Kumanovo Nicotiana Seeds

Kumanovo is a Nicotiana variety of Nicotiana tabacum, an annual leafy plant in the nightshade family. The product card describes an upright, robust plant that reaches about 4 to 5 feet (roughly 1.2 to 1.5 m) in height. Its leaves are narrow and elongated, up to about 20 inches (50 cm) long and 4 inches (10 cm) wide, and they stay light green while the plant is growing. The card also says the variety adapts to a range of climates when it is given proper care. These figures come from the variety description and are an approximate guide, not a measured result, so individual plants will differ with light, soil and spacing.

Plant at a glance

• Species: Nicotiana tabacum, grown as an annual from seed.
• Habit: upright and robust, about 4 to 5 feet tall according to the variety description.
• Leaves: narrow and elongated, up to about 20 inches long and 4 inches wide, light green during growth.
• Light: full sun once the plants are established.
• Soil: well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
• Seed: needs light to germinate, so it is sown on the surface and left uncovered.

Growing from seed

Start the seed indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last expected frost. Fill a tray or small pots with a fine, moist, well-drained seed-starting mix and press the seed lightly onto the surface. Do not cover it with soil: the seed needs light for germination, and burying it works against that. Keep the mix evenly moist but never waterlogged, and keep the tray in a bright place. The product card does not give a germination temperature or a sprouting time for this variety, and no seed specifications are saved for it, so treat any timing you read elsewhere as a general guide rather than a promise for this seed.

Seedlings started indoors should only be moved outside after the last frost has passed. Because this plant can reach 4 to 5 feet, leave generous room between plants so that air can move around the leaves and each plant gets full sun.

Soil, light and water

The variety description recommends well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Adding organic matter before planting can improve the soil. Give the plants full sunlight and water consistently, aiming for soil that stays moist without sitting in water. Plants that dry out completely and are then soaked tend to be stressed, so an even routine is better than occasional heavy watering.

Things to keep in mind

• Surface sowing is the key step. Seed that is buried may not germinate.
• Indoor starts need a bright position; weak light gives thin, stretched seedlings.
• The listed height and leaf size are approximate figures from the variety description.

FAQ

How do I sow Kumanovo seeds?

Press the seed lightly onto the surface of moist, well-drained seed-starting mix and leave it uncovered, because it needs light to germinate. Keep the mix moist but not waterlogged.

When should I sow Kumanovo seeds?

The variety description says to start the seed indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last expected frost. Move the seedlings outside only after the last frost.

How tall does Kumanovo grow?

The variety description gives a height of approximately 4 to 5 feet, with narrow leaves up to about 20 inches long. Actual size depends on light, soil, water and spacing.