Abstract: A container having an actuating mechanism with a depending flexible central stem is filled with a flowable viscous substance by the method disclosed. In the method, the container is disposed with its open end facing upwardly for receiving the lower end of a filling tube having a camming surface which engages the stem and displaces it laterally as the filling tube enters the container and advances alongside the stem. After the filling tube reaches a predetermined depth, discharge of the viscous material begins and continues as the filling tube is withdrawn from the container.