Spilanthes (Toothache Plant) in Zone 10a & 10b
Spilanthes oleracea
When to plant spilanthes (toothache plant) in zone 10b
Zones 10a and 10b share the same average frost dates in our data, so this page covers both.
Method: Either: Start indoors for an earlier harvest, or direct-sow outside for less fuss. Spilanthes (Toothache Plant) tolerates either.
| Start indoors | Dec 19–Dec 26 |
|---|---|
| Direct sow / transplant outside | Feb 6–Feb 13 |
| Estimated bloom | Apr 12–Apr 19 (~65 days after planting) |
Spacing: 2 per square foot (square-foot-gardening spacing). Mature height: 0.5-1 ft.

Spilanthes, commonly called the toothache plant, is grown as much as a novelty edible as an ornamental. Chewing a leaf or flower bud produces a genuine numbing, tingling sensation, traditionally used to ease tooth pain.
How spilanthes (toothache plant) fits zone 10's season
Zone 10b's frost-free window runs about 324 days, from January 30 to December 20. Spilanthes (Toothache Plant) needs about 65 days from sowing to first harvest.
Good companions
No standout companions recorded yet for Spilanthes (Toothache Plant).
Where to buy spilanthes seeds
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See it growing
Search YouTube for "growing spilanthes (toothache plant)" videos → (a live search, not a hand-picked video; results vary and aren't vetted by us)
← Back to the full zone 10b calendar · Full companion planting guide · Full plant profile · Plan your beds in the Garden Designer →

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Growing Spilanthes (Toothache Plant) in USDA zone 10b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a bloom.
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