Suitable flowers for winemaking.

Flowers are a very popular raw material, but are an effort to pick in the required quantities. It is common to need as much as half a bucket of flowers for a gallon of wine, so it is not surprising that dried flowers seem a more practical choice.

The other annoying thing about flowers is that they have a nasty habit of being poisonous. Always check first. The list is long, and includes notables such as daffodil, rhododendron and bluebell - which is a shame, as blue wine would rock!

For bizarre and archaic reasons, petal quantities are measured in pints. Generally you'll need two or three beer-glasses full, but see Rule 2.

Below is a list of possibilities.

Dandelion.

Traditionally picked on St Georges' Day (whenever that is). For a few weeks you can just keep picking them and they will keep growing back.

Elderflower.

Classic homebrew flower. Makes excellent pseudo-champagne. Pick it in late May/early June. 3/4 pint.

Gorse.

Pretty yellow things that live on nasty prickly bushes. Available April onward. Use gloves to pick.

Pansy.

3pints. Steal from gardens!

Primrose.

May season. Very yellow.

Roses.

Again, try gardens.