Ravnjak Nicotiana Seeds

Ravnjak is a variety of Nicotiana tabacum, the cultivated Nicotiana species, grown from seed as an upright, leafy plant. It is described as a traditional Balkan variety that reaches about 4 to 5 feet (1.2 to 1.5 metres) in height, with broad, slightly crinkled leaves and delicate pink flowers. It suits gardeners who collect Nicotiana varieties, or who want a tall plant with large leaves for a warm, sunny bed.

About the plant

• Species: Nicotiana tabacum. The Latin name is worth noting when you compare sowing advice, because Nicotiana species are not all grown the same way.
• Height: about 4 to 5 feet (1.2 to 1.5 metres) when fully grown.
• Leaves: broad and slightly crinkled in texture.
• Flowers: delicate and pink.
• Climate: grows best in warm, sunny conditions with well-drained soil.

Growing

The seed of Nicotiana is very fine and needs light to germinate, so it is pressed onto the soil surface and not buried. Fill a tray with a fine, moist growing mix, level it, and place the seed on top. Press it in lightly so that it makes contact with the mix, and leave it uncovered.

• Timing: sow indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost date in your area.
• Sowing: press the seed onto the surface of the soil and do not cover it, because it requires light for germination.
• Temperature: keep the tray at about 75 degrees F (24 degrees C).
• Moisture: keep the soil moist while the seedlings establish.
• Germination: typically within 7 to 14 days at that temperature.
• Transplanting: move the young plants outdoors after the last frost.
• Spacing: set plants 2 to 3 feet (about 60 to 90 cm) apart.
• Site: full sun and well-drained, fertile soil.
• Care: regular watering and occasional feeding support steady growth.

Because this variety grows to about 1.2 to 1.5 metres, plan the bed with that height in mind. Choose a position in full sun where each plant has room for its broad leaves and where the stems will not shade smaller plants beside them. Prepare the soil before planting out so that it drains well and holds some fertility.

Choosing a sowing date

The timing figure we hold for Ravnjak is the indoor start, 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost, and the transplant date, which comes after the last frost has passed. Work backwards from your own last frost date. In a cool climate, where the last frost comes late, that places the sowing date later in the year than it would be in a mild climate. Seedlings need to be strong enough to move outdoors once the weather is reliably warm, so avoid sowing much earlier than the recommended window.

The germination window of 7 to 14 days is a typical range and not a guarantee. Cooler trays slow it down, so keep the tray steadily warm and check the surface moisture each day without disturbing the seed. Once the seedlings are growing, move them into individual pots so that each root system has room before planting out.

FAQ

How do I sow Ravnjak seeds?

Press the seed lightly onto the surface of moist, well-drained growing mix and do not cover it. The seed needs light to germinate, so burying it under soil works against it. Keep the tray at about 75 degrees F (24 degrees C) and keep the soil moist.

When should I sow them?

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

How tall does the plant grow?

The variety is described as growing to about 4 to 5 feet (1.2 to 1.5 metres), so allow 2 to 3 feet between plants and a sunny position with well-drained soil.