Tobacco (Nicotiana spp. ) is a large group of plants in the nightshade family (Solanaceae). A few species are quite attractive and have been used as garden ornamentals for a long time. N. is one of these species. It has big, showy leaves and fragrant clusters of white flowers that hang down and look like fireworks. This tender perennial plant comes from northwest Argentina and only lives to zone 10 (though it might make it further north if it is protected). It grows so quickly that it is usually treated as an annual. It was grown along paths and walkways in Victorian gardens so that people walking by could enjoy the scent of the flowers. More recently, it was given the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit. It is also one of the parents of commercial tobacco, which is a cross between two or three species and can only be grown. This plant species is also known as flowering tobacco, night scented tobacco, South American tobacco, and woodland tobacco. “Only the Lonely” is the most common cultivar. Its name is said to come from the fact that it is so tall that it stands out from everything else. N. sylvestris grows quickly from seeds, getting up to 3–5 feet tall and up to 2 feet wide at the base. Wide, oblong leaves to 18” long are produced in a dense basal rosette. When plants are grown in part shade, their leaves are bigger and a deeper green than when they are grown in full sun, where they may look almost chartreuse. The rough leaves have glandular hairs on them that make them feel sticky and may make sensitive people break out in hives. The bright green leaves have petioles that clasp or have wings that go around the stem. The upper leaves have these features the most. In midsummer the plant produces a central flower spike that grows rapidly several feet tall. The leaves along the erect stem decrease in size up the stem. The stems and roots are strong enough that the plants can lean at sharp angles without falling over or needing to be staked. However, branches can break at the base during strong storms or when it is very windy. From June until the first frost, pendant clusters of tubular flowers that range in color from pure white to cream appear. The main stem may be many-branched, producing multiple loose clusters of flowers. The flowers give off a strong, sweet, jasmine-like smell, especially at night, to attract sphinx moth pollinators. The plants probably don’t need them, though, because they pollinate themselves very well. Each flower has a long tube with a flared, star-shaped end. The flower clusters can be cut to use in fresh flower arrangements. Each flower that has been pollinated makes a lot of tiny seeds. The seeds are held in a rounded capsule that is surrounded by a persistent calyx. The very small brown seeds are ovoid to kidney shaped. This species easily spreads its seeds, but the seedlings are easy to spot and pull out if you don’t want them. This means that volunteers aren’t a big problem in cold climate gardens. This can be problematic in other areas where it can naturalize in open, disturbed areas. Flowering tobacco can be used in large groups at the back of an annual or mixed border to make a beautiful background for smaller plants, as a tall accent plant, or in a big mixed container. Its bold architectural presence complements almost any garden style from tropical to traditional. It is right at home in the cottage garden and is a natural for a moon garden. Position the plants where their delightful fragrance can be appreciated in the evening. In late summer, they look great with cleome, cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus), Verbena bonariensis, late-blooming shrub roses, and ornamental grasses. You can also use them to fill in gaps left by spring bulbs or spring-blooming perennials that go dormant later on, like Oriental poppy (Papaver orientalis). Their large leaves provide coarse texture that contrasts well with other plants with small leaves or fine texture. N. sylvestris grows best in full sun but will tolerate partial shade. It does well in all types of soils with moderate moisture needs, but it likes rich soils best, so if you can, add a lot of compost to the area where you want to plant it. Plant the seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost or directly in the garden after the last frost. It’s easy to grow from seeds. Surface sow the seeds and barely cover, as they need light to germinate. At least 12 hours of light per day is necessary for the seeds to germinate. Germination should occur in 1½-3 weeks. Seedlings should be transplanted into the garden after the last frost. The tiny seedlings can quickly fill a 3-4 square foot area, so give them room. The tips of the first flower spikes can be pinched out to promote branching and more flower clusters. Deadhead spent flower clusters to encourage more blooms and reduce self-seeding. When growing in windy areas or unsupported by other plants, these tall plants may need staking. If the soil is not particularly rich, fertilize heavily to support their substantial growth. There are some pests and diseases that come from tobacco, like aphids and tobacco hornworms, but they are usually not very bad. – Susan Mahr, University of Wisconsin – Madison.
Growing nicotiana, commonly known as flowering tobacco, from seed is an easy and rewarding endeavor for beginner gardeners With its trumpet-shaped blooms that unfurl in shades of white, pink, red and lime green, nicotiana brings fragrance and beauty to any garden Follow this simple guide to successfully grow this delightful annual from seed.
Getting Started with Nicotiana Seeds
Nicotiana seeds are tiny, so proper seed starting practices are important Here are some tips to get you going
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Choose a seed starting mix or potting soil designed for seeds. This will provide good drainage and moisture retention.
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Use small containers like cell packs or 2-3 inch pots to start the seeds. This prevents overcrowding of the tiny seedlings.
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Carefully sow the seeds on top of the soil, spacing them apart Nicotiana seeds need light to germinate, so do not cover them
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Gently water the seeds to moisten the soil. Keep the soil moist but not saturated.
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Place seed trays in a warm area (65-70°F) with bright, indirect light.
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In 7-14 days the seeds will sprout. Thin seedlings to 1 plant per cell or pot.
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Harden off plants before transplanting them into the garden.
Transplanting Nicotiana Outdoors
Nicotiana thrives in warm weather and should be transplanted outdoors after all danger of frost has passed. Follow these tips for transplanting success:
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Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and fertile soil. Shelter from wind is beneficial.
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Space plants 12-15 inches apart in the garden. They grow 1-3 feet tall depending on variety.
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Dig holes the width of the root ball and as deep. Carefully remove from containers and place in holes.
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Backfill holes with surrounding soil, gently firming the soil around plants.
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Water thoroughly after transplanting.
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Apply mulch around plants to retain moisture and reduce weeds.
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Stake taller varieties if needed for support.
Ongoing Care for Growing Nicotiana
With proper care your nicotiana will thrive through the season:
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Water plants regularly, especially during dry periods. Established plants are fairly drought tolerant.
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Fertilize every 2-3 weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer. This promotes lush growth and abundant blooms.
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Pinch or snip off spent blooms to encourage new flowers.
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Remove yellowing leaves and trim plants as needed to keep them tidy.
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Protect plants from strong winds, which can damage the brittle stems.
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Mulch around plants in hot climates to keep roots cool.
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Avoid wetting foliage, which can lead to disease. Water at soil level.
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In cooler regions, mulch plants in fall for protection or dig up tubers to overwinter.
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Propagate by seed collected at end of season.
Common Problems and Solutions
While generally trouble-free, here are some potential issues and fixes for nicotiana:
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Leggy growth: Increase light exposure.
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Poor flowering: Fertilize and water regularly. Pinch tips to promote branching.
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Insect pests: Treat with neem oil or insecticidal soap sprays.
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Mold or mildew: Improve air circulation and avoid wetting leaves.
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Root rot: Allow soil to dry between waterings.
Tips for Growing Different Nicotiana Varieties
There are over 60 species of nicotiana to explore. Here are some top varieties and how to succeed with them:
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N. alata: Grandiflora types produce lots of colorful, intensely fragrant blooms all season. Give them room to reach 3 feet. Pinch back for bushiness.
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N. sylvestris: Very fragrant, white blooms on large plants up to 5 feet tall. Start early indoors. Requires staking.
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N. langsdorffii: More compact at 1-2 feet tall with pretty green and white flowers. Blooms in cool weather. Reseeds readily.
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N. x sanderae: Well-branched plants with masses of blooms in shades of red, pink, purple and white. Grows 2-3 feet tall.
No matter which nicotiana variety you choose, following the growing guidelines above will soon reward you with these delightful, scented beauties in your garden. With proper care and favorable conditions, you’ll be enjoying their lovely blooms and heady fragrance all season long.
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Nicotiana Growing Guide Success with flowering tobacco
FAQ
Is Nicotiana easy to grow from seed?
Do Nicotiana seeds need cold stratification?
Where is the best place to plant Nicotiana?
Do Nicotiana like sun or shade?
Can you grow Nicotiana from seed?
Learn how to grow fragrant nicotiana from seed, in our step-by-step guide. For the price of a few packets of seed, half-hardy annuals, such as tobacco plant (Nicotiana), can be sown in March ready to flower in summer.
How do you grow a Nicotiana plant?
Plant in full sun in Zones 2-3; plant in light shade in other zones. Grow Nicotiana in humus-rich, well-drained soil. Nicotiana prefers a soil pH of 6.5 to 7. Plant tall Nicotiana varieties at the back of a border or near a window where the fragrance can be enjoyed. Compact varieties are a good choice for beds, border fronts, or containers.
Can Nicotiana grow in potting soil?
‘If the soil is of poor quality, you can fertilize nicotiana,’ Gail continues. ‘These flowers prefer a nutrient-rich soil, so feeding your plants can improve plant health and flowering.’ If you are growing nicotiana in containers, be sure to use good quality organic potting soil, available from Amazon.
How long does it take a Nicotiana to grow?
Annual. 5-7 days. When about half the flowers on the stem are open. Stems are easy to clean but can leave a sticky residue on hands and harvest tools. Fertile, well drained soil. Cut flowers, cottage gardens, beds and borders. Plants contain nicotine. Learn to grow nicotiana (flowering tobacco) from seed.
How long do Nicotiana seeds take to germinate?
Start Nicotiana seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost date in your area. Sow seeds on the soil surface, and gently press them down without covering them, as they need light to germinate. 2. Germination: Nicotiana seeds generally germinate within 1-3 weeks when kept at a temperature of around 70-75°F (21-24°C).
Can you plant Nicotiana outside?
When all risk of frost has passed, move the plants to a cold frame or patio, bringing them in at night. After a week you can plant them outside. Nicotiana, or tobacco plants, have a gorgeous summer scent. Learn how to sow them inside, in our easy practical guide, from BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine.