Nicotiana Growing Guide

Nicotiana tabacum

Nicotiana

Crop Rotation Group

Solanaceae (Potato and tomato family) ●

Soil

Average garden soil with excellent drainage.

Position

Full sun to partial afternoon shade.

Frost tolerant

None. Nicotiana is a warm-natured flower.

Feeding

Fast growth is encouraged by mulching the soil with compost before planting. In midsummer, drench plants with a liquid fertiliser to stimulate late-season blooming.

Companions

Upright nicotiana combines well with mound-forming flowers like portulaca or lobelia. Many varieties are fragrant.

Spacing

Single Plants: 30cm (11") each way (minimum)
Rows: 30cm (11") with 30cm (11") row gap (minimum)

Sow and Plant

Set out stocky seedlings from spring to early summer, after the soil has warmed. When starting the tiny seeds indoors, barely cover them with moist seed-starting mix.
Our Garden Planner can produce a personalized calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.

Notes

Very tall varieties benefit from staking. Nicotiana colours include white, pink, red, purple, lime green and yellow.

Harvesting

As flowers fade, snip them off the flowering spikes with scissors to keep the plants looking neat.

Troubleshooting

Aphids and slugs can require management. Some people are sensitive to nicotiana leaf sap and should dress defensively when working around the plants.

Planting and Harvesting Calendar

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Pests which Affect Nicotiana