Nicotiana

PERENNIAL GROWN AS ANNUAL

Summer/fall bloom
Can handle light frost

TO START OUTDOORS

Sow seed directly into a finely textured, well-worked garden bed in sun or in partial shade once danger of spring frost is past. Cover very lightly and keep moist as seedlings emerge. Weed and water young seedlings carefully and thin to stand 1 1/2 to 2 feet apart before they get too crowded.

TO START EARLY INDOORS

Start seed indoors 6 to 8 weeks before last spring frost date. Sow seeds as thinly as possible in a container of seed starting mix and cover very lightly. Keep moist but not soggy, and provide a strong light source until seedlings are ready to plant outdoors after gradually acclimating to outdoor conditions. Thin or transplant seedlings 1 1/2 to 2 feet apart to allow room to grow.

GROWING NOTES

Nicotiana grows well in sun but can tolerate shade, especially during the afternoon. In mild areas, plants will winter over; cut back in fall for spring regrowth and early bloom. Plant them with other showy annuals like cosmos or cleome for an old-fashioned country garden.