Nicotiana
Tobacco
- Height × spread
- 0.4m – 1.5m × 0.3m – 1m
- Position
- Full sun
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
The tobacco plants include a range of lively looking forms that are treated as annuals and which flower happily all through summer. The larger species Nicotiana alata can stand up to 1.5 metres in height and the flowers have an intense fragrance which is apparent in the evening. It is well worthing planting one or two of these near an area that is used at this time of day, perhaps alongside the front door to welcome your guests! The smaller forms have long tubular flowers with big open mouths that have broad, starry looking faces. They come in some pleasing shades that includes a soft lime green, and some subtle pinks as well as warm reds and whites. These hybrids are generally around 35cm in height.
- Flower colour
- Green, Pink, Red, White, Yellow
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- Yes, some varieties
- Shape
- Column
- Height
- 0.4m – 1.5m
- Spread
- 0.3m – 1m
- Season of interest
- Summer, Autumn
- Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Garden style
- Wild flower meadow, Small scale garden, Scented garden, Herb garden, Gravel garden, Cottage garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun, tolerates part shade
- Soil type
- Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Well drained soil, Drought resistant
- Winter hardiness
- Varies, most are not hardy
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Bedding plant, Structural, Rabbit resistant, Butterfly attraction
- Hazards
- Yes, some poisonous
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed with slow release fertiliser
Apply a general purpose slow release fertiliser, spreading it around the root area of the plant as it is coming into growth. (Or apply a liquid feed at regular intervals throughout the growing season.)
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost as a single annual procedure.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water to keep the soil moist
For best results, this plant needs soil that is always moist. Water deeply and regularly as soon as soil appears dry. Even for established plants in the ground, a dry week can cause problems with some soils. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather. Or install an automatic irrigation system which will do the hard work for you, even when you are away on holiday.
Without regular watering some plants never fully regain their beauty.
Planting & general
Planting
Prune some varieties
Some plants within this genus have additional requirements for pruning. It is best to look up your specific plant, or the species it belongs to for pruning guidance.
Planting
Support some varieties
Some plants within this genus may require support for young plants and/or long stems. It is best to look up your specific plant for guidance, and/or check the label.
Compost · Planting
Multi-purpose compost
Use a good quality peat-free multi-purpose compost when growing in pots and containers.
Found in
More Nicotiana
Nicotiana 'Domino Crimson'
Flowering tobacco
Nicotiana 'Lime Green'
Tobacco
Nicotiana alata
Jasmine tobacco, Flowering tobacco
Nicotiana glauca
Tree tobacco, Mustard tree
Nicotiana sylvestris
Mountain tobacco
Nicotiana 'Domino Salmon Pink'
Flowering tobacco