How to Grow the Toothache Plant

The Toothache Plant, known scientifically as Spilanthes Acmella, is a member of the Asteraceae family. This family includes all sunflowers, ranging from Echinacea to the common daisy. Chewing on the leaves or flower heads of the Toothache Plant numbs the inside of the mouth and can relieve the pain of a toothache, which is how this plant got this name. It is also commonly known as the Eyeball Plant because its flowers look like eyeballs.

Compost (optional)
Toothache Plant seeds or young plants

Instructions

- 1
  Locate a place in your garden that offers partial shade to full sun and has several square feet of room for this plant to expand.
- 2
  Amend the soil in this area with compost if it isn’t already rich.
- 3
  Sow your Toothache Plant seeds directly on the ground. Alternately, plant your Toothache Plants into this area about 18 inches apart.
- 4
  Water the area regularly until your Toothache Plants sprout. After that, water often enough to keep the soil damp but not drenched.
- 5
  When your young Toothache Plants have several full sets of mature leaves, pinch back the stems. This will cause the plants to be bushy and compact instead of sprawling and lanky.

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