How to grow electric daisy in a raised bed

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 should I plant electric daisy?

Electric daisy is frost-tender — sow or plant from spring through summer. It grows fast and easily in the warm months. Our free garden calendar shows the right months for your postcode.

• Subtropical (Brisbane & SEQ): September to January
• Temperate (Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth): October to December
• Cool & mountain (Tasmania, Canberra, highlands): November to December
• Tropical (Cairns, Darwin): September to February
• Arid inland: October to November

How do I grow electric daisy 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 do I 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.

What pests attack electric daisy?

Keep an eye out for aphids, though flowers are seldom much bothered. See our safe pest guide.

What are the common problems with electric daisy?

The main one to watch is powdery mildew, usually in damp, crowded conditions. Good airflow prevents most.

Where should I 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 garden 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.