Spilanthes (Toothache Plant) - Key Growing Information
SOWING: Transplants are recommended: start seed in flats about 6 weeks before the last frost, sowing ¼" deep, and move seedlings to their own containers once they can be handled. Plant out in spring after the last frost. To sow in place, plant ¼" deep in spring once the soil can be worked and frost is past, either 4–6 seeds together every 6" or roughly one seed per inch. When seedlings are a couple of inches tall, thin to one plant, or a clump of 2–3, every 6–12".
LIGHT PREFERENCE: Full sun.
SOIL REQUIREMENTS: Well-drained soil.
PLANT SPACING: Space plants 12 –18" apart.
HARDINESS ZONES: Grown as an annual.
HARVEST: For fresh use, you can pick leaves any time, but it's best to wait until plants are several inches tall. Keep picking through and after bloom, and use the leaves fresh for the best flavor.
USES: Bedding, containers and window boxes; the leaves add zing to salads.
SCIENTIFIC NAME: Spilanthes oleracea
