American 14 Nicotiana Seeds

American 14 is a variety of Nicotiana tabacum, the cultivated Nicotiana plant, listed here as a bright leaf type. It is an upright, tall annual that is grown from seed each season. The plant reaches a height of about 6 feet and forms large, wide leaves that stay light green while they grow. It is a leafy, vigorous plant with a clear central stalk, so it needs room and a sunny position. These seeds are sold for gardeners and collectors who want to grow the plant and study its habit, from the first seedling leaves to the full-size stalk.

About the plant

• Species: Nicotiana tabacum, a member of the nightshade family (Solanaceae).
• Leaf type: bright leaf, with large, wide leaves.
• Habit: robust and upright, about 6 feet tall.
• Leaf colour while growing: light green.
• Life cycle: grown as an annual from seed, and frost tender.

As with other plants of this species, the seed is very fine and dust-like. Handle it gently and keep it dry until sowing day, and use a clean tray so the tiny seeds are easy to see against the soil.

Growing

Sowing is simple, but the details matter, because the seed needs light to germinate.

• Sowing time: start the seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost in your area.
• Sowing method: press the seeds lightly onto the surface of the soil. Do not cover them, because covering them blocks the light they need.
• Moisture: keep the soil evenly moist but never waterlogged, and water from below or with a fine mist so the seeds are not washed away.
• Growing bed: choose fertile, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. Working organic matter into the soil before planting out helps the plants grow well.
• Light and water: give the plants full sun and consistent watering, keeping the soil moist without over-watering.
• Moving outdoors: set the seedlings out only after the risk of frost has passed, since the plant is frost tender. Give each plant plenty of space, because an upright plant of about 6 feet carries a lot of leaf area.

Young seedlings are small and grow slowly at first. Thin crowded trays early, handle the seedlings by their leaves rather than the stem, and harden them off for several days before they go into the garden.

FAQ

What conditions does American 14 need to germinate?

The seed needs light, so it is pressed onto the soil surface and left uncovered. Keep the soil moist and use fertile, well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.

When should I sow American 14?

Start the seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost in your area. Move the seedlings outside only when frost is no longer expected, since the plant does not tolerate it.

How tall does American 14 grow?

The plant is upright and robust, and it reaches about 6 feet in height. It produces large, wide leaves that are light green while they grow, so plan for a sunny spot with enough room around each plant.