- Nicotiana plants should be started from seeds. The seeds can be planted directly into the ground, but this may cause late blooming of the plants. If you desire earlier blooming, you can sow seeds indoors eight weeks before the last frost. The seeds should be planted right at the surface of the soil since they require sunlight to grow. Be sure to keep the soil moist but not overly wet once seedlings appear or the leaves will turn yellow.
When you move the plants outdoors be sure to stake up any plants that may be in danger from wind or anything else that may knock them over. The plants should be placed where they will receive full sun or just a small amount of shade. The soil should be well drained and kept moist. Fertilizer should be used when planting and regularly during the growing season. A fertilizer with a high phosphorous level is recommended. - Nicotiana is most often grown in groups to maximize the fragrance from the blooms. It is a good bedding plant and can be used to fill in gaps among other plants. A large grouping of nicotiana surrounded by other flowers makes a stunning display in the yard. Nicotiana plants in bloom will be quite tall, so they can be planted behind almost any other type of plant.
- The leaves of the nicotiana plant are sticky and hairy. They can easily be ruined by trying to remove debris that is stuck to them, so care should be used while mowing or weed eating near the plants. The leaves can also be a skin irritant since the plants contain such high amounts of nicotine, so be sure to wash your hands thoroughly after touching the nicotiana plant.
Nicotiana plants are annuals and should be covered during a frost to prevent plant death. The nicotiana plant will reseed itself, therefore some room should be left when originally planting to allow for new plants. Once the plants are established they can be removed and relocated if desired.
Nicotiana may be prone to slugs and aphids as well as caterpillars, spider mites and leaf miners.
Planting Nicotiana
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