Tootache Plant - Bullseye (Spilanthes acmella) (Acmella oleracea) - Also known as buzz buttons, electric daisy, paracress, jambs, and eyeball plant, the Toothache Plant is an annual flowering herb native to South America. It produces tight clusters of yellow flowers tipped with striking orange “bullseyes,” making it a vibrant and playful addition to borders, containers, or herb gardens.
Traditionally, this plant has been used for its medicinal properties: the flowers and leaves can suppress mouth ulcers, temporarily numb toothache pain, reduce inflammation, and support digestive health. All parts of the plant are edible, adding a unique, slightly bitter flavour to salads, beverages, and culinary dishes worldwide. Pollinators are especially attracted to the groovy, bud-shaped flowers, which bloom prolifically well into October in Nova Scotia (Zone 5b). Plants can be dug in the fall and overwintered indoors with moderate success.
75 seeds per packet
Planting Instructions: Start seeds indoors 6 weeks before the last frost. Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep in a well-draining seed mix. Keep soil consistently moist and provide bright light for germination. Transplant seedlings outdoors after all danger of frost has passed. Direct sowing is possible in late spring, sowing 1/4 inch deep once the soil can be worked. Space seeds about 1 inch apart, thinning to 2–3 seedlings per clump every 12 inches once plants reach 2–3 inches tall.
Harvesting: Leaves can be harvested once plants reach several inches in height. Continue harvesting leaves throughout the season, including during and after blooming. Fresh leaves yield the most potent flavour and medicinal properties.
