Bolshunova (Bolsunova) Nicotiana Seeds

Bolshunova (also listed as Bolsunova) is a compact variety of Nicotiana tabacum. The product card describes a plant about 0.7 m (2.3 ft) tall, with broad, elliptical, dark green leaves and an oval outline. It is listed as early-maturing and is placed in the group of rustic types called mahorka.

Bolshunova is the name of this particular variety and is not a translation of any of them.

Plant at a glance

• Species: Nicotiana tabacum, a member of the nightshade family (Solanaceae)
• Height: about 0.7 m (2.3 ft), according to the product card
• Leaves: broad, elliptical and dark green, typically 14 leaves per plant
• Habit: compact, with an oval plant shape
• Maturity: early; the card gives a flowering period of 47-56 days after transplanting
• Climate: described as adaptable to moderate and cooler climates and resilient to changeable weather

Growing from seed

Nicotiana seed is very fine and needs light to germinate, so it is sown on the surface and not buried. Scatter the seed thinly over moist, fine seed-starting mix and press it in lightly without covering it. A fine mist or watering from below keeps the seed in place.

• Sowing: surface sow, pressing the seed lightly into the soil without covering it.
• Temperature: the card gives 20-25 C (68-77 F) for germination.
• Emergence: seedlings typically appear within 7-14 days at those temperatures.
• Spacing: 30-40 cm (12-16 in) between plants.
• Site: full sun. The card describes the plant as preferring well-drained, fertile soil while tolerating less fertile ground.
• Watering: moderate. Once established, the plants are described as drought resistant.

Because the seed is so small, a tray that dries out even briefly can set the seedlings back. A clear lid or a plastic bag over the tray helps hold moisture until the first seedlings appear. Remove it once they are up so air can move around them, and thin or prick out the seedlings once they have their first true leaves so each plant has room.

What is not recorded

No seed specifications are saved for this variety, so this page does not state a germination percentage, a viability period or a seed size. The origin and breeding history of the variety are not documented beyond what the card says, and they are left out here rather than guessed. Height, leaf count and flowering time are the card's figures for the variety, and plants in your garden will vary with light, soil, spacing and the length of your season.

FAQ

How do I sow Bolshunova seeds?

Place the seed on the surface of moist soil and press it in lightly without covering it, because the seed needs light to germinate. The card gives 20-25 C (68-77 F), with seedlings typically up in 7-14 days.

When should I sow this variety?

The card gives no calendar dates. It describes the plant as early-maturing and adaptable to moderate and cooler climates, with flowering 47-56 days after transplanting. Start the seed indoors ahead of the season, move seedlings out once frost has passed, and adjust the dates to your local climate.

How tall does it grow?

The card lists a height of about 0.7 m (2.3 ft) with a compact, oval habit. Space plants 30-40 cm (12-16 in) apart in full sun. Final size will vary with soil, water and season length.