“From Seed to Bloom: A Guide to Cultivating Flowering Tobacco”

Flowering tobacco plants are a beloved addition to cottage and moon gardens, thanks to their highly fragrant flowers. Unlike true tobacco, flowering tobacco plants are grown for their blooms and are great annuals for adding color and scent throughout the season. These plants have medium-green leaves that can be hairy and sticky to the touch. They come in various bloom shapes, from long tubes with star-like openings to small bell-shaped blooms, many of which emit sweet fragrances at night, similar to jasmine. However, it’s important to note that flowering tobacco is toxic to humans and pets.

To plant flowering tobacco, choose a sunny spot in the garden, though some varieties can perform well in part sun. Wait until two weeks or more after the last frost date before planting in warm soil, and give them rich, well-drained soil with consistent moisture. These plants are very heavy feeders, so slow-release fertilizer is recommended. Prune them regularly, but avoid deadheading too much towards the end of the season if you want them to self-seed.

Flowering tobacco can also be propagated by letting it self-seed in your yard or starting seeds indoors. If starting seeds indoors, press tiny seeds into moistened potting mix, cover them lightly with soil or vermiculite, and keep them in a warm, bright, and moist environment until seedlings emerge.

There are many types of flowering tobacco, including the ‘Lime Green’ variety. Taller varieties may require staking, while smaller ones make colorful additions to middle garden beds. Keep an eye out for pests like tobacco hornworms and aphids, though these are usually uncommon in outdoor settings.

Introducing Peter Krumhardt’s Nicotiana ‘Lime Green’! These stunning plants shoot up to 2 feet high and produce star-shaped chartreuse flowers. Perfect for gardens in Zones 10-11. Additionally, check out the Domino Flowering Tobacco for more gorgeous blooms.

Lynn Karlin introduces the ‘Domino Series’ of Nicotiana plants that feature beautiful flowers in a variety of colors, including red, white, pink, and rose. These plants grow up to 14 inches tall, making them a lovely addition to any garden or landscape. Additionally, Karlin also mentions the Jasmine Tobacco plant as another option for those looking to add some floral beauty to their surroundings.

Bob Lenz is a type of plant that produces aromatic greenish-yellow flowers in bunches on stems that can grow up to 5 feet tall. While it is technically a perennial in Zones 10-11, it is commonly grown as an annual plant. Another variety of Nicotiana is Mutabilis.

David Speer introduced the Nicotiana mutabilis plant which features charming trumpet-shaped flowers that start with a white color and evolve into a beautiful pink hue. This plant can grow up to 4 feet tall and is commonly grown as an annual, though it can survive as a perennial in Zones 9-11. Another stunning flowering tobacco variety known as ‘Perfume Deep Purple’ is also worth considering.

The ‘Perfume Deep Purple’ Nicotiana is an impressive winner that produces stunning purple flowers on tall 2-foot plants. It is suitable for zones 10-11.

BRYAN E. MCCAY wrote about Nicotiana sylvestris which is a plant that can grow up to 5 feet tall and has clusters of fragrant white trumpet-shaped flowers. While it’s a perennial in Zones 10-11, it’s usually grown as an annual plant. In terms of companion plants, the Spider Flower is a good option.

The spider flower is truly remarkable as it is an annual plant that grows tall and can reach up to 4 feet or more in height once the temperature rises. It boasts beautiful clusters of flowers with long seedpods that spin out, making it a sight to behold. However, take care when handling the flowers as they can easily break after a few days. The plant also has thorns, making it best to position away from walkways. Take caution when fertilizing, as over-fertilization can cause floppy plants. For optimal effect, group spider flowers in clusters of six or more. This plant can thrive in zones 3-11.

One other noteworthy plant is the Dusty Miller.

TOM MCWILLIAM
I absolutely love dusty miller because of its versatility in the garden. Its silvery-white hue complements any flower, and its delicate foliage creates a lovely contrast against other greens. Additionally, it’s a low-maintenance plant that can handle both hot weather and dry spells like a champ. If you live in zones 7-10, make sure to give dusty miller a try!

Moving on to French marigolds…

French marigolds are quite unique and fancy. They have frilly petals, and some even have a crested eye. These plants grow to be about 8-12 inches tall with a tidy growth pattern and dark green leaves. They thrive in full sun and need moist, well-draining soil to flourish. French marigolds bloom throughout the summer months and may even reseed themselves in areas where they are content. They are suitable for zones 2-11.