Herbs · Culinary HerbsAcmella oleracea

Toothache Plant

A unique tropical herb whose yellow and red button flowers produce a tingling, numbing sensation used in avant-garde cocktails and cuisine.

Full Sun (6-8h+)Medium (even moisture)60 daysDifficultyBeginner Friendly
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Toothache Plant
Sow & harvest reminderstuned to your local frost dates
Sunlight
Full Sun (6-8h+)
Water Need
Medium (even moisture)
Frost Tolerance
Tender (no frost)
Days to Maturity
60 days
Plant Spacing
25 cm
10 in
Hardiness Zones
Zone 9–12
USDA
Difficulty
Beginner Friendly
Expected Yield
150-300 flower
On this pageOverview
01 · Overview

Meet Toothache Plant

A unique tropical herb whose yellow and red button flowers produce a tingling, numbing sensation used in avant-garde cocktails and cuisine. The buzzy, electric flavor comes from the compound spilanthol, which has been used traditionally as a toothache remedy. Grow as an annual in temperate climates in rich, moist soil with full sun.

60
days from seed to your first harvest. Time your whole season around it — sow, feed and pick dates all key off this one number.
02 · When to plant

When to plant Toothache Plant

Start toothache plant seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost, as they need warm conditions to germinate. Press tiny seeds onto the surface of moist seed-starting mix—they need light. Maintain 22-27°C for germination in 7-14 days. Seeds are very small and seedlings grow slowly at first. Transplant outdoors after all frost danger passes and soil is thoroughly warm. Can also root stem cuttings easily in water. Self-sows in tropical climates where plants are perennial.

Planting & harvest schedule

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Your last frostApr 16 · average for your zone
Sow windowApr – Jun · in your climate
First harvestJun 14 · from sowing to first pick
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03 · Growing guide

How to grow Toothache Plant

Toothache plant, also known as the buzz button or electric daisy, is a fascinating tropical herb whose flowers produce an intense tingling, numbing sensation caused by the compound spilanthol. Grow as a warm-season annual in temperate climates, planting after all frost danger passes in full sun with rich, moist soil. Space plants 25cm apart.

Provide fertile, consistently moist soil amended with compost. Unlike Mediterranean herbs that prefer lean conditions, toothache plant is a tropical that thrives with regular feeding and watering. Feed every two weeks with balanced liquid fertilizer for the most productive plants. Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds around the spreading stems.

Plants grow 30-45cm tall with spreading, semi-succulent stems and distinctive yellow-and-red button flowers that resemble tiny eyeballs. Flowers appear from midsummer through frost and are the most potent part of the plant. The tingling, numbing effect is immediate when a flower bud is chewed—an experience that ranges from curious to startling for first-time tasters. Increasingly popular in craft cocktails and avant-garde cuisine.

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04 · Companions

Toothache Plant's best neighbours

Toothache plant grows well alongside other tropical and warm-season herbs like basil and cilantro that share similar moisture and temperature requirements. The spreading habit provides living mulch that helps retain soil moisture for neighboring plants. The continuous flowers attract pollinators including bees and butterflies, benefiting fruiting crops nearby. Plant in front of taller herbs where it creates an attractive ground-level display.

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05 · Soil & feeding

Feed it well

Grow in rich, fertile, moisture-retentive soil with pH 6.0-7.0. Amend generously with compost before planting. Feed every 2 weeks with balanced liquid fertilizer during the growing season for maximum flower production. In containers, use quality potting mix and feed weekly. Consistent moisture is essential—this tropical plant wilts quickly in dry soil. Toothache plant is one of the few herbs that genuinely benefits from rich, fertile growing conditions.

Ideal Temperature

18°C – 35°C
10°C20°C30°C40°C

Hardiness Zone Compatibility

12345678910111213
Ideal (zones 9-12)Greenhouse / protection neededNot recommended
06 · Growth stages

From seed to harvest, stage by stage

0–14 days

Germination

Seeds are tiny and require light to germinate. Sow on the surface of moist seed-starting mix without covering. Keep consistently warm and moist under a humidity dome or plastic wrap.

14–35 days

Seedling

Tiny seedlings emerge with rounded cotyledons followed by the first set of true leaves with characteristic serrated edges. Growth is slow at this stage and plants are delicate.

35–60 days

Vegetative Growth

Plants develop a bushy, spreading habit with multiple branches. Leaves grow larger and the stems become sturdier. The plant begins to form a low, mounding shape that can spread 30-45 cm wide.

60–75 days

Budding

Small round flower buds begin to form at the tips of branches. The buds start green and gradually develop their characteristic red and yellow coloring. Spilanthol concentration is highest in the buds at this stage.

75–100 days

Flowering

The distinctive cone-shaped flower heads open fully, displaying a striking red center with yellow tips. Each flower head resembles a tiny eyeball, earning the common name buzz buttons. Pollinators are strongly attracted to the blooms.

100–120 days

Seed Setting

Pollinated flowers develop seeds within the dried flower heads. Seeds are very small and dark brown to black when mature. The plant may slow its vegetative growth as energy is directed toward seed production.

Care Tip

Maintain soil temperature between 21-27°C for best germination rates. Mist gently rather than watering to avoid displacing seeds.

Toothache plant seedlings emerging from soil
Young toothache plant seedlings with their first true leaves
07 · Monthly care

Caring for Toothache Plant month by month

What to do each month for your Toothache Plant

July

You are here

No specific care tasks for this month.

08 · Harvest

Harvesting Toothache Plant

Harvest toothache plant flower buds and young flowers for the most potent tingling effect. Pick flowers when they are fully formed and bright yellow-red but before they begin to brown. Individual leaves also contain spilanthol but at lower concentrations. The numbing effect is strongest in fresh flowers and diminishes with drying. Harvest in the morning for the highest spilanthol content. Plants produce flowers continuously from midsummer until frost, providing an extended harvest window.

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Harvest trackercounting from planting
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Started from
60days until harvest
Right now: Germination0%
PlantedJun 15, 2024
Harvest windowAug 14, 2024Sep 13, 2024
60d
Pick bySep 13, 2024
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Storage & Preservation

Fresh flower buds are most potent and should be used within a few days. Refrigerate in a sealed container for up to one week. Dry flower buds in a dehydrator at low temperature—potency is reduced but still significant. Store dried buds in airtight jars away from light for up to 6 months. Freeze fresh flowers for the best potency retention. Infuse in vodka or gin for tingling cocktail bitters. Make a spilanthol-infused honey or syrup for beverage use.

09 · Pests

What goes wrong — and the fix

Slugs and Snails

Pest

Irregular holes in leaves and stems, slime trails. The moist growing conditions attract these pests.

Prevention Use copper tape barriers. Apply iron phosphate slug bait. Water in the morning to allow surface drying.
Fix: Hand-pick in evening. Set beer traps. Apply diatomaceous earth around plants in dry weather.

Aphids

Pest

Clusters of soft-bodied insects on growing tips and flower buds, sticky honeydew, distorted growth.

Prevention Encourage ladybugs and lacewings. Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilization. Inspect plants regularly.
Fix: Blast off with water spray. Apply insecticidal soap to persistent colonies. Neem oil provides longer-lasting control.

Powdery Mildew

Disease

White powdery patches on leaves in humid conditions with poor air circulation.

Prevention Space plants adequately. Avoid overhead watering. Ensure reasonable air flow around plants.
Fix: Remove affected leaves. Spray with neem oil or a milk solution (1:9 milk to water). Improve air circulation.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Cold sensitivity is the main limitation—treat as annual in zones below 9. Start seeds early indoors for a longer harvest season. Wilting in afternoon heat is normal if soil is moist; plants recover in the evening. Poor flowering usually means insufficient sun or nutrient deficiency—provide full sun and regular feeding. In humid climates, fungal issues can arise; ensure air circulation. The spreading growth can overtake small containers; use pots at least 30cm wide.

Growing Tips

  1. Start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before the last frost date, as toothache plant has a long growing season and needs a head start in temperate climates.
  2. Surface-sow seeds without covering, as they require light for germination. Press seeds gently onto moist seed-starting mix and keep at 21-27°C.
  3. Provide consistently moist but not waterlogged soil throughout the growing season. Toothache plant is native to tropical riverbanks and appreciates regular watering.
  4. Pinch growing tips frequently once plants reach 15 cm tall to encourage branching and a bushier growth habit, which increases leaf and flower production.
  5. Grow in full sun to partial shade. In very hot climates with temperatures above 35°C, afternoon shade helps prevent wilting and leaf scorch.
  6. Feed every two weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer during the active growing season. Avoid high-nitrogen formulas that promote leggy growth at the expense of flowers.
  7. Toothache plant makes an excellent container plant. Use a pot at least 25 cm wide with good drainage and a rich potting mix amended with compost.
  8. Harvest flower buds when they are plump and showing color but before they fully open for the strongest spilanthol concentration and most intense buzz effect.
  9. Bring plants indoors before the first frost if you want to overwinter them. Place in a bright south-facing window and reduce watering during the dormant period.
  10. Save seeds by allowing some flowers to fully mature and dry on the plant. Crush the dried flower heads over a paper towel to collect the tiny dark seeds for next season.
10 · Varieties

Pick your Toothache Plant

Lemon Drop

A popular selection with bright yellow flowers and a lemony undertone to the buzz. Compact growth habit ideal for containers.

ADvia AmazonShop seeds

Bull's Eye

Features the classic red-centered yellow flowers with strong spilanthol content. The most widely grown variety.

ADvia AmazonShop seeds

Peek-a-Boo

A compact variety bred for ornamental container use. Smaller flowers but abundant blooming. Good buzz intensity.

ADvia AmazonShop seeds
Why Grow Your Own?

A single toothache plant can produce hundreds of buzz button flowers throughout the growing season. With specialty buzz buttons selling for $15-30 per small pack at gourmet markets and cocktail supply shops, growing your own plant from a $3-5 seed packet can save well over $100 per season while providing a continuous supply of fresh leaves and flowers for culinary and medicinal use.

11 · Recipes

Quick recipes

Buzz Button Tingly Salad

Buzz Button Tingly Salad

10 minutes

A fresh, vibrant salad featuring toothache plant leaves and flower buds that delivers a surprising tingling sensation with every bite. The numbing buzz pairs beautifully with a citrus vinaigrette and crunchy vegetables.

7 ingredients
Spilanthol Herbal Tea

Spilanthol Herbal Tea

15 minutes

A soothing herbal tea made from dried toothache plant flowers that delivers a gentle numbing warmth to the throat. Traditionally used to relieve sore throats and minor mouth discomfort, this tea can be sweetened with honey for added comfort.

5 ingredients
Amazonian Jambu Stir-Fry

Amazonian Jambu Stir-Fry

20 minutes

Inspired by traditional Brazilian cuisine from the state of Para, this quick stir-fry uses toothache plant leaves cooked with garlic and shrimp. The leaves lose some of their numbing intensity when cooked but retain a pleasant peppery flavor.

7 ingredients

Culinary Uses

Toothache plant flowers create a unique tingling, numbing, buzzy sensation that has made them a star ingredient in molecular gastronomy and craft cocktails. Muddle flower buds in drinks for a tingle that amplifies citrus and spice flavors. Add to salads for a surprising electric sensation. Use in salsas and ceviches where the numbing effect enhances other flavors. The leaves have a milder buzz and can be used in salads. Popular in Brazilian and Indian cuisine for traditional preparations.

12 · Nutrition

What's inside

Per 100g serving
32
Calories
Vitamin C45
Vitamin A28
Potassium310
Fiber2.8

Health Benefits

  • Contains spilanthol, a natural analgesic compound traditionally used to relieve toothaches, sore gums, and mouth ulcers without synthetic chemicals.
  • Exhibits anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce swelling and discomfort in the mouth, throat, and digestive tract.
  • Has been shown in preliminary studies to possess antimicrobial activity against certain oral bacteria, supporting better dental hygiene.
  • May stimulate saliva production, which aids digestion and helps maintain oral health by naturally cleansing the mouth.
  • Contains antioxidant compounds including flavonoids and phenolic acids that help protect cells from free radical damage.
  • Traditional medicinal systems use the plant to support immune function and as a general tonic for vitality and well-being.
13 · History

Where Toothache Plant comes from

The toothache plant (Acmella oleracea) is a tropical perennial herb native to the lowland regions of South America, particularly Brazil and Peru, where it thrives in warm, humid conditions along riverbanks and forest clearings. Archaeological and ethnobotanical evidence suggests that indigenous peoples of the Amazon basin cultivated this plant for thousands of years, using the flower heads and leaves to relieve dental pain, treat mouth sores, and alleviate throat infections long before European contact.

Portuguese and Spanish explorers encountered the plant during their expeditions into the Amazon region in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, and colonial traders gradually introduced it to other tropical regions including Southeast Asia, India, and sub-Saharan Africa. In each new region, local communities quickly adopted the plant into their traditional medicine systems, recognizing its potent numbing properties.

In Brazil, the plant became deeply embedded in the culinary traditions of the northern state of Para, where it is known as jambu and serves as an essential ingredient in regional dishes. The plant also spread to Madagascar, where it became a beloved cooking green and medicinal herb integral to Malagasy cuisine.

During the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, Western scientists began investigating the bioactive compounds responsible for the plant's remarkable numbing effect. The discovery of spilanthol, the primary alkamide responsible for the tingling and anesthetic sensation, opened new avenues for pharmaceutical research. Today, Acmella oleracea is cultivated commercially in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, and its extracts appear in dental care products, cosmetics marketed as natural muscle relaxants, and innovative culinary applications. The recent craft cocktail movement has further elevated the plant's profile, introducing buzz buttons to an entirely new audience of food enthusiasts and home gardeners eager to grow this extraordinary herb.

14 · Did you know?

Toothache Plant: did you know?

Fascinating facts about Toothache Plant

The active compound spilanthol in toothache plant creates a unique electrical buzzing and numbing sensation on the tongue, which has made it a trendy ingredient in avant-garde cocktails and fine dining around the world.

15 · FAQ

Toothache Plant questions, answered

When should I plant Toothache Plant?
Plant Toothache Plant in April, May, June. It takes approximately 60 days to reach maturity, with harvest typically in July, August, September.
What are good companion plants for Toothache Plant?
Toothache Plant grows well alongside Basil, Cilantro. Companion planting can improve growth, flavor, and natural pest control.
What hardiness zones can Toothache Plant grow in?
Toothache Plant thrives in USDA hardiness zones 9 through 12. With greenhouse protection, it may be grown in zones 7 through 13.
How much sun does Toothache Plant need?
Toothache Plant requires Full Sun (6-8h+). This means at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
How far apart should I space Toothache Plant?
Space Toothache Plant plants 25cm (10 inches) apart for optimal growth and air circulation.
What pests and diseases affect Toothache Plant?
Common issues include Slugs and Snails, Aphids, Powdery Mildew. Prevention through good garden practices like crop rotation, proper spacing, and companion planting is the best approach. See the detailed pests and diseases section above for symptoms, prevention, and treatment for each.
How do I store Toothache Plant after harvest?
Fresh flower buds are most potent and should be used within a few days. Refrigerate in a sealed container for up to one week. Dry flower buds in a dehydrator at low temperature—potency is reduced but still significant. Store dried buds in airtight jars away from light for up to 6 months. Freeze fres...
What are the best Toothache Plant varieties to grow?
Popular varieties include Lemon Drop, Bull's Eye, Peek-a-Boo. Each has unique characteristics suited to different growing conditions and culinary preferences. See the varieties section above for detailed descriptions.
What soil does Toothache Plant need?
Grow in rich, fertile, moisture-retentive soil with pH 6.0-7.0. Amend generously with compost before planting. Feed every 2 weeks with balanced liquid fertilizer during the growing season for maximum flower production. In containers, use quality potting mix and feed weekly. Consistent moisture is es...
Is toothache plant safe to eat?
Yes, toothache plant (Acmella oleracea) is completely edible and has been consumed as a food and medicine for centuries in South America, Africa, and Asia. Both the leaves and flower buds are safe to eat raw or cooked. The tingling and numbing sensation caused by spilanthol is harmless and temporary, typically lasting only a few minutes. However, start with small amounts to gauge your sensitivity, and consult a healthcare provider if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.
How do I use buzz buttons in cocktails?
Buzz buttons can be used as a garnish placed on the rim of a cocktail glass or muddled directly into the drink. When bitten into, they create a tingling, numbing sensation that enhances the drinking experience. They pair especially well with citrus-forward cocktails, gin and tonics, and spicy margaritas. Use fresh flower buds for the strongest effect, or infuse spirits by soaking a handful of buds in vodka or gin for 24-48 hours to create a tingly infusion.
Can toothache plant actually relieve tooth pain?
Toothache plant has been used traditionally for centuries to relieve dental pain, and modern research supports that spilanthol has genuine local anesthetic properties. Chewing a fresh flower bud or leaf and holding it against the affected area can provide temporary numbing relief. However, this is not a substitute for professional dental care. Use it as a short-term comfort measure while seeking proper treatment from a dentist for underlying dental issues.
Will toothache plant survive winter outdoors?
Toothache plant is a tropical perennial that is frost-sensitive and will not survive winter outdoors in most temperate climates. It is typically grown as an annual in zones where temperatures drop below 10°C. To keep plants over winter, pot them up before the first frost and bring them indoors to a bright, warm location. With adequate light and moderate watering, they can survive indoors and be moved back outside once temperatures are consistently warm in spring.
How long does the tingling sensation last after eating toothache plant?
The tingling and numbing sensation from eating toothache plant typically lasts between 5 and 15 minutes, depending on the amount consumed and individual sensitivity. Flower buds produce a much stronger and longer-lasting effect than leaves. The sensation starts with a slight tingle, builds to a buzzing or electric feeling, and then gradually fades as the spilanthol is absorbed. Drinking water or eating other foods can help dissipate the sensation more quickly if it becomes uncomfortable.
What pests and diseases affect toothache plant?
Toothache plant is relatively pest-resistant, partly due to its spilanthol content which deters many insects. However, slugs and snails may feed on young seedlings, especially in moist conditions. Aphids can occasionally colonize tender new growth. Root rot can occur in waterlogged soil, so ensure good drainage. In humid environments, watch for fungal leaf spots and improve air circulation around plants. Organic solutions like neem oil spray, slug barriers, and proper spacing usually keep these issues manageable.
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