Nicotiana used to be a flower grown for it's fragrance. Modern breeding has resulted in shorter plants, more suitable for selling in packs in garden centre, but also the plants have lost most of their scent. Hence when we found the new 'Perfume' series we knew we had to list it. At 50cm high, It still has all the F1 hybrid performance and grows slightly taller than other modern varieties, but with the all the wonderful fragance bred back in.
Variety: Nicotiana 'Perfume' Mixed
No. of Seeds: 100
Germination Temp: 18C
Ideal Plant Spacing: For this variety ideal plant spacing is 45cm apart, or 3 in a large container
Sow seed from: Late March - Early May
Nicotiana is easy to grow. Flowers begin to appear in the early summer and the plant will rebloom all season. Nicotiana looks good mixed with other bedding plants, and most probably you will want them to grow in small groups, to enjoy their fragrance. They are best placed towards the middle or back of the flower garden. Try some in large pots or containers near your patio.
Propagation of Nicotiana Seeds
Nicotiana are grown from seeds. Whilst Nicotiana seeds can be directly seeded into your garden, an early, indoor start, translates into an earlier bloom. Sow seeds on a good quality compost and cover lightly with fine compost or vermiculite. Germination of seeds is usually around 14 days. Do not place the seedlings outside until after the last frost date your area as nicotiana plants are susceptible to frost.
How to Grow Nicotiana Plants
The plants will flower and bloom best in partial shade to full sun. They prefer a rich, well draining soil, so mix a healthy dose of compost into the soil prior to planting. Nicotiana like a lot of water and nutrients, however while they like lots of water, they do not like it water-logged. We recommend you add a slow release fertilizer when planting, for season long feeding. Nicotiana will begin to flower in early summer - after each set of blooms, deadhead spent flowers to promote reblooming. The plants are annuals that are very susceptible to frost. Cover them up whenever cold temperatures are expected.
Likely Nicotiana Problems
Aphids can pose a problem. Also in cooler summers, it is likely that mildew will appear on the leaves. Both these can be treated with SB Plant Invigorator, as and when they appear.
