Shag Bakun black Seeds

Shag Bakun Black is a variety of Nicotiana rustica, a tobacco species grown from seed as a garden plant. It is a medium-sized, compact plant that reaches about 1.2 metres in height, with robust stems and dense foliage that carries large, deep green leaves. This page is for gardeners who collect Nicotiana species, or who want a tall, leafy plant for a sunny, sheltered bed.

Also known as: Aztec tobacco, mapacho, wild tobacco

About the plant

• Species: Nicotiana rustica. The Latin name matters when you compare sowing advice, because Nicotiana species are not all grown the same way.
• Habit: medium-sized and compact, about 1.2 metres tall.
• Stems and foliage: robust stems and dense foliage, built to carry thick, dark leaves.
• Leaf: large and deep green.
• Climate: described as suited to temperate and cool climates.

Growing

This variety is sown on the surface. The recommended method is to press the seeds lightly into the soil without covering them, so that light reaches the seed during germination. Keep that in mind when you fill the tray: a seed buried under soil does not get the light it needs.

• Timing: start seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost date in your area.
• Sowing: press the seeds lightly onto the surface of the growing mix and leave them uncovered.
• Soil: nutrient-rich, well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Organic compost or manure improves growth and leaf quality.
• Light: full sun for robust growth.
• Watering: keep the soil consistently moist, but avoid overwatering.

Because the plant reaches about 1.2 metres, plan the bed with that height in mind. Choose a position in full sun where the plants have room for dense foliage, and prepare the soil with compost before the young plants go out.

Choosing a sowing date

The only timing figure we hold for this variety is the indoor start: 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost. Work backwards from your own last frost date. In a cool climate, where the last frost comes late, that puts the sowing date later in the year than it would be in a mild climate. We do not hold germination times or soil temperatures for this variety, so we do not give them here.

FAQ

How do I sow Shag Bakun Black seeds?

Press the seeds lightly onto the surface of moist, well-drained growing mix and do not cover them. The seeds are left uncovered so that light can reach them for germination.

When should I sow them?

Start the seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost date in your area. The calendar date depends on your local frost dates, which vary from one climate to another.

How tall does the plant grow?

It grows to about 1.2 metres, as a medium-sized, compact plant with robust stems and dense foliage. Final height in your garden will depend on soil, light and watering.

What soil does it need?

Nutrient-rich, well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0, in full sun, kept consistently moist but not overwatered.