Nicotiana, also known as flowering tobacco, adds beauty and fragrance to any garden. These tall, elegant plants bloom from summer into fall and attract pollinators like hummingbirds and moths. With trumpet-shaped flowers in shades of white, pink, red, green, and purple, nicotiana stands out in both borders and containers. If you want long-lasting blooms and healthy plants, follow these simple steps on how to plant and grow Nicotiana. From how to prepare your soil, plant, water, feed, and prune nicotiana.
Prepare the Soil
Start by choosing the right spot for your nicotiana. These plants prefer full sun but can handle some light afternoon shade, especially in hotter climates. Next, loosen the soil with a garden fork or shovel to a depth of 12 inches. Break up any clumps and remove rocks or weeds.
Nicotiana grows best in well-draining soil that stays slightly moist. Mix in compost or well-rotted manure to improve texture and boost nutrients. If your soil feels heavy or clay-like, add coarse sand or perlite to improve drainage. Aim for a soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0, which suits most flowering plants. This soil meter is perfect for monitoring not only pH levels but also nutrient and moisture levels.
Plant Nicotiana Seeds or Seedlings
You can grow nicotiana from seed or buy young plants from a nursery. If you want to grow from seed, start indoors 6 to 8 weeks before your last spring frost. Sprinkle the seeds on the surface of moist seed-starting mix. Since they need light to germinate, don’t cover them with soil. Keep the tray in a warm, bright spot and mist it regularly to keep the surface damp. Seeds should sprout in 10 to 14 days.
Once your seedlings have a few true leaves, thin them or transplant them into small pots. After the last frost, harden them off by placing them outdoors for a few hours each day. Increase the time outside for about a week. When the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed, transplant them into the garden.
Space nicotiana 12 to 18 inches apart to give them plenty of room to grow. Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball of your plant, then place it in the hole and firm the soil around it. Water well after planting.
Fertilize for Strong Growth
To keep nicotiana blooming for months, feed them regularly. Start by mixing a balanced, slow-release fertilizer into the soil at planting time. Look for one labeled 10-10-10 or 14-14-14. This gives your plants a steady supply of nutrients as they grow.
Every two to four weeks, feed them with a water-soluble fertilizer during the growing season. Choose one made for flowering plants and follow the directions on the label. Overfeeding can lead to more leaves and fewer flowers, so don’t go overboard. If your soil already contains rich organic matter, you may not need to fertilize as often.
Water Nicotiana Consistently
Nicotiana needs steady moisture to grow well, especially during hot weather. Water deeply and regularly, especially in the first few weeks after planting. Aim for about 1 inch of water each week, either from rainfall or irrigation.
Always water at the base of the plant to keep the leaves dry and reduce the chance of fungal problems. Mulching around the base helps hold moisture in the soil and keeps weeds down. Use straw, shredded bark, or compost as mulch and keep it a few inches away from the stems to prevent rot.
During dry spells or heat waves, check the soil often. If the top inch feels dry, water again. In containers, nicotiana may need daily watering since pots dry out faster than garden beds.
Prune and Deadhead for More Blooms
To keep nicotiana flowering for as long as possible, remove faded blooms regularly. This simple step, called deadheading, encourages the plant to keep producing flowers instead of going to seed.
Use your fingers or small garden scissors to pinch off spent blooms just above a leaf node or bud. Try to deadhead every few days for the best results. If your nicotiana starts to look leggy or top-heavy later in the season, trim it back by about one-third to shape it and promote new growth.
If you grow taller varieties that reach 3 to 5 feet, you might need to stake them to keep them upright. Push a stake into the ground next to the plant and tie the stem loosely with garden twine or soft ties.
Keep Nicotiana Blooming Into Fall
Nicotiana thrives in summer but continues to bloom well into fall, especially if you care for it properly. Keep up with watering, feeding, and pruning to help your plants stay healthy and productive.
If you live in a region with early frosts, cover your plants with a lightweight cloth or move container-grown nicotiana indoors on chilly nights. While nicotiana grows as an annual in most climates, you can try collecting seeds at the end of the season if you want to plant them again next year. Let a few flowers go to seed, then collect the tiny brown seeds once the pods dry out. Store them in a cool, dry place until spring.
Final Tips for Growing Nicotiana
Nicotiana grows well in both flower beds and containers. For a bold look, plant it in the center or back of mixed borders. Surround it with shorter plants like petunias, salvia, or alyssum for a full, layered look. You can also grow it in large pots on your porch or patio. Just make sure containers have drainage holes and use good-quality potting mix.
Avoid planting nicotiana near vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, or potatoes since they all belong to the nightshade family and may attract the same pests. Check your plants often for aphids or whiteflies and treat them with insecticidal soap or a strong spray of water if needed.
With just a little effort, nicotiana rewards you with months of blooms, lovely scent, and a touch of old-fashioned charm. Choose your favorite variety, follow these easy steps, and enjoy a garden full of color and life all season long.
Please be sure to check out my Gardening Blog Post Page for more tips on all types of gardening. Including Seed Saving, Seed Starting, Orchids, Water Gardening, Coldframe Gardening, Indoor Bulb Gardening, Hydroponics, Container Gardening, Mums, Herbs, African Violets, planting Bulbs, Flower Gardening, Vegetable and Fruit Gardening, Indoor Houseplants of all kinds, Cactus, Succulents, Hanging plants, Deer resistant plants and even Bird, Bee, Butterfly and Hummingbird Gardens!