10 Seeds Spilanthes acmella var. oleracea Purpurea Purple Toothache Plant

Spilanthes acmella var. oleracea Purpurea, commonly called the purple toothache plant, is a distinctive ornamental edible grown for its unusual burgundy-tinted foliage and striking golden-yellow, cone-shaped flower heads. A tender perennial often cultivated as an annual, it forms a compact, bushy mound that adds bold color and texture to beds, borders, and container plantings. The purple-toned leaves contrast beautifully with the warm-toned blooms, and the plant also earns its place in herb and kitchen gardens for the unique tingling sensation its flowers and leaves provide when tasted.
This selection works well as a front-of-border accent, in pollinator-friendly plantings, and in mixed herb containers. It thrives in warm weather, growing quickly through summer and flowering over a long season until frost. Leaves and flower heads can be used fresh in salads, drinks, and garnishes for their distinctive numbing quality. Provide consistent moisture and full sun for the most compact growth and best foliage color.
Species: Spilanthes acmella var. oleracea
Variety: Purpurea
Type: Tender perennial, usually grown as an annual
Plant_Habit: Compact, bushy, mounding
Sun: Full sun to partial shade
Soil: Rich, well-drained, moisture-retentive
Days_to_Harvest: 90-120
Zones: 9-11
Germination: 10-21 days at 70-75F
Sowing: Surface sow, lightly press into soil, do not cover deeply, keep moist
Spacing: 12-18 inches
Notes: Pinch young plants to encourage branching; harvest flowers and leaves as needed through the season