Acmella oleracea (Spilanthes) 9 cm Pot

Growth habit & appearance: This lively plant forms a low mound of opposite, broadly ovate leaves with toothed margins and slightly reddish stems. The standout feature is its numerous eye-catching flower-heads: dense yellow disc florets topped with a deep red button-centre, resembling tiny “buzz-buttons”. The blooms are attractive to bees, butterflies and other pollinators, adding both texture and colour to herbaceous borders or containers.

Growing conditions: Native to tropical South America, this plant is frost-sensitive and should be treated as an annual in Ireland or overwintered indoors in a bright, frost-free space. It thrives in full sun to part shade, in moist, fertile, well-drained soil. Though supplied in a 9 cm pot, allow sufficient space or transplant into a larger container to support its spreading habit and vivid blooms.

Traditional & herbal uses: Acmella oleracea is often called the “toothache plant” for its distinctive tingling and numbing effect when its flowers or leaves are chewed. The name arises from its traditional use for mouth- and gum-related ailments in its native region. It is also referenced for its salivation-promoting and anti-inflammatory properties, and its unusual edible value: the blooms may be used sparingly as a novelty garnish or flavour accent.

Maintenance & harvesting: Keep plants well-watered during the growing season, avoiding water-logging or prolonged drought. Pinch out spent blooms to encourage further flowering. Harvest flower-heads when bright yellow and firm for best flavour and effect. As temperatures fall, bring containers into a frost-free greenhouse or indoors, or replace the plant annually. Monitor for slug and snail activity, particularly when grown in containers or under cover.