Toothache plant is also known as paracress, Sichuan buttons, buzz buttons, tingflowers and electric daisy . It originates from Brazil. It is a member of the aster family. Like marigold, daisy and sunflower. Toothache plant has yellow flowers with a red centre. The taste is distinctive and goes from salty to peppery. The taste is slightly spicy and sharp and can cause a tingling and numbing sensation in the mouth. Often used as a garnish and in cocktails, starters, salads and as a separate snack.
The leaves and flowers are both edible and can be used either cooked or raw. In plant medicine, it is used for its anti-inflammatory, astringent and analgesic properties. It can also be used against mouth ulcers. For relief from toothache, chew on a flower. The seeds can remain germinative for about 4 years. It is also a strikingly beautiful plant for the garden. It attracts bees, butterflies and other useful insects. It flowers from June - October. Not hardy annual. Height: 40 - 50 cm.
Indoor sowing: April - May
Outdoor sowing: May - June
Germination: 10 - 14 days
Germination temp.: 15 - 21ºC
Sowing depth: shallow - ½ cm
Plant distance: 30 - 40 cm
Plant position: sunny - half shade
Harvest period: July - November
Flowering period: June - October
Sow indoors in trays or small pots filled with moist potting soil. Sow shallowly and cover the seeds with a little seed soil. Toothache plant is a light germinator. Place the trays or pots in a warm room or in a propegator. Cover with a lid or cling film to keep the moisture in. Keep warm and moist. Do not let the temperature drop, especially at night. After about 10 - 14 days, depending on the temperature, the seedlings will emerge. Remove the cover or foil as soon as the seedlings come up.
From the middle of May (after the Ice Saints) let the young seedlings harden off in the sun for about 10 - 14 days. After this they can be placed in a sunny, sheltered spot in partial shade. Keep 30 - 40 cm distance between the plants. Protect the young plants against snails as they are very fond of Champagne leaves.
Sowing outside is possible from mid May (after the Ice Saints), as soon as there is no more chance of night frost. Provide a sunny spot with half shade and shelter from the wind. Sow shallowly and press the seeds carefully into the soil. Once the seedlings are big enough to handle, thin them out to 30 - 40 cm. You can harvest the flowers and leaves from July. The flowers and leaves can also be dried. Hang them upside down in a dry, well-ventilated place. After about 10 days they are dry. After this they can be stored in a plastic box with a lid. In this way they can be stored for a long time.
