Growing Nicotiana: A Guide for Beginners
Nicotiana, also known as flowering tobacco, is a beautiful and fragrant plant that is easy to grow in the garden. With its variety of sizes, colors, and fragrances, nicotiana is a versatile plant that can be used in a variety of ways.
Types of Nicotiana Plants
There are many different cultivars of nicotiana plants, each with its own unique characteristics. Some of the most popular cultivars include:
- Alata: This cultivar has large, fragrant blooms that can grow up to 4 inches in diameter. It is one of the most popular nicotiana varieties for use in gardens.
- Sylvestris: This cultivar is known for its tall, stately growth habit and its fragrant white flowers. It is a good choice for use in the back of borders or as a specimen plant.
- Merlin: This series of nicotiana plants is known for its compact size and its abundance of blooms. It is a good choice for use in containers or in the front of borders.
How to Grow Nicotiana Plants
Nicotiana plants are easy to grow from seed or seedlings. They prefer to grow in sunny or partially shaded areas with well-drained soil.
To grow nicotiana plants from seed, sow the seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost. Transplant the seedlings outdoors after the last frost has passed.
To grow nicotiana plants from seedlings, purchase healthy seedlings from a local nursery. Transplant the seedlings outdoors after the last frost has passed.
Care for Nicotiana Plants
Nicotiana plants are relatively low-maintenance. They require regular watering, especially during hot and dry weather. They also benefit from occasional fertilization.
Deadheading spent blooms will encourage the plant to produce more flowers. Nicotiana plants are generally drought-tolerant, but they will produce more flowers if they are watered regularly.
Using Nicotiana Plants in the Garden
Nicotiana plants are a versatile addition to any garden. They can be used in a variety of ways, including:
- Bedding plants: Nicotiana plants make excellent bedding plants. They are low-growing and produce a profusion of blooms.
- Borders: Nicotiana plants can be used to create colorful borders. They can be planted in the front or back of borders, depending on their size.
- Container planting: Nicotiana plants are well-suited for container planting. They can be used to create beautiful patio or balcony displays.
- Annuals or perennials: Nicotiana plants are typically grown as annuals, but some species are short-lived perennials.
Tips for Growing Nicotiana Plants
Here are a few tips for growing nicotiana plants successfully:
- Avoid over-fertilizing nicotiana plants. Too much fertilizer can cause the plants to become leggy and produce fewer flowers.
- Water nicotiana plants regularly, especially during hot and dry weather.
- Deadhead spent blooms to encourage the plant to produce more flowers.
- Nicotiana plants are generally drought-tolerant, but they will produce more flowers if they are watered regularly.
