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Tobacco plant (Nicotiana sanderae)

Annuals

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Tobacco plant (Nicotiana sanderae)

Tobacco plants are all fine looking, and they come in some lively colours and quite different sizes. There is a place for all of them in the garden. Herbaceous borders can be set off with bright red, white or cream tobacco plants. Many of the varieties grown are small and so are very useful as gap fillers. Shown here is a 'Domino' series variety.
Price: Expect to pay about £1.50 for a good plant.

The Knowledge

Plant Type: Annual
Height: 38.1cm (15in)
Spread: 22.86cm (9in)
Situation: Sunny border
Soil Type: Medium to rich

Tobacco plants are good value in borders because they have a large colour range and most can be grown as annuals. Growing from seed will assure enough young plants to plant in the border to make a colourful summer display during the heat of the season. A well-performing plant will produce a mass of flowers.

Be aware there are lots of insect pests that will eat and suck the leaves and stems dry. Not all tobacco plants are small: Nicotiana sylvestris grows up to 1.5m (5ft) and has its architectural uses. Some plants are scented and many are attractive to insects at dusk.

Best With:
Grow them with the African violet, Tagetes. For more ideas, check out Hot and Dry Garden or Traditional Garden.