Toothache Plant

What you'll need:

Toothache plant seeds (you can find these at garden centers or online)

A pot or small garden space (choose a container about 8-10 inches wide if growing in pots)

Well-draining soil (regular potting mix works well, but make sure it’s loose and not too heavy)

When to start:

Toothache plants love warmth, so they grow best when started in spring after the last frost has passed. If you live in a colder area, you can start them indoors about 4-6 weeks before moving them outside once the weather warms up.

Finding a good spot:

These plants thrive in partial shade to full sun. While they can handle some direct sunlight, they also appreciate a bit of shade during the hottest part of the day. If you’re planting in a pot, place it where it gets morning sun and afternoon shade for the best results.

Tip: If you're starting indoors, keep the seeds in a warm spot like near a sunny window or under a grow light.

If you have seeds:

1. Fill your pot or seed tray with moist soil, leaving about an inch from the top.
2. Sprinkle the seeds on top of the soil—don’t bury them too deep! Just press them gently into the surface.
3. Lightly cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil (about 1/8 inch).
4. Water gently, keeping the soil moist but not soggy.
5. Place the pot or tray in a warm, bright location. The seeds should sprout in about 7-14 days.
6. Once the seedlings have grown a couple of true leaves, you can transplant them into larger pots or directly into your garden.

If you have seedlings:

1. Dig a small hole in your pot or garden bed, just big enough to fit the root ball.
2. Gently place the seedling into the hole and cover the roots with soil, pressing lightly to secure it.
3. Water thoroughly right after planting to help the plant settle in.

Spacing tip: If planting multiple toothache plants, leave about 10-12 inches between each plant to give them room to spread.

Watering:

• Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Think of it as a damp sponge that isn’t dripping wet.
• During hot weather, you may need to water every 2-3 days, but always check the soil first—if the top inch feels dry, it’s time to water.

Sunlight:

• Your toothache plant will do well with a mix of sun and shade. Aim for 4-6 hours of sunlight daily, but provide some shade during the hottest part of the day, especially if you live in a warmer climate.

Feeding:

• Feed your plant with a light dose of general-purpose fertilizer every 4-6 weeks. You don’t need to overdo it—just a little boost will keep your plant happy.

Pest control:

• Luckily, toothache plants are pretty hardy and resistant to pests, but occasionally you might see aphids or spider mites. If that happens, spray the plant with a mix of water and mild soap to get rid of them.

Pruning tips:

• To encourage more leaf growth and bushier plants, pinch off the tips of the stems every now and then. This helps the plant branch out instead of growing tall and leggy.

When to pick your leaves:

• You can start harvesting leaves once the plant is well-established, usually around 8-10 weeks after planting.
• The leaves are most potent when picked in the morning after the dew has dried but before the heat of the day sets in.

How to harvest:

• Simply pluck the leaves or flower buds from the plant as needed. You don’t need to harvest the entire plant at once—you can take a few leaves at a time and let the plant continue growing.
• For the best flavor and medicinal benefits, use fresh leaves right away.

Storage:

• Fresh leaves can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days. If you want to preserve them longer, you can dry them by laying them out in a cool, dark place until they’re completely dry, then store them in an airtight container.

Tip: The flowers are also edible and have a tingling, numbing effect that makes them fun to try in salads or as garnishes!

Q: Why are my toothache plant's leaves turning yellow?

A: Yellow leaves could mean overwatering or poor drainage. Make sure the soil is moist but not soggy, and ensure your pot has drainage holes to prevent water from sitting at the bottom.

Q: Can I grow toothache plants indoors?

A: Yes, you can! As long as you place them in a sunny spot that gets at least 4-6 hours of indirect sunlight per day, they’ll do fine indoors. You can even grow them under grow lights if you don’t have enough natural light.

Q: My plant is getting leggy. What should I do?

A: Leggy growth usually happens when the plant isn’t getting enough light. Try moving it to a brighter location or pruning it back a bit to encourage bushier growth.

Q: Are toothache plants safe to eat?

A: Yes! Both the leaves and flowers are edible and are often used in herbal remedies or as garnishes. They have a unique “tingling” or numbing sensation, which is why they’re called “toothache plants.”

Q: How do I stop my toothache plant from flowering too early?

A: Pinch off the flower buds when they first appear if you want the plant to focus on leaf growth. However, the flowers are also useful, so you can let some develop if you’d like to enjoy both leaves and blooms.