Spilanthes - Lemon Drop

Spilanthes, also known as Acmella oleracea or the "Lemon Drop" variety, is a vibrant, tropical herb that is famous for its unique flavor and medicinal properties. Often referred to as the "toothache plant" due to its numbing effect on the mouth, the Lemon Drop Spilanthes adds both visual appeal and culinary interest to any garden.

Key Benefits

• Dental Health: Traditionally known for its numbing effects, the Lemon Drop Spilanthes is often used in natural remedies for toothaches and sore gums.
• Boosts Immunity: Spilanthes is known for its immune-boosting properties, supporting the body’s defense mechanisms against infections and illnesses.
• Anti-inflammatory: The plant contains compounds that help reduce inflammation, making it useful for treating conditions like sore throats and digestive issues.
• Digestive Aid: Spilanthes can support digestion and has been traditionally used to relieve indigestion, bloating, and discomfort.
• Antioxidant: Packed with beneficial compounds, the plant has strong antioxidant properties that help protect the body from free radicals and oxidative stress.
• Culinary Use: With a distinctive, tingling sensation, the leaves of the Lemon Drop Spilanthes are used in culinary dishes, salads, or as a garnish. Its lemony flavor adds a unique twist to food and drinks.

Variety Features

• Appearance: The Lemon Drop Spilanthes is a low-growing, bushy herb that can reach up to 18 inches (45 cm) in height. It produces small, bright yellow flowers with red centers that resemble tiny daisies.
• Taste and Aroma: The leaves and flowers have a slightly bitter, pungent taste with a lemony zest and an interesting numbing effect on the mouth, which makes it a fun and unique ingredient.
• Flowering: This plant blooms with vibrant, yellow, daisy-like flowers throughout the growing season, attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies.

Planting Instructions

Planting Season

• Best Time to Plant: Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last expected frost. Transplant outdoors after the risk of frost has passed, typically in late spring or early summer.
• Temperature: Lemon Drop Spilanthes thrives in warm conditions and prefers temperatures between 70°F and 85°F (21°C–29°C).

Planting Details

• Planting Depth: Sow seeds 1/4 inch (6 mm) deep in moist, well-drained soil.
• Spacing: Space the plants about 12–18 inches (30–45 cm) apart to allow for proper growth.
• Soil Requirements: Spilanthes prefers loamy, slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0–7.0). It is best grown in rich, fertile soil but can tolerate a variety of soil types.
• Sunlight: This herb enjoys full sun but can tolerate partial shade, especially in hot climates. Aim for at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day for optimal growth.

Care Instructions

• Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist, especially during dry periods, but avoid waterlogging, as Spilanthes prefers well-drained soil. Watering consistently is important to support its growth.
• Fertilization: Feed the plant with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season to encourage healthy growth and abundant flowers. Avoid over-fertilizing, as it may lead to excessive leaf growth at the expense of flowers.
• Weeding: Keep the garden bed free from weeds to reduce competition for nutrients and water.
• Pruning: Prune dead or damaged leaves to encourage new growth and maintain a tidy appearance. Spilanthes can also be pinched back to promote a bushier habit.

Harvesting

• When to Harvest: Harvest the leaves and flowers when they are young and tender, ideally just before or during blooming for the most potent flavor and medicinal properties.
• Method: Use clean, sharp scissors or garden shears to snip off the leaves and flowers. For medicinal use, it’s best to harvest during the flowering stage, as this is when the plant’s numbing properties are at their peak.
• Post-Harvest: For culinary uses, you can use fresh leaves and flowers immediately or dry them for later use. To dry, hang the stems upside down in a shaded, well-ventilated area, or use a dehydrator.

Storage Tips

• Drying: After harvesting, dry the leaves and flowers by hanging them upside down in a dark, dry area with good air circulation. Once completely dried, store them in an airtight container to preserve flavor and potency.
• Storage: Store dried Spilanthes in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, for up to a year. Fresh leaves should be used within a few days of harvest or stored in the refrigerator in a sealed container.

Medicinal and Culinary Uses

• Toothache Relief: The leaves and flowers of the Lemon Drop Spilanthes are traditionally used as a natural remedy for toothaches due to their numbing effect. Simply chew on the leaves or apply a poultice to the affected area for temporary relief.
• Digestive Aid: The plant has been used in herbal medicine to relieve indigestion, gas, and bloating, making it a valuable addition to digestive health remedies.
• Flavor Enhancer: In cooking, the fresh or dried leaves can be added to salads, soups, or beverages. They provide a unique, tangy flavor with a mild numbing effect that adds a sensory experience to dishes.
• Anti-inflammatory: Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, Lemon Drop Spilanthes can be used to help treat conditions like sore throat, joint pain, or other inflammatory issues.
• Tinctures and Teas: Lemon Drop Spilanthes can be made into a tincture or infused into herbal teas for medicinal use. It is often combined with other herbs to enhance its effects.

Conclusion

Lemon Drop Spilanthes (Acmella oleracea) is a unique and versatile herb that provides both culinary and medicinal benefits. From its flavorful leaves and numbing properties to its immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory effects, this plant offers a wide range of uses. Easy to grow and care for, it can be a fun and valuable addition to your herb garden, with its striking yellow flowers adding both beauty and functionality to your space. Whether used for its medicinal properties or as a distinctive culinary ingredient, Lemon Drop Spilanthes is a must-have for herb enthusiasts.