Flowering Tobacco ‘Rustica’

Nicotiana rustica

Features

  • Cut-and-come-again
  • Foliage & Filler
  • Pollinator-friendly
  • Suitable for partial shade

Description

This broad-leafed plant is quite unassuming until it shoots up thick stems loaded with acid-green, bell-shaped blooms. The versatile color works with nearly every color palette, and the tall stems are a perfect filler for large-scale arrangements. Well-loved by pollinators.

Details

Plant type: annual
Height: 42 to 60 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

This broad-leafed plant is quite unassuming until it shoots up thick stems loaded with acid-green, bell-shaped blooms. The versatile color works with nearly every color palette, and the tall stems are a perfect filler for large-scale arrangements. Well-loved by pollinators.

Details

Plant type: annual
Height: 42 to 60 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

Winter Mini Course

Learn how to start flowers from seed in this three-part video series

In our upcoming Winter Mini Course, you’ll learn everything you need to know to successfully start flowers from seed, including all of the necessary supplies, step-by-step instructions, special tips and tricks, and how to create a simple indoor seed-starting area.