How To Grow Acmella Oleracea (Toothache Plant) From Seed

[Infinity]

How To Grow Acmella Oleracea (Toothache Plant) From Seed

 

Plant: Acmella Oleracea

Common Name: Toothache Plant

Overview

Acmella Oleracea is a tropical flowering herb that has medicinal value as an oral numbing agent, as well as interesting culinary uses.

Description

A small, erect plant, often growing no taller than 30cm. It grows bushy and bears gold and red clusters of complex flowers arranged on a stem and are often referred to as ‘buzz buttons’.

Medicinal Uses

Traditionally used for treating toothache, the analgesic effect has been attributed to the presence of Spilanthol, an antiseptic alkaloid, and a substance that also promotes salivation. Simply remove 3-4 choice leaves, place near the affected area in the mouth and chew. The analgesic effects are immediate along with a noted increase in saliva production. Swallowing the saliva residue will also numb the throat.

Culinary Uses

Small amounts of finely shredded leaves adds a unique flavor to leafy salads. The leaves have a ‘grassy’ taste followed by a strong tingling and numbing sensation often with excessive saliva production. A cooling sensation in often noted in the throat.

How To Grow From Seed

The seeds of Acmella Oleracea are very small and require direct sunlight in order to germinate. This plant prefers highly organic black seedling soil. Consider adding Vermiculite and/or Perlite to improve drainage.  Jiffy-7 peat pellets also work exceptionally well with this plant. Sow the seeds on the surface during Spring and pat down, being careful not to cover the seeds. As this is a tropical plant, the use of a humidity dome will also improve your success rate. Place in a location that receives morning sun.Germination should occurs in approx 14 days. Replant in the garden once 6-8 leaves are visible. These also do well and look great in Terracotta pots.

 

Questions

If you have any questions about Acmella Oleracea, please feel free to contact me. I'm always happy to help.

 

Infinite Love and Light

∞

 

 

 

 

[shonman]

Nice!

after growing...what about putting them under lights with timers

and continously harvesting ?

[Strontium Dawg]

A-ha, this is very timely, I kicked off a bunch of seeds this week.

Following this!

[Strontium Dawg]

Do they prefer shade, dappled light or full sun once past the juvenile stage?

[Infinity]

Sorry for the delayed reply. No sure how I missed these.

 

Yes, you can go under an 18/6 light schedule and perpetually harvest the leaves. If you want those button you'd need to try a flowering schedule like 12/12

 

Once past juvenile stage they can handle full blown sun but I find they do best / look best / are most potent when they only get morning sun and a good constant dosing of nutrient water.