Wild Tobacco Seeds

Common Names
Wild Tobacco, Indian Tobacco

Botanical Name
Nicotiana quadrivalis

Plant Family
Solanaceae (Nightshade Family)

Life Cycle
Annual

Native Range
Western US: Oregon, California, Nevada, and Arizona. Historically cultivated by indigenous groups of PNW as far north as Haida Gwaii.

Hardiness Zone
2-11

Habit
3ft tall in bloom and 2ft wide. Bushy habit with tubular white star-shaped flowers.

Sun/Soil
Likes full sun and regular soil.

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 9+) or started in flats in the spring and transplanted out.

Growing/Care 
Native to the southern PNW, this species of Tobacco is easier to grow than the tropical tobacco species. Very fast growing it is important to give it lots of water. and lots of space if in a pot, if large leaves are desired.

Harvesting
Once the plants begin to flower the plants can be cut at the base and hung to dry, alternatively the leaves may be harvested individually. For use as a smoking herb, the tobacco leaves must be processed by curing, fermenting, and aging.

I use Tobacco leaves not for smoking, but for spiritual offerings. For this purpose they do not have to be fermented. Instead, I wilt the whole leaves for a day or two, then roll each leaf individually into a loose cigar shape and dry them that way.

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
Attracts Pollinators, Deer Resistant, Apothecary Garden, Sacred Medicine Garden.