Spilanthes (Toothache Plant) in Zone 8a & 8b
Spilanthes oleracea
When to plant spilanthes (toothache plant) in zone 8b
Zones 8a and 8b 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 | Feb 11–Feb 18 |
|---|---|
| Direct sow / transplant outside | Apr 1–Apr 8 |
| Estimated bloom | Jun 5–Jun 12 (~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 8's season
Zone 8b's frost-free window runs about 230 days, from March 25 to November 10. 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 8b 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 8b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a bloom.
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