Flowering Tobacco | Nicotiana alata

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Flowering tobacco (Nicotiana alata) is an evergreen, herbaceous shrub from the family Solanaceae. Even though it has earned a somewhat notorious name for being a commercial non-food plant, often used for “weed” cigarettes, this genus of plants is highly fragrant and offers a vivid array of colorful blossoms––making it an ideal addition to flower beds and gardens.

Etymology

The plant’s scientific name, Nicotiana alata, comes from its classification within the family of plants known as Solanaceae. Nicotiana was named in honor of Jean Nicot, a French ambassador to Portugal in the 1500s, as well as a long-time advocate of its medicinal properties. Alata is derived from the Latin word alatus meaning “winged,” in reference to the plant’s characteristic foliage––which features prominent mid-veins. The alternate old common name “Wild Balsam” is derived from the Latin family name for the species, BALSAMINACEAE.

How to Plant

Flowering tobacco is not fussy when it comes to soil requirements and makes a great choice for both containers and flower beds. It thrives in a wide range of well-drained, loamy soils with a slightly acidic pH of 6.3–7.8. When planting, provide it with plenty of direct sunlight (six to eight hours per day) and space them at least 18–24” apart from one another. Water the soil evenly and regularly throughout the growing season, and make sure to avoid overwatering. If planted outside, the temperatures of nighttime should be no lower than 50°F (10°C).

Meaning and Symbolism

Flowering tobacco has a long history of both medicinal and spiritual uses––having received special attention in Native American and European cultures respectively. To the Navajo people, it was revered as a sacred plant used to bring both spiritual strength and clarity of vision. To the Europeans, it was known by many names and used as an herbal remedy to treat fever, headaches, and digestive ailments.

History, Mythology, and Religious Significance

Flowering tobacco has had a long, venerable role in both European and Native American cultures. To the European settlers in the 1600s, it was known as “Indian cigar”––a tobacco plant that was smoked for its mild, but pleasant, flavor. Similarly, the plant held spiritual significance in many Native American cultures, especially among the Navajo peoples who used it in their healing and spiritual rituals.

Flower Varieties and their Defining Characteristics

Flowering Tobacco comes in a variety of beautiful, colorful blooms. Each of them has unique characteristics that set them apart from the rest.

Nicotiana alata ‘Condor’ – Known for its soft, muted-red hue and sweet perfume, this variety is one of the most popular Nicotiana alata varieties. It grows anywhere from 10–37” tall on slightly upright stems with clusters of white-striped petals and a 40” reach.
Nicotiana alata ‘Lime Green’ – This variety adds a touch of vibrancy and visual interest to any flower bed. Grown from 10–37” tall, it is distinguished by its bright lime-green blossoms with a 45” reach.
Nicotiana alata ‘Lime’ – Uniquely different from ‘Lime Green’, it features apple-green blooms that contrast beautifully against its dark-green foliage. Growing 12–37” tall, this variety boasts a great fragrance and a reach of 40”.
Nicotiana alata ‘Beauty of Worcester’ – A unique variety with soft-pink blooms that form in clusters atop dark-green foliage. Growing 10–37” tall, this has a reach of 35” and a great standing presence.
Nicotiana alata ‘Grandiflora’ – A classic variety with short stalks, small glossy leaves, and very large, funnel-shaped white flowers. Growing 16–37”, it has an impressive reach of 50”.

How to Pot and Repot

When potting and repotting Flowering Tobacco, a large, well-draining container should be used, usually a 6 to 8” pot filled with a well balanced, slow-release potting mix. The proportion of soil and fertilizer should be equal; a slightly acidic soil pH of 6.5–7.5 is recommended in order to help the plant retain moisture. To promote root growth, add some organic potting mix and perlite or small gravel. When watering, it is important to soak the soil deeply and let the surface dry out between waterings.

How to Prune

Pruning Flowering Tobacco is a necessary step if it is going to be planted in a pot. Pruning encourages branching and helps to increase the plant’s size and fullness. Trim off spent blooms, weak stems, and any other dead or diseased-looking foliage. Make sure to use sharp, clean pruning shears and avoid over-trimming; you should only remove no more than a third of the foliage at a time.

How to Propagate

Propagate Flowering Tobacco with either seed or cuttings. To propagate with seed, use pre-soaked seeds in lukewarm water for 24 hours. Plant the seeds in a sterile potting mix and keep them moist in a warm, sheltered spot with eight hours of sunlight each day. Cuttings can be taken during the spring months; just make sure to include the roots, because this will determine how easily the cuttings will take. Plant them in the same way as you did with the seed, and keep them well watered.

Common Pests and Diseases

Flowering Tobacco is prone to a few different pests and diseases. Among the most common are aphids, whiteflies, slugs, thrips, and mites. To prevent these insects from damaging the plant, regular pest checks should be done and the plants should be kept watered and pruned regularly. Other common illnesses include root rot, fungal diseases, and leaf spot. The best way to combat these issues is to pay attention to the plant’s environment and make sure it is properly watered and well-drained.

FAQs

1. What size does the flowering tobacco plant get?
Answer: Flowering Tobacco grows anywhere from 10–37” tall, depending on variety.
2. What type of fertilizer should I use on my flowering tobacco?
Answer: A balanced, slow-release fertilizer with a slightly acidic soil pH of 6.5–7.5 is recommended for flowering tobacco plants.
3. What type of soil does flowering tobacco prefer?
Answer: Flowering tobacco is not fussy when it comes to soil type, but it does prefer well-drained, loamy soil with a slightly acidic pH of 6.3–7.8.

Fact Sheet

Flowering Tobacco	Nicotiana Alata
Family	Solanaceae
Plant Type	Herbaceous Shrub
Mature Size	10-37” tall
Sun Exposure	Full Sun/Partial Shade
Soil Type	Well-drained, loamy soil
Soil pH	6.3-7.8
Bloom Time	April-December
Flower Color	Varies depending on variety
Hardiness Zones	8-10
Native Area	Central and South America
Maintenance Level	Average