Spilanthes acmella seed

This tender perennial has unusual olive-shaped flowers, and it grows to 30 cm tall. If you chew any part of the plant, you will experience a gentle numbing of the mouth, hence the name. Leaves are also used as an unusual addition for salads!

Sow indoors from April to May in soil 0.5 cm deep in trays. Plant out in June after the last frost. Sow outdoors direct in situ, and thin to 15 cm spacing. It is not frost hardy. Toothache plant tolerates most garden soils, and looks great in hanging baskets or pots.

Toothache Plant – Spilanthes Oleracea / Acmella