The electric daisy (toothache plant, or Szechuan buttons) is a fun novelty herb whose little gold-and-red flower buds create a tingling, fizzing, numbing zing on the tongue. Easy and quirky, it's a great conversation plant for a raised bed.
Quick facts
- Position: full sun to part shade
- Spacing: 30 cm apart
- Tub depth: our 23 cm depth
- Time to harvest: 8–10 weeks
When to plant: Electric daisy is frost-tender — sow or plant from spring through summer. It grows fast and easily in the warm months. Our free planting calendar shows the right months for your postcode.
Growing it in a raised bed: Plant into moist, rich mix. It forms a low, spreading mound covered in the distinctive yellow flower buds with a red 'eye'. Pinch tips to keep it bushy.
How to use it: Pop a small piece of a flower bud on your tongue for the famous tingling, buzzing sensation; the leaves can be used sparingly in salads too. A brilliant novelty for adventurous cooks and curious kids.
Common pests: keep an eye out for aphids, though flowers are seldom much bothered. See our safe pest guide.
Common problems: the main one to watch is powdery mildew, usually in damp, crowded conditions. Good airflow prevents most.
Where to plant it: A fun novelty plant for the edge of a bed; the flowers still draw in curious pollinators. See our companion planting guide.
More growing guides: anise hyssop, calendula and borage.
Plan your patch: our free planting calendar shows what to plant now where you live. Ready to grow? Browse our raised garden beds or build your own with the garden bed builder.
Image: Forest and Kim Starr, CC BY 3.0 us, via Wikimedia Commons.
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