Cri. Nicotiana Seeds

Nicotiana rustica is the name this seed is listed under: a Nicotiana plant, with Nicotiana tabacum as the scientific name on the product card. The card describes a compact plant about 60-70 cm (2-2.3 feet) tall, with 15-23 broad, dark green leaves. It is a sun-loving plant that copes with dry spells, and the notes below follow the variety description on the card. This listing is for seed of the plant, offered for sowing and growing in the garden.

Nicotiana rustica is the name of this particular listing, and none of the names above is a separate variety.

Plant at a glance

• Species on the card: Nicotiana tabacum
• Height: 60-70 cm (2-2.3 feet)
• Leaves: 15-23 per plant, broad and dark green
• Growth: fast; the card gives 45-60 days from transplanting to maturity
• Light: full sun
• Soil: moderately fertile and well-drained, pH 5.5-6.5
• Climate: temperate to cooler, with good drought resistance
• Watering: low to moderate

Growing Nicotiana rustica from seed

Nicotiana seed is very fine and needs light to germinate, so it is pressed onto the surface of the soil and never buried. The figures below come from the variety description on the card. They are approximate guides, not results measured on a specific seed lot.

• Sowing: surface sow, press the seed lightly into moist soil and leave it uncovered.
• Temperature: 20-25 degrees C (68-77 degrees F) while the seed germinates.
• Germination: 7-14 days under these conditions.
• Spacing: 30-40 cm (12-16 inches) between plants.
• Site: full sun in moderately fertile, well-drained soil with a pH of 5.5-6.5.

Care once the seedlings are up

Keep the seed tray evenly moist until the seedlings are established, then ease off. The card rates the water need of the grown plant as low to moderate and describes it as naturally drought-tolerant, so soaking the bed is not necessary and standing water should be avoided. Set the seedlings out at the spacing above so the broad leaves have room and the air can move between the plants.

The card describes the plant as fast-growing, with maturity 45-60 days after transplanting. Count back from the end of your growing season when you plan the transplant date, because Nicotiana is a frost-tender plant and should not be planted out while frost is still possible.

Where it fits in the garden

At 60-70 cm the plant is shorter than many Nicotiana varieties, which makes it easy to place in a sunny bed or a large container. The broad dark green leaves give a dense, leafy look, and the plant suits gardeners in temperate and cooler regions, where the card says it does well. Give it the sunniest spot you have.

FAQ

What conditions does Nicotiana rustica need to germinate?

Light, moisture and moderate warmth. Press the seed onto the soil surface without covering it, keep the soil moist and hold the temperature at 20-25 degrees C (68-77 degrees F). The card gives 7-14 days for germination.

When should I sow Nicotiana rustica?

The card does not give a calendar date, so use your local frost dates. It does say the plant matures 45-60 days after transplanting, which means the seedlings need to be in the ground early enough for that period to fit inside your season. Plant out only after the last frost has passed.

How tall does Nicotiana rustica grow?

About 60-70 cm (2-2.3 feet) according to the card, with 15-23 broad, dark green leaves per plant. Allow 30-40 cm (12-16 inches) between plants and grow it in full sun.