Toothache Plant, Lemon Drops

Lemon Drops offers a unique and enjoyable experience for those who partake in it. Its attractive yellow blossom can be consumed entirely, providing a delightful fizzy sensation in the mouth before leaving a slight numbing feeling. Beyond its pleasurable qualities, this plant also boasts anti-bacterial properties and has been traditionally used to promote oral health. Overall, this plant variety offers both an enjoyable sensory experience and potential health benefits.

Toothache Plant: This unusual ornamental herb, Acmella oleracea, is a quirky, conversation-starting plant known for its peculiar button-shaped, yellow-red pom-pom flowers. When chewed, these flowers release spilanthol, a compound that creates a strong tingling and temporary numbing sensation, traditionally used for oral pain relief and now prized in molecular gastronomy applications. The plant blooms continuously from summer to frost, adding bronze-tinted foliage and unique appeal to any garden.

• Growing Tips: Transplant after all frost danger passes, spacing 12 inches apart; plants thrive in heat and grow as annuals in most climates.

• Sun Requirements: Full sun to partial shade.

• Preferred Soil: Well-drained, moderately fertile soil with regular moisture.

• Harvest Details: Harvest fully formed flower heads for their numbing effect; used traditionally as a toothache remedy and as an ingredient in molecular gastronomy.