into salads, stir-fries or sandwiches. Protect it from frost and this easy-care plant will offer food year-round.
Scented geraniums (Geranium species) were all the rage during the Victorian era, and it’s time to bring them back into fashion. Not to be confused with the common flowering “geraniums” that are actually from the genus Pelargonium, these true scented varieties have leaves that smell like rose, lemon, orange, nutmeg and even apricot. Unusual varieties can be found at locally owned garden centers and even at our local farmers markets.
The leaves of scented geraniums make a delightful herbal tea. Just steep them in hot water or pop a few into a jar of cold water to make a fragrant “sun tea” that you can chill and enjoy on a hot day. The leaves also lend their delicate flavors to baked goods, sugars and syrups. Plant them in an area where you can easily caress their leaves and release the scent, such as beside a garden gate or in a container on a patio.
Pineapple guava (Feijoa sellowiana) is a popular choice for evergreen hedges in the Napa Valley. Most people recognize its small green fruits, which taste like a mix of pineapple, mint and bubblegum. But few realize that the flower petals are also edible—and truly delicious. They have the sweet flavor and silky texture of marshmallows, making them a whimsical and tasty garden snack.
For those interested in herbal wellness, jiaogulan (Gynostemma pentaphyllum) is a must-grow. This beautiful, delicate vine resembles Boston ivy or Virginia creeper but is thankfully far less aggressive. Known as the “herb of immortality” in some cultures, jiaogulan is used to make a mild, slightly sweet tea that is said to promote longevity, energy and resilience.
Jiaogulan thrives in partial shade and can be grown in containers or allowed to climb a small trellis. Break off a leaf and enjoy the minty, sweet taste that the raw foliage has.
If some of these plants sound a little too adventurous, you can still bring an edible element to your garden through flowers. Many common blooms have edible petals that can quickly elevate an appetizer plate, salad, cocktail or dessert.
Dianthus, calendula, bachelor buttons, agastache and English lavender are just a few examples. Not only are they gorgeous, but they also provide nectar for pollinators and a touch of whimsy to your meals.
It’s important to note that many plants sold as ornamentals are not grown with edibility in mind. Pesticides, fungicides and chemical fertilizers used in commercial nurseries may not be safe for human consumption. If you plan to eat from your garden, either grow your own plants organically from seed or cuttings, or purchase from reputable nurseries that use organic practices. When in doubt, let the plant grow in your own garden for a full year before harvesting and consuming.
By incorporating perennial edibles into your landscape, you create a garden that delights your senses—sight, smell, taste and touch—while also offering an ongoing harvest with less work than traditional annual vegetable beds. So, this summer, why not rethink your edible garden and plant for both beauty and bounty?
Workshop: Join UC Master Gardeners of Napa County for a workshop on “Adding New Excitement to Your Succulent Garden” on Saturday, July 26, from 10 a.m. to noon, at the UC Cooperative Extension, 1710 Soscol Ave., Napa. Learn how to add interest, structure, biodiversity and movement to your succulent garden with companion planting. Register here.
Library Talk: UC Master Gardeners of Napa County with Napa Public Library will host a free talk on “Beautiful and Protective Firewise Landscaping” on Thursday, Aug. 7, from 7 to 8 p.m. via Zoom. Learn how to make your home more firewise and how to landscape with fire safety and resilience in mind without sacrificing beauty. Note that the meeting will not allow entry after 7:15 p.m. Register to receive the Zoom link.
Workshop: Join UC Master Gardeners of Napa County for a workshop on “Cool-Season Vegetables” on Saturday, Aug. 9, from 10 a.m. to noon, at the UC Cooperative Extension, 1710 Soscol Avenue, Napa. Now is the time to plan for a harveset in fall, winter and early spring. This hands-on workshop will help you understand which vegetables thrive in cool or even cold weather and why you need to start planting while the weather is warm. Register here.
Tree Walk: Join UC Master Gardeners of Napa County for a docent-led tree walk of Fuller Park in Napa on Sunday, Aug. 10, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Historic Fuller Park is an arboretum with many exotic and native trees planted over the past 120 years. Meet at the corner of Oak and Jefferson Streets in Napa. Registration required.
Help Desk: The Master Gardener Help Desk is available to answer your garden questions on Mondays and Fridays from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the UC Cooperative Extension Office, 1710 Soscol Ave., Suite 4, Napa. Or send your questions to [email protected]. Include your name, address, phone number and a brief description of the problem.
