Also known as Flowering Tobacco · 24 saves
Nicotiana
Nicotiana, the genus most gardeners know as flowering tobacco. We track 10 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 9 most-saved Nicotiana varieties
Browse all 10 Nicotiana varieties →
4 species of Nicotiana
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Nicotiana in Sow
Save the Nicotiana you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Nicotiana
Whats common across all Nicotiana varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 10 most-grown of them.
The Nicotiana year
- DeadheadJune–September70% of varieties
Remove spent flowers to keep plant tidy and maximize bloom.
- FertilizeMay–August40% of varieties
Apply balanced liquid fertilizer monthly during peak bloom.
- Check for PestsJune and July40% of varieties
Watch for large green caterpillars (tobacco hornworms) and handpick.
Do
- Mulch to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds
- Water consistently to keep soil moist 🌱
- Fertilize monthly during the growing season
- Water regularly to keep soil evenly moist 💧
- Prune dead or damaged stems to encourage healthy growth ✂️
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Do not forget to deadhead spent flowers for continuous bloom
- Don't plant in heavy, waterlogged clay soil
- Refrain from fertilizing late in the season to avoid legginess
What goes wrong with Nicotiana
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue on leaves, distorted growth | Apply neem oil or insecticidal soap organic spray |
| Spider Mites | Fine webbing on foliage | Spray with strong water jet or apply miticide |
| Spider mites | Fine webbing on foliage, speckled leaves | Use insecticidal soap or miticide |
| Tobacco budworm | Holes chewed through buds and flowers, with dark frass caught in the blooms | Pick the caterpillars off after dark when they feed, or treat with Bt; damaged buds will not recover |
| Powdery mildew | White powdery coating on leaves | Improve air circulation and apply fungicide |
| Powdery Mildew | White powdery coating on leaves | Improve air circulation and apply fungicide |
| Root rot | Wilting despite moist soil | Ensure well-draining soil and reduce watering |
Making more Nicotiana
cuttings
- Select healthy stems and cut 4–6 inches lengths.
- Remove lower leaves and dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant cuttings in potting mix, keep humid, and wait 4–6 weeks for roots.
Seed
- Surface sow the tiny seed indoors in early spring.
- Do not cover it; light is needed for germination.
- Prick out carefully and plant out after the last frost.
Nicotiana questions
How many types of Nicotiana are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 10 distinct Nicotiana varieties. The most popular — ranked by 24 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Nicotiana grow in?
Across its varieties, Nicotiana covers USDA Zones 8–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Nicotiana bloom?
Most Nicotiana varieties bloom in summer to fall, mid-summer, summer to frost. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Nicotiana should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.