Edible Flower Mix for Bearded Dragons & Tortoises

Bright flowers catch a reptile’s eye and are a favorite topping for bearded dragons and tortoises. Grow them yourself or buy pesticide-free.

Never use florist flowers, which are often treated with chemicals.

Why your reptile will love this

• Bright colors tempt picky eaters
• Grows in your garden
• Safe for dragons and tortoises

Ingredient notes

• Hibiscus flowers Safe

  Pesticide-free flowers and leaves.

• Dandelion flowers Safe

  Excellent calcium-rich staple for bearded dragons and tortoises.

• Collard greens, chopped Safe

  A staple green for bearded dragons.

See every ingredient in the safety guide

How to make Edible Flower Mix for Bearded Dragons & Tortoises

Edible Flower Mix for Bearded Dragons & Tortoises takes about 5 minutes from start to finish and makes 7 toppings. It is an easy recipe. You will need garden scissors. Read through every step once before you start, and set out all the ingredients so nothing is missed.

Ingredients and why they are here

You need 3 ingredients. Each one is checked against the ingredient safety guide for reptiles.

• 4 flowers hibiscus flowers: Pesticide-free flowers and leaves.
• 6 flowers dandelion flowers: Excellent calcium-rich staple for bearded dragons and tortoises.
• 1 cup collard greens, chopped: A staple green for bearded dragons.

Step-by-step instructions

1. Pick flowers from pesticide-free plants.
2. Rinse gently and shake dry.
3. Tear larger petals into small pieces.
4. Scatter over the daily greens.

Tips for success

• Grow hibiscus in a pot for a steady supply.
• Pick dandelions in the morning when the flowers are open.
• Dry extras for winter use.

How to store it

Let everything cool completely before you pack it away, since trapped steam causes sogginess and mold. Keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. If anything smells off or shows mold, throw it out.

How much to serve

A few flowers on top of the daily salad.

Why reptiles love it

Bright colors tempt picky eaters. Grows in your garden. Safe for dragons and tortoises.

Feeding tips for reptiles

Reptiles need the right temperatures to digest their food, so feed during the day when the basking area is warm. Dust food with calcium as your vet recommends, and remove uneaten fresh food before it spoils. Babies and adults eat very differently, so adjust the balance of insects and greens for your animal’s age and species.

Make it ahead

To save time, measure and prep the ingredients the day before and keep them covered in the fridge. Label containers with the recipe name and date so you always know what to use first. Most of the work in this recipe is hands-off, so it fits easily around a busy week.

What to watch for

A reptile that stops eating, loses weight, or has a soft or swollen jaw needs a reptile vet. Soft jaws and shaky limbs can be signs of metabolic bone disease from too little calcium or UVB light. Check your basking temperatures and UVB bulb regularly.

Shopping list

Before you start, check that you have hibiscus flowers, dandelion flowers and collard greens. Most of it is at the grocery store; hay, pellets, feed and supplements are at pet or feed stores. Buy fresh produce close to the day you cook.

Serving ideas

If your dragon ignores greens, scatter a few bright flowers over the top. Many dragons go for the color first and then eat the greens underneath. Moving food with tongs can also trigger their hunting instinct.

Safety notes

Never add onion, garlic, chocolate, grapes, raisins, xylitol or salt, and check the safety guide before trying a new ingredient with your reptile. This recipe is general information, not veterinary advice.

Frequently asked questions

Can bearded dragons eat hibiscus?

Yes, both flowers and leaves.

Are store flowers safe?

No. Florist flowers are usually treated with pesticides.