Nicotiana, commonly known as flowering tobacco, is a showstopper in summer gardens. These stunning annuals burst with vibrant blooms that last from June until the first frost, adding a tropical touch to borders and containers. Whether you’re new to gardening or a seasoned pro, growing nicotiana is a breeze with these expert tips.
Key Takeaways:
Deadheading nicotiana flowers regularly will keep the blooms coming all season long.
Feed your nicotiana plants with a nutrient-rich fertilizer to encourage lush foliage and explosive flowering.
Keep nicotiana separate from other nightshade plants like tomatoes and eggplants to prevent the spread of tobacco mosaic virus.
Stunning Nicotiana Flowers to Brighten Your Summer Garden
As a passionate gardener, I’ve grown countless varieties of nicotiana over the years, and they never fail to impress. These long-blooming beauties are the stars of my summer borders, adding bold pops of color from June through October. One of my all-time favorites is the eye-catching ‘Lime Green’ cultivar with its vibrant lemon-lime blooms that look just as gorgeous in a vase as they do in the garden.
While nicotiana may sound exotic, it’s surprisingly easy to grow for both novice and experienced gardeners alike. Native to Central and South America, these tropical treasures thrive in hot, humid conditions, making them perfect for sweltering summer days. If you live in zone 10 or higher, you can enjoy nicotiana as a perennial treat year after year. For those in cooler climates, simply grow them as annuals and revel in their non-stop floral display until Jack Frost arrives.
“Flowering tobacco plants are celebrated for their long-lasting blooms,” says Gail Pabst, gardening expert and Marketing Director for the National Garden Bureau. “Blooming from June right up until the first frost, these late summer flowers are sure to impress.”
But the key to keeping those colorful blossoms coming is deadheading. As Gail advises, “If you are looking to maximize flowers, deadheading is crucial. This means removing each stem after the blooms have faded.” I like to use my hands to gently pluck spent flowers every few days, then snip off entire stems once they’re done blooming. It’s a wonderfully relaxing evening ritual that pays off with an abundance of fresh new buds.
One rookie mistake? Using the wrong tools. You don’t need heavy-duty pruners for deadheading – a simple pair of snips from your local garden center or Walmart will do the trick.
Give ‘Em a Boost with Fertilizer
While nicotiana isn’t fussy, giving your plants a nutrient kick can work wonders for their growth and flowering. “If the soil is of poor quality, you can fertilize nicotiana,” Gail notes. “These flowers prefer a nutrient-rich soil, so feeding your plants can improve plant health and blooming.”
For container-grown nicotiana, use a premium organic potting mix to give those roots the fuel they crave. And don’t be shy about treating your garden beds to an all-natural bloom booster fertilizer come July. As Gail points out, “If you are looking for plants for pollinators, nicotiana are excellent annuals to grow. Flowering tobacco plants are known to attract hummingbirds, butterflies and moths, so you want to make sure these plants have all the nutrients they need to bloom.”
Keep Your Distance from Nightshade Neighbors
While generally pest-free, there is one threat nicotiana gardeners need to watch out for. “Nicotiana is part of the nightshade family, Solanaceae, meaning that they are related to eggplants, tomatoes, potatoes and pepper plants,” Gail cautions. “While tobacco plants are relatively pest-free, one problem to look out for is the transmission of Tobacco Mosaic Virus.”
This pesky virus can wreak havoc on your nightshade crops, causing discolored, dropping leaves and diminished growth. So heed Gail’s advice: “It is recommended not to plant these nicotiana near or in your vegetable garden. This virus can spread very easily, so avoid planting nightshade family members close to one another.”
Annual or Perennial? You Decide!
Typically grown as annuals that bloom their hearts out until the first frost, nicotiana can also be cultivated as short-lived perennials in zones 9 and up. While they may only last a couple of seasons in these warmer regions, their easy-care nature and dazzling flower power make them well worth growing year after year.
No matter how you choose to grow them, these sun-loving stunners are a summertime must. Imagine vibrant jewel-toned blossoms dancing on tall, elegant stems, perfuming the air with their sweet fragrance. With a little deadheading TLC and the occasional nutrient boost, your nicotiana will be the envy of the neighborhood!
Nicotiana Varieties to Try in Your Garden
Ready to add some nicotiana magic to your landscape? Here are a few favorite varieties to consider:
Nicotiana alata – One of the most popular species, featuring starry white, pink, red or lime green blooms.
Nicotiana sylvestris – A tall, stately woodland species with long, tubular white flowers that release an intoxicating evening fragrance.
Nicotiana langsdorffii – A stunner with pale green blooms that age to a rich blue-purple hue.
Nicotiana mutabilis – Aptly named for its color-changing blossoms that transition from white to pink, rose and finally deep red.
With so many eye-catching options, you’re sure to find the perfect nicotiana to light up your summer garden. Just don’t forget to deadhead, fertilize, and give them a little space from their nightshade cousins!
Conclusion
There’s no denying the showstopping appeal of nicotiana flowers. With their long-lasting blooms, easy-care nature, and ability to attract loads of pollinators, these summer stunners deserve a spot in every gardener’s plot. By following the expert tips we’ve covered – deadheading, fertilizing, and separating from other nightshades – you’ll be rewarded with an endless season of vivid color and fragrance. So grab your gardening gloves, pick up a few nicotiana transplants, and get ready to turn your outdoor space into a breathtaking summer spectacle!
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Liz Spencer, affectionately known by her friends as Liz, is a mid-aged woman who lives and breathes the world of beauty and fashion. Residing in the bustling city of New York, she has found the perfect environment to nurture her passions. From a young age, Liz was fascinated by the transformative power of a great outfit or a new hairstyle, leading her to become a personal stylist and image consultant.
