How to Grow Nicotiana

If you're looking for a fragrant plant to tuck into a shady nook, look no further. Nicotiana, also known as flowering tobacco, gives off a sweet smell in the evening, making it the perfect plant to plant by a porch, deck, patio or any other place you're likely to linger in the evenings. This annual (grows just one year) also attracts hummingbirds.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Compost Makers
• Fertilizers
• Garden Spades
• Garden Trowels
• Mulch
• Plants

1. Choose a plant that is the right height and color for your needs. Nicotiana grows anywhere from 12- to 36-inches tall in a variety of colors, including white, red, pink, cream, pale green and brown.

2. Consider fragrance. Modern hybrids stay open all day, but tend to be unscented. The unaltered species don't open until evening, but are beautifully fragrant.

3. Buy healthy, green plants with no signs of wilting or disease. Plants should be stocky with plenty of leaves. It's a plus if the plant doesn't have any flower since that means early energy will be diverted into root development.

4. 

   Plant in spring after your region's last frost date. Nicotiana needs light shade to full sun in rich, well-drained soil, and thrives with a spadeful or two of compost worked into the soil.

5. 

   Position plants 8- to 36-inches apart, depending on the type. Check the label for directions.

6. 

   Keep well watered, especially when the weather is hot.

7. 

   Fertilize regularly - every 3 to 4 weeks - or work in a slow-release fertilizer at planting time.

8. Discard plants once frost fells them in late fall.

Tips & Warnings

• Nicotiana sylvestris is one of the most fragrant types. Cultivars of Nicotiana alata that are very fragrant include any of the "Domino" series or the "Breakthrough" series, while the "Nicki" series has a light scent.

• The leaves and flowers of nicotiana tend to be sticky, so mulch around them well to keep away dirt and debris.