Spilanthes, Lemon Drop

Also known as Toothache Plant, these cheerful yellow flowers and broad green leaves numb your tongue and gums easing pain and discomfort. Often included in herbal mouthwash blends, these mouth-watering flowers are also lots of fun for kids seeking an intense flavor experience in the garden.

This species is likely from Pará, a northeastern state in Brazil, where it is known as Jambú. In Brazil, Myanmar, and India the leaves are eaten fresh in salads and cooked as greens.

Known as: Toothache Plant, Jambú, Jambu, Paracress, Sichuan Buttons, Buzz Buttons, Tingflowers, Sansho Buttons, and Electric Daisy.

Days to maturity: 90-100

Seeds per pack: 100

Germination rate: 94% on 10/24/2023

Planting / harvesting notes

Sow seeds 1/4" deep indoors about 6 weeks before the last frost and transplant into garden well after the danger of frost. Keep seedlings moist but do not overwater. Transplants should be spaced 6-12" in full sun, watered in well. Alternatively, direct sow after the last frost, 1/4" deep. This species readily reseeds itself.

Seed keeping notes

Allow seedheads to dry on the plant. Harvest the seedheads and dry them further in the sun on a sheet or table away from moisture and precipitation. When fully dry, crumble the seeds in your hands or through a sieve. Sift through strainers to remove the largest chaff, and then winnow off the lighter chaff with your breath, a fan, or the wind.