Flowers in abundance all summer long, in a flower bed, along an edge or in a garden box — and a fragrance that is truly unique. Ornamental tobacco (Nicotiana) is grown for that display; it asks for one thing above all, plenty of water, and then it flowers on and on.
| Name | Nicotiana |
|---|---|
| Family | Solanaceae (nightshade) |
| Type | perennial |
| Height | 20 to 60 inches (50 to 150 cm) |
| Exposure | full sun, part sun, shade |
| Soil | ordinary |
| Flowering | summer to early autumn |
Today, most governments recognize that this ornamental plant doesn’t pose any health risks.
Ornamental tobacco is planted in April if purchased in nursery pots.
If sowing from seed, better to consider sowing in a sheltered place sometime in March.
Later on, transplant to nursery pots when the first leaves have appeared.
Lastly, when May comes around and it isn’t freezing anymore, transfer seedlings to the soil. Make sure it’s enriched with a good soil mix and organic soil conditioner (again, manure and seaweed for instance).
Tobacco flowers will turn into seeds. These you can sow with great germination results.
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Ornamental tobacco can be bought as a young plant or raised from its own seed, and the two routes start at different moments. This table sets out each step, when it happens and what it needs.
| Method or step | When | Where | What it needs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Planting nursery-bought plants | mid-spring | Straight into the bed | Soil mix plus organic soil conditioner |
| Sowing seed under cover | early spring | Sheltered place, sowing tray or pots | Bright light and at least 70°F (20°C), ideally 70-75°F |
| Transplanting seedlings | 1-2 weeks after sowing, once an inch or two tall | Single nursery pots | First leaves showing, light soil mix kept moist |
| Planting out | late spring | Growing bed outdoors | No more frost, enriched soil with manure and seaweed |
Whichever route you take, the soil is worth enriching before the plants go in.
Ornamental tobacco is quite easy to care for, especially once it’s settled in.
It’s a thirsty plant that needs lots of water. This is even more true when it’s very hot or if it hasn’t rained in a long time.
Water as soon as the surface of the soil is dry.
Give the plant fertilizer, the same you’d give to plants in the vegetable plot.
Tobacco is a heavy feeder that quickly drains soil of its nutrients, and growing in containers makes this even more relevant.
In any case, whether in a pot or in the ground, remove wilted flowers regularly (deadheading).
If you want seeds, of course, let a few flowers mature on the stem.
Nicotinia is sometimes invaded by aphids, but the disease it’s most likely to catch is powdery mildew. When the weather is hot and humid, stay on the lookout for this to treat it immediately.
Ornamental tobacco is a host of cabbage butterfly. If you notice its caterpillars chewing away at leaves, remove them at once.
As a member of the nightshade family, ornamental tobacco can host tobacco mosaic virus and pass it on to nearby tomatoes, peppers and aubergines.
This perennial flowers abundantly all summer long.
In a flower bed, along edges or even in a garden box, this plant will for sure provide you with an abundance of flowers.
The fragrance, in addition, is truly unique.
It’s a one-of-a-kind plant to grow!
Flower tobacco also fits right into any bouquet prepared in a vase.
