Tortoises often enjoy eating petunia flowers due to their colorful florets and leaves, however only small quantities must be fed as this plant contains potential toxins that could prove toxic for their wellbeing.
Perennial sun-lovers that thrive in most soil types. Their colorful blooms and long season of growth make them tasty treats for tortoises!
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Daylilies
Daylilies are beautiful and easy-to-grow flowers that tortoises enjoy eating. However, be careful with true lilies (Lilium), as they are toxic for tortoises. Additionally, their leaves and flowers provide valuable vitamins and minerals – be sure to cut the flowers before they go to seed as this will prevent energy being wasted on seed production while increasing production of more flowers from your plant!
Tortoises may also enjoy eating Pansies and Violas, both of which come in an assortment of colors. Other flowers like Nasturtiums (Tropaeolum majus), Violets, Johnny-jump-ups and Clovers can be consumed.
Other garden vegetables and fruits offer essential nutrition as well. Greens like clover are an excellent source of protein. In addition, culinary herbs such as fennel (Foeniculum), thyme (Thymus), rosemary (Rosmarinus) and basil (Ocimum basilicum) produce edible flowers – while squash (Cucurbita species) and cucumbers provide additional nourishment.
Roses
Tortoises love eating the leaves and flowers of roses, especially scented varieties. Rosebushes make an excellent plant to cultivate in your garden as they’re easy to care for, providing both shade and fresh food for tortoises. Be sure to offer your tortoise a variety of foods as this will provide him or her with all necessary vitamins and minerals for healthful living.
Nasturtiums (Turnipodium indicums) are another beautiful flower to cultivate and are an easy and delicious source of vitamin A, making them the perfect addition to a salad or garden bed. When selecting this plant for use with tortoises, be sure to opt for pesticide-free varieties – store-bought versions could contain chemicals harmful to tortoises; consult your veterinarian regarding incorporating edible flowers into their diets.
Geraniums
Tortoises love tortoise-friendly geranium (Pelargonium) plants for both their flowers and leaves, especially Balcon geranium (Pelargonium peltatum), which is resistant to geranium bud-worm and produces blooms throughout most climates year-round.
Viola (Viola) flowers are another easy-to-grow choice that provide high levels of protein to tortoises’ diet, but should only be fed in limited amounts as excessive consumption may lead to shell pyramiding.
Tortoises can enjoy eating various weeds such as dandelion greens, clover, and various types of vetches; though vetches contain nutrients that provide important health benefits in moderation can cause kidney stone issues in some tortoises.
Lemon balm
Hebe plants, commonly referred to as shoe flowers or Chinese hibiscus and Mediterranean hebe, are an enjoyable snack for tortoises. You can offer it regularly or occasionally as variety; just be aware that some species may be toxic!
Vetch is another wonderful addition to a tortoise’s diet, providing essential minerals and nutrients. Just be wary not to feed too much; doing so could cause kidney problems in excess.
Pansies and viola flowers make beautiful autumn additions to a tortoise garden, but store-bought blooms can contain harmful pesticides which could pose risks. Organically growing these blooms would be best.
