How to Grow Nicotiana
Nicotiana alata
Nicotianas are grown for their intoxicating evening fragrance — the tubular flowers open at dusk and fill the garden with scent, attracting moths. Sow seed indoors in spring (they need light to germinate, so surface-sow). Plant out after the last frost in fertile, moist soil in sun or partial shade. The species types (N. alata, N. sylvestris) are the most fragrant; modern compact bedding varieties are often scentless. N. sylvestris is a magnificent architectural plant reaching 1.5m. The sticky leaves are a distinctive feature. Feed fortnightly and deadhead to prolong flowering until frost.
When to Start
Sow indoors 6 weeks before last frost, or direct sow outdoors after frost risk has passed and soil reaches 10°C.
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Growth Stages
Approximate days from start
Care Essentials
- Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer every two weeks from planting out. They are hungry plants and respond well to regular feeding.
- Nicotianas are grown for their evening fragrance — the tubular flowers release an intoxicating scent at dusk that attracts moths. The species N. alata and N. sylvestris are the most fragrant; modern compact bedding types have often lost their scent. N. sylvestris is a magnificent architectural plant reaching 1.5m with drooping white trumpets. The sticky, hairy leaves are a distinctive feature. They tolerate partial shade and are excellent for filling gaps in borders.
Growing Conditions
Pet Safety
- Sow indoors
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- Transplant out
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- First harvest
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Spacing & Planting
| Plant spacing | 30 cm |
| Row spacing | null cm |
| Mature height | 90 cm |
| Mature spread | 30 cm |
Space 25-40 cm apart depending on variety. Taller types like N. sylvestris need 40 cm; compact bedding types 25 cm.
Pests & Diseases
Pest Aphids
Identification: Clusters of small green insects on growing tips and flower buds, causing distorted growth
- Blast off with a strong jet of water
- Spray with fatty acid-based insecticide
- Spray with a contact insecticide containing deltamethrin
Pest Slugs and Snails
Identification: Irregular holes in leaves and stems; slime trails around plants
- Apply ferric phosphate slug pellets around transplants
- Use copper tape around containers
- Ferric phosphate-based pellets
Disease Grey Mould (Botrytis) Botrytis cinerea
Symptoms: Fuzzy grey mould on flowers and leaves, especially in cool, damp conditions
Treatment: Remove affected parts promptly. Improve air circulation.
Prevention: Space plants well. Avoid overhead watering. Remove dead flowers regularly.
Disease Powdery Mildew
Symptoms: White powdery coating on leaves late in the season
Treatment: Remove badly affected leaves. Rarely worth treating as it appears late.
Prevention: Space plants well for good airflow. Avoid drought stress.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How far apart should I plant Nicotiana?
- Plant Nicotiana 30cm apart with nullcm between rows.
- When does Nicotiana flower?
- Nicotiana typically flowers approximately 45 days after transplanting.
- Is Nicotiana frost hardy?
- Nicotiana is classified as Half Hardy.
