Flowering tobacco Pictures

Flowering Tobacco: A Guide to Growing and Caring for Nicotiana

When it comes to adding color and fragrance to your garden, flowering tobacco is a great choice. Nicotiana, as it is scientifically known, is a genus of plants that includes over 70 species of annuals, perennials, and shrubs. The most commonly grown species are Nicotiana alata, Nicotiana sylvestris, and Nicotiana tabacum. In this article, we will discuss how to grow and care for flowering tobacco in your garden.

Choosing the Right Variety of Flowering Tobacco

There are many varieties of flowering tobacco to choose from, each with its own unique characteristics. Some of the most popular varieties include: - Nicotiana alata: This species is also known as winged tobacco or jasmine tobacco. It is a bushy plant that can grow up to 3 feet tall and produces fragrant, trumpet-shaped flowers that come in shades of white, pink, red, and purple. - Nicotiana sylvestris: This species is also known as woodland tobacco or tall white. It is a tall plant that can grow up to 6 feet tall and produces large, white, trumpet-shaped flowers that are highly fragrant. - Nicotiana tabacum: This species is also known as tobacco plant or common tobacco. It is a tall plant that can grow up to 6 feet tall and produces small, pale pink flowers that are not very fragrant. This species is primarily grown for its leaves, which are used to make tobacco products. When choosing a variety of flowering tobacco, consider the height of the plant, the color and fragrance of the flowers, and the growing conditions in your garden.

Growing Flowering Tobacco from Seed

Flowering tobacco is easy to grow from seed, and can be started indoors or outdoors depending on your climate. Here's how to grow flowering tobacco from seed: 1. Start indoors: If you live in a cooler climate, start your seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date. Sow the seeds in seed-starting trays filled with potting soil, and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Place the trays in a warm, sunny location, and cover them with plastic wrap to create a greenhouse effect. 2. Transplant: Once the seedlings have grown to about 2 inches tall, transplant them to individual pots filled with potting soil. Continue to keep the soil moist and provide plenty of sunlight. 3. Harden off: About 1-2 weeks before transplanting the seedlings outdoors, begin to harden them off by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions. Start by placing them outdoors in a sheltered location for a few hours each day, and gradually increase the amount of time they spend outdoors. 4. Transplant outdoors: When the seedlings are about 6-8 inches tall and the danger of frost has passed, transplant them outdoors to a sunny location with well-draining soil. Space the plants about 12-18 inches apart. 5. Water and fertilize: Water the plants regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Fertilize the plants once a month with a balanced fertilizer.

Caring for Flowering Tobacco

Flowering tobacco is a relatively low-maintenance plant, but there are a few things you can do to ensure that it thrives in your garden. - Water: Flowering tobacco prefers moist soil, so water the plants regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. If the soil becomes too dry, the plants may wilt and the flowers may drop off. - Fertilize: Flowering tobacco benefits from regular fertilization. Use a balanced fertilizer once a month to provide the plants with the nutrients they need to grow and bloom. - Deadhead: To encourage the plants to produce more flowers, deadhead the spent blooms regularly. This will also help to prevent the plants from self-seeding and becoming weedy. - Stake: Some varieties of flowering tobacco can become top-heavy and may require staking to prevent them from falling over. Use bamboo stakes or other supports to keep the plants upright. - Mulch: Apply a layer of mulch around the plants to help retain moisture in the soil and suppress weeds.

Common Problems with Flowering Tobacco

Flowering tobacco is generally a hardy and disease-resistant plant, but there are a few problems that can occur. - Aphids: Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that can suck the sap from the leaves and stems of flowering tobacco. They can be controlled with insecticidal soap or by spraying the plants with a strong stream of water. - Tobacco mosaic virus: Tobacco mosaic virus is a viral disease that can affect flowering tobacco and other plants in the Solanaceae family. It causes mottled or streaked leaves and stunts the growth of the plant. There is no cure for the disease, so infected plants should be removed and destroyed to prevent the virus from spreading. - Fungal diseases: Flowering tobacco can be susceptible to fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and gray mold. These diseases can be prevented by ensuring good air circulation around the plants and avoiding overhead watering.

Conclusion

Flowering tobacco is a beautiful and fragrant addition to any garden. With a little care and attention, you can grow this versatile plant from seed and enjoy its colorful blooms all season long. Whether you choose Nicotiana alata, Nicotiana sylvestris, or another variety, flowering tobacco is sure to add color and fragrance to your garden.