Flowering Tobacco, Nicotiana
Nicotiana reaches the height of grace when massed in large beds. Each plant is anchored by a low rosette of large leaves from which spring tall, slender stems. Long, thin tubes at right angles to the stem open into star-shaped flowers in white and shades of mauve, red, maroon, pink, yellow, green, and yellow-green. The nodding, delicate effect is enhanced by planting in great masses, especially in areas with a gentle wind.
Often touted as powerfully fragrant. the day-blooming hybrids available today are sorely disappointing. Occasionally a fresh, sweet scent can be detected in the vicinity of a bed. especially on cool evenings; but the famous perfume. sadly, has been lost. It can be found only in the tall. old-fashioned. evening-blooming kinds.
Consider nicotiana when looking for a tall ( 12 to 36 inches), delicate statement in the mixed border. It is surprisingly effective planted in clumps in large pots. Do not grow nicotiana near where you intend to grow tomatoes; it attracts many pests and diseases that may attack tomatoes, such as tobacco mosaic virus.
While the hardy nicotiana will be little troubled, the tomatoes may not survive.
Nicotiana is gaining favor as an alternative to petunias in areas where the humidity-related disease botrytis can snip the blossoms off for several weeks in late summer.
It does best in fertile, well-drained, moist soil that is high in organic matter. Medium to light shade is preferred, but it will tolerate full sun in humid climates; flowers will fade some in full sun in dry climates. Fertilize regularly, and keep the soil moist. It will self-sow freely, but is not difficult to control.
