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Toothache Plant Paracress Seeds

Scientific name Acmella oleracea

About this variety

Paracress Toothache Plant Seeds grow into a fascinating heirloom herb prized for its eye-catching golden button flowers, lush green foliage, and unforgettable sensory experience. Also known as the Toothache Plant or Buzz Buttons, this unique plant has been cultivated for generations in tropical regions, where its edible flowers and leaves have long been appreciated in traditional cuisine and...

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Alliance Of Native Seedkeepers  |  SKU: HB109
$150 USD $200
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At a glance

The facts most gardeners need first

View the full variety record
25 minimum seeds per packet
  • Germination4-14 days · 70–85 °F
  • Maturity70-79 Days · 70-79 Days
  • SunFull - Partial Sun
  • Support & spacingNo-Support · space 10 in · rows 24 in
  • Plant habitAnnual · 13–18 in tall
  • Best usespecialty herb gardens, pollinator plantings, careful identification, and seed saving
Secure checkout Details
Generic
Triple-tested seed qualityRegular quality and germination checks support every packet.

We regularly test seed quality and germination as lots move through storage and packing. We stand behind the seed we send and want customers to contact us when a packet does not perform as reasonably expected.

1-year seed warrantyCoverage begins on the date of purchase.

When properly stored, planted, and cared for, we guarantee reasonable germination and true-to-type growth for one year from the date of purchase. Conditions outside our control—including extreme weather, pests, unsuitable storage, and gardener error—are excluded. Contact us when something is not right so we can review the situation and work toward a replacement, refund, or another fair resolution.

Non-GMO / BE seed policyWe do not buy or sell genetically engineered or bioengineered seed.

Every seed variety we sell is non-GMO.

USDA’s National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard defines bioengineered foods as containing detectable genetic material modified through in vitro recombinant DNA methods in ways not achievable through conventional breeding or found in nature.

  • Hybrid means parent lines were conventionally crossed; hybrid does not mean GMO.
  • Heirloom and open-pollinated describe how a variety is maintained and reproduced.
  • Organic certification is separate and is shown only when verified for the individual product.

Read how we define heirloom, hybrid, and GMO/BE seed · USDA BE Standard

Packed in Colerain, North CarolinaPrepared in our seed room for gardens across the country.

Seeds are packed and shipped from Colerain, North Carolina. Our packets use forestry-certified paper, and we use recyclable paper mailers where appropriate. AONSK is also a 1% for the Planet partner while continuing to reduce waste in packing and fulfillment.

Seed-starting profileDifficulty, preparation, reliability, and timing Open

Seed success profile

Gardener experience Experienced planning is helpful
Germination difficulty Slow, uneven, or dormancy-sensitive
Preparation before sowing
Follow the detailed dormancy, light, and seasonal preparation record below; label the sowing date and allow uneven emergence
Germination speed
4-14 days
Growing complexity
Species-specific seed preparation and careful identification are more important than generic herb advice
Patience and timing
70-79 Days
Is this seed a good match for your experience?
Expected germination
4-14
Germination temperature
70–85 °F
Stratification
Follow the detailed dormancy instructions below; do not assume stratification is required
Scarification
Not normally required by the current record
Pre-soaking
Not normally required by the current record
Light during germination
Cover to the recorded depth; provide strong light immediately after emergence
Germination pattern
Reliability depends strongly on correct preparation, temperature, moisture, and patience through the full emergence window
Transplant sensitivity
Use the crop-specific starting method and minimize unnecessary root disturbance
Starting method
Cataloged as suitable for direct sowing; follow the product-specific timing and depth.
Best chance of success
For Toothache Plant Paracress Seeds, control temperature and moisture at sowing, label the start date, and compare emergence with the complete recorded germination window before reseeding.
Planning window

Plan around 4-14at70–85 °F. Keep moisture, light, and preparation aligned with the sowing instructions below.

Slow germination is not automatically failed germination.

Maintain the listed temperature, moisture, light, and treatment conditions for the full expected window. Some seed lots emerge gradually rather than all at once.

1 Beginner-friendly 2 One extra step 3 Some experience helpful 4 Patient growers 5 Advanced propagation

Seed age, storage, sowing depth, moisture, temperature, light, local conditions, and aftercare can affect results. Last reviewed July 2026.

Browse AONSK seed-starting and garden guides

Garden tools

Need a plan for your space?

Open the garden-fit planner or soil calculator only when you need them.

Open garden tools Uses this product’s recorded growing information. Local weather and garden conditions may vary.

About this variety

What to expect from Toothache Plant Paracress Seeds

Toothache Plant Paracress Seeds produce a garden-ready paracress seed selection for home growers, market gardens, and seedkeepers.

Read the complete product descriptionTraits, flavor, garden use, variety notes, and the full catalog record

Paracress Toothache Plant Seeds grow into a fascinating heirloom herb prized for its eye-catching golden button flowers, lush green foliage, and unforgettable sensory experience. Also known as the Toothache Plant or Buzz Buttons, this unique plant has been cultivated for generations in tropical regions, where its edible flowers and leaves have long been appreciated in traditional cuisine and herbal practices. Paracress Toothache Plant Seeds produce fast-growing, branching plants that add ornamental beauty to herb gardens, pollinator beds, edible landscapes, and containers while attracting beneficial insects throughout the growing season.

Paracress Toothache Plant Seeds thrive in full sun with fertile, well-drained soil and consistent moisture, rewarding gardeners with months of distinctive blooms that are as decorative as they are conversation-starting. The flower buds and tender leaves are commonly used fresh in salads, beverages, and culinary creations, creating a unique tingling sensation that has made this plant popular with adventurous chefs and home gardeners alike. Easy to grow and highly productive, Paracress Toothache Plant Seeds are an excellent choice for anyone looking to add an unusual edible herb with ornamental appeal, rich cultural history, and exceptional garden performance to their collection.

Minimum Seed Count: 25 seeds

View all growing and care factsBotanical identity, timing, climate, soil, spacing, mature size, and crop-specific details

Plant identity

Minimum seed count 25 seeds
Seed product profile Traditional herb
Scientific name Acmella oleracea
Also known as Paracress, Paracress Seeds - Toothache Plant
Color Green
Life cycle Annual
Reproductive type Open-Pollinated (OP)
Heritage qualifiers Non-GMO
Native to the United States Domesticated Plant
Domestication note Amazon Basin

Seed success and gardener experience

Gardener experience Experienced planning is helpfulLevel 4 of 5
Germination difficulty Slow, uneven, or dormancy-sensitiveLevel 4 of 5
Preparation before sowing Follow the detailed dormancy, light, and seasonal preparation record below; label the sowing date and allow uneven emergence
Stratification Follow the detailed dormancy instructions below; do not assume stratification is required
Scarification Not normally required by the current record
Pre-soaking Not normally required by the current record
Light during germination Cover to the recorded depth; provide strong light immediately after emergence
Germination pattern Reliability depends strongly on correct preparation, temperature, moisture, and patience through the full emergence window
Growing complexity Species-specific seed preparation and careful identification are more important than generic herb advice
Transplant sensitivity Use the crop-specific starting method and minimize unnecessary root disturbance
First harvest or bloom 70-79 Days
Best chance of success For Toothache Plant Paracress Seeds, control temperature and moisture at sowing, label the start date, and compare emergence with the complete recorded germination window before reseeding.

Timing and climate

Days to maturity 70-79 Days
Germination 4-14
Germination temperature 70–85 °F
Planting season Spring
Frost tolerance Tender
Sunlight Full - Partial Sun
Water needs Moderate

Site, soil, and space

Soil type Loamy
Preferred soil pH 6.0–6.5
Seed depth 1/4 in
Plant spacing 10 in
Row spacing 24 in
Mature height 13–18 in
Support needed No-Support
Suitable growing locations Container, Garden Plot, Raised Bed, Greenhouse, Community Garden

Crop-specific details

Flavor profile The flower buds and tender leaves are commonly used fresh in salads, beverages, and culinary creations, creating a unique tingling sensation that has made this plant popular with adventurous chefs and home gardeners alike.
Garden toolsOpen the garden-fit planner, planting-window questions, or soil calculator only when useful

Uses this product’s recorded growing information. Local weather, soil, and garden conditions may vary.

Garden-fit planning for this variety

Will Toothache Plant Paracress Seeds fit your garden?

Check propagation needs, patience, life cycle, habitat, and intended non-medical garden use.

Questions for this traditional-use herb seed
Seed-starting fit and patience
Recorded product profileExperienced planning is helpfulSlow, uneven, or dormancy-sensitiveRead why
Soil test, pH, drainage, and amendment calculator Have a laboratory soil report? Enter pH, nutrients, texture, bed size, and site observations here. Open soil tools
Recorded soil typeLoamy
Recorded pH range6.0–6.5
Water needsModerate
LightFull - Partial Sun

Use a current laboratory soil test

Soil-test interpreter

Compare your report with this product's listed pH target: 6.0–6.5.

This tool interprets values you enter; it does not replace laboratory or Cooperative Extension amendment rates. Soil test methods and nutrient recommendations vary by region.

Full growing record

Open only the section you need

How to start Toothache Plant Paracress Seeds from seedPreparation, timing, depth, germination, transplanting, spacing, and early care

Recorded germination plan

Expected germination
4-14
Germination temperature
70–85 °F

Complete sowing and planting guidance

How to sow and plant Paracress: plant in prepared, well-drained soil after the recommended seasonal window for your area. Keep the seedbed evenly moist during germination, thin seedlings to the listed spacing, and mulch established plants to conserve soil moisture.
How to grow this specific varietyLight, water, fertility, support, spacing, airflow, crop behavior, and season-long care

Complete growing guide

How to grow Paracress: choose a site with the listed sunlight and soil requirements. Water consistently, avoid overcrowding, and monitor plants for pests, disease, and nutrient stress. Harvest at the proper stage for best flavor and seed quality.

Practical field and garden tips

Minimal care is required. Prune back regularly to encourage bushy growth and remove spent blooms to prolong flowering.
Harvest flower buds and leaves as needed for medicinal or culinary use. The flowers are at their peak potency when fully open.
Harvest, storage, uses, and benefitsWhen and how to harvest, ways to use the crop, storage, culinary value, habitat value, and garden roles

Uses and benefits

The Toothache Plant is renowned for its dual purpose as both a functional and ornamental herb. Known for its natural numbing effect, chewing the flower buds can temporarily relieve oral discomfort such as toothaches or sore gums. It is also used in traditional medicine to support immune health and combat inflammation.
Seed saving and carrying the variety forwardPollination, isolation, selection, harvest, cleaning, drying, and storage
Seed saving for Paracress: select healthy, true-to-type plants, allow seed to mature fully before harvest, dry seed thoroughly, and store in a cool, dry, labeled container. Isolate varieties as needed to prevent unwanted crossing.
Problems and answersPests, diseases, troubleshooting, practical response, and product-specific questions

Complete pest and problem guide

Common pests and problems for Paracress: monitor for chewing insects, sap-sucking insects, fungal leaf spots, damping off, poor germination from cold or dry soil, and stress from inconsistent watering. Use crop rotation, spacing, mulch, and good airflow to reduce pressure.

Questions gardeners ask

Frequently Asked Questions — Paracress

Q: When should I plant Paracress?
A: Follow the planting season listed on this product page and adjust for your local frost dates.

Q: How deep should I sow the seeds?
A: Use the seed depth listed in the growing facts.

Q: Can I save seed from this variety?
A: Open-pollinated varieties can generally be saved when properly isolated and selected; hybrids may not grow true to type.
History, provenance, and cultural contextWhat is documented, what is reported, what remains uncertain, and how the variety reached gardeners

Scientific name: Acmella oleracea

Plant and variety history

Acmella oleracea, commonly known as the Toothache Plant, has a long history in traditional medicine. Native to tropical regions of South America, this herb has been used for centuries to alleviate oral pain and other ailments. Its unique numbing properties, attributed to a compound called spilanthol, have made it a favorite in herbal remedies and natural health practices. Over time, it has gained popularity as an ornamental and medicinal plant worldwide.

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Customer experience

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