Overview
Nicotiana is a bushy annual biennial in the genus Nicotiana, part of the Solanaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Nicotiana grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and acid and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H3. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden and patio and container plants.
About
Nicotiana is a genus of herbaceous plants and shrubs in the family Solanaceae that is indigenous to the Americas, Australia, Southwestern Africa and the South Pacific. Various Nicotiana species, commonly referred to as tobacco plants, are cultivated by humans.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Nicotiana
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Nicotiana
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H3
Plant details
Nicotiana size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Annual Biennial, Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Nicotiana
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed, surface sown at 18°C in mid spring
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to aphids, glasshouse whitefly and glasshouse leafhopper
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to grey moulds and to virus diseases
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Nicotiana?
Nicotiana prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Nicotiana need?
Nicotiana is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It prefers acid and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.
Is Nicotiana hardy in the UK?
Nicotiana has an RHS hardiness rating of H3, meaning it is half-hardy, tolerating -5 to 1°C, and may need winter protection in colder areas.
How do I propagate Nicotiana?
Propagate by seed, surface sown at 18°C in mid spring.