Spilanthes (Acmella oleracea), also called the electric daisy, toothache plant or buzz button, is a compact, fast-growing herb prized for its citrusy, tingling-flavored flower buds and multi-purpose uses. It’s easy to grow in containers or garden beds, makes a productive companion plant, and offers culinary, medicinal, and ornamental value.

Why plant spilanthes

• Unique flavor and sensory experience: small, yellow-and-red button flowers produce a refreshing, numbing, tingling sensation that livens salads, cocktails, and condiments.

• Medicinal and topical uses: traditionally used for oral discomfort, mild antiseptic rinses, and as a stimulant for saliva and digestion.

• Pollinator-friendly, attractive groundcover: flowers attract bees and beneficial insects; dense growth suppresses weeds.

• Fast harvest cycle and repeat blooms: harvest flowers and leaves continuously through the growing season.

When to plant

• Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before your last expected spring frost. Ideal indoor sowing: late winter to early spring.

• Transplant outdoors after the danger of frost has passed and soil temperatures are consistently above 60°F (15–16°C).

• In warm climates (USDA zones 9–11), spilanthes can be grown year-round; in cooler zones, treat it as an annual or overwinter indoors.

• You can also direct-sow outdoors after the last frost when soils have warmed.

How to grow

• Light: Full sun to light afternoon shade. Full sun produces denser foliage and more flowers.

• Soil: Well-draining, fertile soil with moderate organic matter. pH 6.0–7.0 is fine.

• Spacing: Space plants 8–12 inches apart to allow airflow and bushy growth.

• Water: Keep evenly moist but not waterlogged. Tolerant of short dry spells once established but does best with consistent moisture.

• Fertilizer: A light balanced fertilizer at planting and a monthly feeding during active growth promotes vigorous flowering. Avoid heavy nitrogen late in the season to encourage blooms over excessive leaf growth.

• Pruning/maintenance: Pinch or harvest flower buds and terminal growth to encourage branching and extend bloom period. Remove spent flowers to tidy plants and reduce self-seeding if undesired.

• Pests/diseases: Generally trouble-free. Watch for aphids, slugs, and occasional fungal issues in poorly drained soil. Use good airflow and avoid overhead watering to reduce disease risk.

• Propagation: Easily grown from seed, cuttings, or division. Softwood cuttings root quickly in water or rooting medium.

Harvesting and storage

• Harvest flower buds and leaves as needed. Buds are most flavorful before they fully open.

• Harvest in the morning after dew dries for best flavor and durability.

• Store fresh in the refrigerator wrapped lightly in a damp paper towel, use within a few days. Flowers and leaves can be used fresh, frozen, or preserved in vinegar/oils for longer storage.

Uses

• Culinary:

  • Use fresh flower buds and leaves to add a citrusy, tingling note to salads, salsas, pesto, and garnishes.

  • Muddle buds in cocktails for a lively, effervescent mouthfeel (popular in craft cocktail bars).

  • Infuse oils, vinegars, syrups, and compound butter to capture the unique flavor for dressings and sauces.

• Medicinal and topical:

  • Traditional use for temporary relief of oral discomfort—chewing a bud produces a tingling, numbing effect. Use cautiously; not a substitute for professional dental care.

  • Mild antiseptic and saliva-stimulating properties make it useful in gargles or topical preparations; follow appropriate dilution and safety guidelines.

• Ornamental and landscaping:

  • Use as an edging plant, in mixed containers, or as a low groundcover. Blooms are eye-catching and attract pollinators.

• Companion planting:

  • Can deter certain pests and attract beneficial insects when planted near vegetables and herbs.

Safety and cautions

• Generally considered safe in culinary amounts. Some people may experience strong oral sensations; start with small amounts.

• Avoid internal medicinal use in large amounts without professional guidance, especially for children, pregnant or nursing people, or individuals with specific health conditions.

• Test topically for sensitivity before broader use.

Plant spilanthes to add a distinctive flavor, versatile uses, and pollinator-friendly blooms to your garden. Start seeds indoors about 6–8 weeks before your last frost, transplant after temperatures are reliably warm, keep plants well-watered and fed, and harvest buds and leaves throughout the season for culinary and topical use.