Flowering Tobacco ‘Grandiflora’
Nicotiana alata
Description
One of the most fragrant flowers we grow, this stunning plant is a must-have for every gardener and is ideal for the mixed border. Flowering for many months, it fills the air with a sweet, jasmine-like scent. Showy white flowers open during the cool of the evening. Pollinators adore them, especially moths and butterflies. On our farm, the hummingbirds even nest in the patch.
Details
Plant type: annual
Height: 32 to 38 in
Site: suitable for some degree of shade
Days to maturity: 90 days
Plant spacing: 12 in
Pinch: not necessary
Height: 32 to 38 in
Site: suitable for some degree of shade
Days to maturity: 90 days
Plant spacing: 12 in
Pinch: not necessary
Seed Sowing & Growing Notes
Sow seed indoors in trays 6 to 8 weeks before last frost; transplant out after all danger of frost has passed. Seed requires light to germinate, so do not cover. Bottom-water until seedlings emerge. In areas with hot summer weather, plant in partial shade.
Harvesting/Vase Life
Harvest when one-third of flowers are open on a stem. Flowers are especially wilt prone, so always harvest during the coolest part of the day. Immediately after harvest, dip the bottom few inches of the stems in boiling water for 7 to 10 seconds, or use Quick Dip, then place into cool water. Remove spent flowers from the lower half of the stems every few days. Expect a vase life of 7 days.
Details
Description
One of the most fragrant flowers we grow, this stunning plant is a must-have for every gardener and is ideal for the mixed border. Flowering for many months, it fills the air with a sweet, jasmine-like scent. Showy white flowers open during the cool of the evening. Pollinators adore them, especially moths and butterflies. On our farm, the hummingbirds even nest in the patch.
Details
Plant type: annual
Height: 32 to 38 in
Site: suitable for some degree of shade
Days to maturity: 90 days
Plant spacing: 12 in
Pinch: not necessary
Height: 32 to 38 in
Site: suitable for some degree of shade
Days to maturity: 90 days
Plant spacing: 12 in
Pinch: not necessary
Seed Sowing & Growing Notes
Sow seed indoors in trays 6 to 8 weeks before last frost; transplant out after all danger of frost has passed. Seed requires light to germinate, so do not cover. Bottom-water until seedlings emerge. In areas with hot summer weather, plant in partial shade.
Harvesting/Vase Life
Harvest when one-third of flowers are open on a stem. Flowers are especially wilt prone, so always harvest during the coolest part of the day. Immediately after harvest, dip the bottom few inches of the stems in boiling water for 7 to 10 seconds, or use Quick Dip, then place into cool water. Remove spent flowers from the lower half of the stems every few days. Expect a vase life of 7 days.
Sources
How to Grow
Sources
Seed-Saving Mini Course
Learn how to save seed from zinnia, dahlia, and celosia
In our upcoming free, three-part video series, you’ll learn everything you need to know to save seeds on a home scale, including how plants are pollinated and isolation techniques to ensure varieties come back true, how to tell when plants are ready to pick and how to harvest the seeds, and how to properly dry, clean, and store seeds long term.
