Flowers can make up a small percentage of a sulcata tortoise’s diet. When you can’t get fresh flowers to feed your tortoise, look for dried flower options.
Dried flowers have a shelf life of up to two years when stored in a dry, dark place in a resealable bag. This means they’ll last several seasons, even through the fall and winter months when flowers aren’t as plentiful.
Calendula Flowers
Calendula is a herb in the marigold family. It’s commonly known as Pot Marigold. Calendula is rich in antioxidants and low in protein. It’s great as a treat or sprinkled on a greens.
Cornflower Petals
Cornflowers contain essential nutrients like vitamin B7 and calcium. Cornflowers can be an appetite stimulant. The smell, bright color and natural properties can be an appetite stimulant. Feed tortoises cornflowers in moderation.
Hibiscus Flowers
Rose of Sharon and Hibiscus flowers are a popular treat for tortoises. Sulcatas seem to be attracted to the bright colors. They’re low in protein and make a healthy treat, as well as appetite stimulant.
Mallow Flowers
Blue mallow (Malva sylvestris) is also known as High Mallow, Common Mallow, Ebegumeci, Althaea rosaea, Mallards, Mauls and French hollyhock. This is a tasty treat for sulcata tortoises.
Red Clover Blossoms
Feed Red Clover in moderation. You can offer the leaves and the flower blossoms, but keep in mind that clover has a high level of protein so keep it a small percentage of the sulcata’s diet.
Rose Hips
Rose hips are the round portion of the rose flower just below the petals. They contain a lot of vitamin C. Soak in water overnight and add to greens. Only offer a few times a week.
Rose Petals
Rose petals can be a nice treat. They are low in protein. Sprinkle a little on his food and the sweet smell will entice him to his bowl. The bright color will get him to eat. Feed tortoises rose petals in moderation.
How to Feed Dried Flowers to Sulcata Tortoises
When feeding dried flowers to tortoises, you can offer them as is or soak them to moisten them.
To moisten dried flowers, place it in a bowl of water. Then let the flowers soak an hour or more, depending on the flower. * Rose hips often need to be soaked overnight.
To serve, put the flowers on top of hay, grass, weeds and greens.
If you soaked the flowers in water, save the water to moisten Mazuri, Zoo Med Grassland pellets or even hay pellets. The water will keep in the fridge for a few days.
You can even add dried weeds and leaves for added nutrients.
