Toothache

Basic Information

Seed Number

26

Seed Name

Toothache

Variety

Not recorded

Category

Medicinal

Plant Family

Asteraceae

Plant Type

Toothache plant (Spilanthes/Acmella)

Planting Method

Direct Sow or Transplant

Seed Status

In Seed Bank

Created

2026-08-14 00:50:34

Updated

2026-08-19 15:35:29

Planting Information

Start Planting Date

Mar 24

Last Recommended Planting Date

Jun 15

Plantable Months

March, April, May, June

Indoor Start

Mar 24 – Apr 7

Direct Sow

May 6 – Jun 15

Transplant

May 6 – Jun 15

Indoor Start Weeks Before Frost

6 weeks

Transplant Weeks After Frost

0 weeks

Germination Days

5–7 days

Harvest/Maturity

Not recorded

Succession Planting

Not recorded

Growing Conditions

Ideal Soil Temperature

72-76°F

Planting Depth

1/4 in

Plant Spacing

12-18 in

Row Spacing

18-24 in

Thin-To Spacing

6-12 in

Sun Requirements

Full sun

Water Needs

Keep evenly moist during establishment; water when the upper soil begins to dry

Soil Preference

Well-drained garden soil

Minimum Container Size

1-2 gal

Plant Height

12-24 in

Perennial/Biennial Status

Annual

Container Friendly

Yes

Trellis/Support Needed

No

Frost Tolerant

No

Heat Tolerant

Yes

Drought Tolerant

No

Pollinator Friendly

Yes

Medicinal

Yes

Garden Uses

Companion Planting

Storage

Seed Source/Brand

MSU Extension; Detroit frost dates; Almanac Detroit

Packet Year

Not recorded

Quantity Notes

Not recorded

Purchase Date

Not recorded

Expiration Year

Not recorded

Storage Box

Not recorded

Container

Not recorded

Envelope

Not recorded

Row

Not recorded

Slot

Not recorded

Storage Notes

Not recorded

Notes

Original Planting Method: Direct sow or start indoors
Outdoor / Direct Sow / Transplant Window: May 1 – Jul 1
Days to Harvest / Bloom: 60–100 days
Succession / Reusable Notes: Good for annual herb beds and pollinator strips.
Zone 6B Notes: Harvest flowers/leaves regularly depending on crop.
Companion Plants: Vegetables, calendula, chamomile, basil, dill, pollinator flowers
Avoid Planting Near / Watch Outs: Overcrowding
Sources: MSU Extension: https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/garden_planning_calendar | Detroit frost dates: https://www.ufseeds.com/vegetable-planting-calendar-detroit-michigan.html | Almanac Detroit: https://www.almanac.com/gardening/planting-calendar/MI/Detroit

[[RESEARCH ENRICHMENT START]]
Zone 6B: Start indoors about 6 weeks before the May 5 last frost or direct sow after frost danger has passed. It is frost-sensitive and grows best once weather is warm.
Germination: Germinates quickly in warm conditions. Maintain approximately 72-76°F and consistent moisture.
Harvest: Leaves can be harvested after plants reach several inches tall and throughout flowering. Flowers and leaves produce the characteristic tingling and numbing sensation.
Seed Saving: Allow flower heads to fully mature and dry on the plant, then rub dried heads to release seed. Store seed cool, dark and dry.
Special Care: The common name Toothache Plant may refer to Spilanthes oleracea or Acmella oleracea in horticultural trade. The seed source should be checked if exact botanical identification is important.
Research Source: Johnny's Selected Seeds — https://www.johnnyseeds.com/growers-library/flowers/spilanthes/spilanthes-key-growing-information.html — 5-7 day germination, 72-76°F germination temperature, 6-week indoor start, direct sowing, depth, spacing, soil, sun and harvest
Research Source: Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds — https://www.rareseeds.com/blog/post/how-to-grow-toothache-plant — annual habit, medicinal use, container use, germination, sun, spacing and seed saving
[[RESEARCH ENRICHMENT END]]