Marshmallow Tobacco Seeds

Common Names
Marshmallow Tobacco, Nicotiana, Flowering Tobacco

Botanical Name
Nicotiana mutabilis

Plant Family
Solanaceae (Nightshade Family)

Life Cycle
Perennial

Native Range
South America

Hardiness Zone
Perennial in zones 8-10, grown as an annual in colder zones.

Habit
Plants are graceful and beautifully open, reaching heights of 4 feet with multiple sturdy stems that sport delightful tubular flowers, which closely resemble tiny petunias. Each plant displays a dazzling mix of shades on its stems, ranging from soft rose to creamy white, and every lovely shade in between. This diverse palette creates a truly unique and enchanting flowering tobacco variety that catches the eye and brightens up any garden space.

Sun/Soil
Tobacco needs all the sun you can give it, decent soil (the more fertile the better), and regular waterings to help it establish. The high humidity environment of the green house is also beneficial but not necessary.

Germination/Sowing
Tobacco seeds are very easy to germinate and the seedlings are fast growing. The seeds can be direct sown in fall or winter (zones 8+) or started in flats in the spring and transplanted out. Make sure to give the roots lots of root, the seedlings are fast growing and will become stunted if left to become root bound in small pots.

Growing/Care 
Tobacco plants like regular water throughout the growing season, if soil is deficient then adding compost, or a feeding of kelp and/or fish fertilized is recommended to encourage large leaf growth. Cut back plants at the end of the season.

Culinary Uses
None known.

Medicinal Uses
Revered and respected as a sacred plant since ancient times, Tobacco is used for offering and purification. In ceremony, tobacco smoke is used to carry one's thoughts and prayers to the Creator.

Themes
Cut flowers, Attracts Pollinators, Deer Resistant, Apothecary Garden, Sacred Medicine Garden.