Havana 608 Nicotiana Seeds

Havana 608 is listed in our catalogue as a variety of Nicotiana tabacum, the cultivated Nicotiana species in the nightshade family (Solanaceae). The record for this variety is short: it gives the species and the variety name, and it does not give a plant height, leaf description or flower colour. This page therefore sticks to what is known about the species and about raising Nicotiana from seed, and it does not describe traits the record does not state.

About the plant

• Variety: Havana 608, as named in our catalogue.
• Species: Nicotiana tabacum, family Solanaceae.
• Habit: a leafy herbaceous plant, usually grown as an annual from seed.
• Not stated for this variety: height, leaf shape, flower colour and days to maturity.

Because the details of this variety are not recorded, treat the first season as a trial. Note the height, the leaf size and the flower colour in your own garden diary, and you will have a record that is more useful than any generic description.

Growing

Nicotiana seed is dust-fine and needs light to germinate, so it is sown on the surface of the growing mix and left uncovered. Fill a tray or small pots with fine, moist mix, level it and scatter the seed thinly over the top. Mixing the seed with a little dry fine sand makes it easier to spread evenly. Press it gently so it touches the mix, but do not bury it.

• Sowing: on the surface, uncovered, in a fine and evenly moist mix.
• Light: bright light from the start, since the seed uses light to germinate.
• Warmth: a warm room suits the seedlings, and the species is tender to frost.
• Moisture: mist the surface instead of pouring water on it, because a heavy stream washes the seed into clumps.
• Humidity: a clear lid or bag over the tray holds moisture while the seed germinates; lift it once seedlings appear.
• Thinning: when the seedlings have their first true leaves, prick them out into individual pots.
• Planting out: move the plants outdoors only after the last frost, once they have been hardened off.
• Site: full sun and fertile, well-drained soil, with generous room between plants because the species has large leaves.

Planning the season

Two dates matter: the indoor sowing date and the planting-out date. Find your last frost date first and count back from it, starting the seed indoors well ahead so the plants are sturdy by the time the weather allows them outside. The exact number of weeks depends on your climate and on how warm you can keep the seedlings, and this variety has no timing of its own on the record.

Seedlings grow slowly at first. Keep the tray in good light so they do not stretch, water from below once they are large enough to handle, and harden them off gradually over about a week before they go into the bed.

FAQ

How do I sow Havana 608 seeds?

Scatter the seed thinly on the surface of fine, moist mix and leave it uncovered, because Nicotiana seed needs light to germinate. Keep the tray warm and bright, and mist the surface rather than watering heavily.

When should I sow Havana 608?

Start the seed indoors ahead of your last frost date and move the plants outside only after the frost has passed. The calendar date depends on your local frost dates, and no variety-specific timing is recorded for Havana 608.

How tall does Havana 608 grow?

The record for this variety does not give a height. Nicotiana tabacum varieties differ in size, so allow plenty of space and measure your own plants through the season.