Flowering Tobacco ‘Grandiflora’

Nicotiana alata

Features

  • Cut-and-come-again
  • Fragrant
  • Pollinator-friendly
  • Suitable for partial shade

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

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

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

Summer Mini Course

Learn how to grow, harvest & arrange beautiful cut flowers

In this free three-part video series, you’ll learn a simple step to double the number of blooms your plants produce, how to cut and care for your flowers for the longest vase life, and how to make mixed bouquets quickly and efficiently.