Species tobacco plant
White flowers with lime petiole and buds, green leaves and yellow midrib.

tobacco plant

Nicotiana sylvestris

The tobacco plant, scientifically known as Nicotiana sylvestris, is an annual plant with clusters of white flowers. The leaves are broad, oval-shaped and leathery with smooth green surface. It grows up to 6 feet tall and usually flowers from July to October. Nicotine, an active alkaloid, is present in its leaves and is typically used for smoking or as an insecticide. In recent years, seed oil extracted from N. sylvestris has been used in some skin care products because of its anti-inflammatory properties.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Cutting,Layering Propagation,Division,Grafting Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

10 - 11

Flowers:

White Flowers

Sun:

Full sun,part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

High

Maintenance:

Low

Poisonous To Humans:

Yes

Poisonous To Pets:

Yes

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Invasive:

Yes

watering

Tobacco plants should be watered when the soil looks and feels dry. Aim to water the tobacco plant until the soil is moist but not soggy and then let the soil air dry. Depending on the climate, you should water the tobacco plants no more than 2-3 times a week. During the blooming period, water the trees more often since the plants will be using more water during this period. Also, make sure the soil never completely dries out.

sunlight

The tobacco plant (Nicotiana sylvestris) requires full sun in order to thrive and needs at least 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. Planting and growing this species of tobacco in an area that receives full or partial shade, especially midday shade, will cause poor growth and low yields. Furthermore, if the tobacco plants are not receiving adequate sunlight, they may become susceptible to fungal diseases and pests. For optimal growth and yield, it is recommended to provide the tobacco plants with the maximum amount of sunlight possible and to position the plants in the garden so that they are receiving direct sunlight for at least 8 to 10 hours per day during the growing season.

pruning

Tobacco plants (Nicotiana sylvestris) should be pruned twice a year. The first pruning should be done in early spring when the plant is just starting to come out of dormancy. Prune off any dead or decaying branches and foliage. You can also lightly prune healthy branches to keep the plant compact and promote healthier growth and more flowers. The second pruning should occur after the plant has finished flowering in mid-summer. Cut off any dead flower heads and prune back last season's growth to promote healthy new growth next season. When pruning, take care to remove only the minimum amount needed and be prepared to applied a light fertilizer or mulch to help with healing. With proper pruning, your Tobacco plant should provide you with beautiful seasonal displays.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

The Nicotiana sylvestris, or tobacco plant, typically begins flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Starts Flowering

The Nicotiana sylvestris, or tobacco plant, typically begins flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Hardiness Map