The Toothache Plant (Spilanthes oleracea), also known as Eyeball Plant, is a unique herb renowned for its striking red and yellow flowers and its fascinating ability to provide a tingling, numbing sensation when chewed. This plant has a long history of use in traditional medicine as a remedy for toothaches, mouth ulcers, and other oral health issues. In addition to its medicinal uses, it’s an attractive addition to herb gardens, with its vibrant flowers that resemble little eyeballs. As an easy-to-grow, hardy perennial, the Eyeball Plant is perfect for gardeners interested in unique herbs, medicinal plants, or those simply looking to add an unusual touch to their garden.

Key Features:

• 100 Premium Seeds: This packet contains 100 high-quality seeds of the Toothache/Eyeball Plant, allowing you to cultivate this medicinal herb at home.
• Medicinal Uses: The plant’s name comes from its use in traditional medicine as a natural remedy for toothaches and mouth discomfort. The flowers, when chewed, have a numbing, tingling effect.
• Distinctive Appearance: With its red and yellow daisy-like flowers, the Eyeball Plant is a visually interesting addition to any garden. The flowers are small but stand out, resembling little eyeballs, which adds a whimsical touch.
• Easy to Grow: The Toothache Plant is a hardy, low-maintenance herb that thrives in full sun and can tolerate a variety of soil types. Once established, it is drought-tolerant and resistant to most pests and diseases.
• Pollinator-Friendly: The plant’s vibrant flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, making it a great addition to a pollinator-friendly garden.
• Versatile: Besides being used in traditional medicine, the Eyeball Plant also serves as an ornamental plant with its bright, attractive flowers, making it a wonderful addition to herb, medicinal, or floral gardens.

Growing Information:

• Light Requirements: The Eyeball Plant thrives in full sun, though it can tolerate partial shade in hotter climates. It prefers at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day to produce the most vibrant flowers.
• Soil Preferences: Toothache Plant grows well in moderately fertile, well-draining soil. It is tolerant of a range of soil types, including loamy and sandy soils, as long as the drainage is good. It prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil.
• Planting Tips:
  • Indoor Start: Start seeds indoors about 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost date. Plant seeds in a tray or small pots with light, well-draining potting soil. Press the seeds lightly into the surface but do not cover them, as they need light to germinate. Keep the soil consistently moist and at temperatures around 65-75°F (18-24°C). Germination typically occurs in 7-14 days.
  • Direct Sowing: After the danger of frost has passed, you can sow seeds directly in your garden. Space them about 12 inches apart to allow for adequate growth and air circulation.
  • Germination: Seeds typically take 7-14 days to germinate under the right conditions.
• Watering Needs: Water the plant regularly, especially during the first few weeks of growth. Once established, the Eyeball Plant is fairly drought-tolerant. Ensure the soil is not too soggy, as it prefers slightly dry conditions.
• Temperature: Toothache Plant thrives in USDA Zones 9-11 but can be grown as an annual in colder climates or brought indoors during winter. It is sensitive to frost and should be protected from freezing temperatures.
• Fertilizing: Fertilize lightly with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to encourage healthy growth. Over-fertilizing can lead to weak plants with fewer flowers.
• Pruning and Care: The plant requires minimal pruning. However, removing spent flowers and trimming back leggy growth can help maintain a neat appearance and encourage more blooms.
• Winter Care: In colder climates, bring the plant indoors or treat it as an annual. If left outside, the plant may die off in frost, but it will typically regrow if overwintered indoors.

Benefits:

• Oral Health: The plant’s flowers contain compounds that have a natural numbing effect, making it useful for easing toothaches and mouth sores. In traditional medicine, it was often used as a mouthwash or chewed directly to alleviate pain.
• Unique Plant: The bright red and yellow "eyeball" flowers are both medicinal and ornamental, adding interest and color to any herb or flower garden.
• Pollinator-Friendly: The Toothache Plant’s vibrant flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators, helping to support local ecosystems.
• Low-Maintenance: The plant is drought-tolerant once established and is not demanding in terms of care. It is resistant to most pests and diseases, making it a hardy choice for any garden.
• Versatility: Beyond its medicinal uses, the Eyeball Plant makes a great addition to herb gardens, container gardens, and floral landscapes, offering both beauty and utility.

Growing Zones:
Toothache Plant thrives in USDA Zones 9-11, meaning it is ideal for warmer climates. In colder zones, it can be grown as an annual or brought indoors during the winter months.

How to Use in the Garden:

• Herb Garden: Plant Toothache Plant in an herb garden where you can easily harvest its flowers for medicinal purposes. It pairs well with other medicinal plants, such as echinacea or chamomile.
• Pollinator Garden: Its vibrant flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, making it an excellent addition to any pollinator-friendly garden.
• Ornamental Garden: Use the Eyeball Plant as an ornamental specimen for its bright, eye-catching flowers. It can be planted in flower beds, borders, or containers to add a pop of color.
• Container Planting: If you have limited space or want to move the plant around, the Eyeball Plant does well in containers. Place it on a sunny windowsill, patio, or balcony to enjoy its striking flowers.
• Medicinal Herb Garden: As a traditional medicinal herb, the Toothache Plant can be a valuable part of a garden focused on growing plants for health and wellness. Use the flowers to make herbal teas, tinctures, or mouthwashes.

Conclusion:
The Toothache or Eyeball Plant (Spilanthes oleracea) is a fascinating, low-maintenance herb that combines beauty, medicinal value, and pollinator benefits. Whether you’re interested in its historical use as a remedy for toothaches or simply love its vibrant red and yellow flowers, this plant is a great addition to any garden. It’s easy to grow, drought-tolerant, and attractive to both humans and pollinators alike. Start with these 100 seeds and cultivate a unique, beneficial plant in your own garden today