Flowering tobacco, Jasmine tobacco, Sweet tobacco, Winged tobacco
Nicotiana alata
🌿 Morphology
🌞 Growing conditions
🌍 Origin and family
🌾 Uses
Warning: Despite the care taken in writing this sheet, it is essential to cross-reference sources before using or consuming any plant. When in doubt, consult a qualified professional
Permaculture uses
Flowering tobacco is primarily grown for its ornamental value and fragrant flowers, especially at night. While related to commercial tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum), N. alata is not typically used for smoking. It attracts pollinators, particularly moths, making it a beneficial addition to pollinator gardens. Specific cultivars, like 'Grandiflora' or selections with different flower colors, offer varied aesthetic appeal. Self-seeding can occur, which might be desirable in some garden designs.
Permapeople description
A fragrant flowering plant with long, tubular white flowers that open in the evening. It is commonly grown as an ornamental plant and is a parent of many modern tobacco cultivars.
Botanical description
Nicotiana alata is a species of flowering plant in the Solanaceae family, native to South America, particularly Argentina and Bolivia. It is an herbaceous perennial, often grown as an annual. The plant typically grows to a height of 3-5 feet (1-1.5 meters). The leaves are large, oval-shaped, and slightly sticky. The flowers are trumpet-shaped, white, and highly fragrant, especially in the evening. They are typically borne on tall, slender stems. Several cultivars exist with varying flower colors, including pink, red, and lime green. The fruit is a small capsule containing numerous tiny seeds.
Companion planting
Generally, Nicotiana alata is considered a good companion plant, attracting pollinators beneficial to other garden plants. Avoid planting near plants susceptible to tobacco mosaic virus, although this is less of a concern with N. alata than with commercial tobacco varieties. Its fragrant flowers complement evening-blooming plants like moonflower (Ipomoea alba).
Propagation methods
Propagation is typically achieved through seeds. Sow seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost. Surface sow seeds as they need light to germinate. Cuttings can also be taken from basal shoots, though seed propagation is generally preferred.
History and traditions
Nicotiana species have a long history of use by indigenous peoples of the Americas, primarily for ceremonial and medicinal purposes. While Nicotiana alata itself is less prominent in traditional use than Nicotiana tabacum or Nicotiana rustica, it shares similar chemical constituents and may have been used in some cultures as a smoking alternative or admixture. Its introduction to Europe as an ornamental plant led to its widespread cultivation in gardens.
Usage calendar
Sow seeds indoors: February - April. Transplant seedlings outdoors: May - June. Flowering: June - October. Collect seeds: September - November. Pruning (deadheading): Throughout the growing season to encourage more blooms.