Nicotiana, commonly known as flowering tobacco, is an annual plant that has the ability to reseed itself if left in the garden. This means that once the plant matures and produces seeds, those seeds can fall to the ground and germinate on their own, giving rise to new plants in the following growing season.
To encourage self-seeding, you can simply allow the flowers to mature and go to seed in your garden. As the flowers fade and dry out, they will form seed pods that contain numerous small seeds. When these pods eventually burst open, the seeds are dispersed onto the soil below. This natural dispersal method mimics the way plants propagate in the wild, ensuring the continuation of the species.
If you prefer to have more control over the location of the Nicotiana plants in your garden, you can collect the seeds before they have a chance to disperse on their own. This can be done by cutting off the seed pods as they begin to turn brown and dry out, and then storing them in a cool, dry place until you are ready to sow them.
When it comes to sowing Nicotiana seeds, you have a couple of options. One method is to scatter the seeds directly over the soil where you want them to grow. This can be done by hand, or you can use a seed spreader to evenly distribute the seeds. Once scattered, lightly press the seeds into the soil so that they make good soil contact, but don’t bury them too deeply as they require light to germinate.
Another option is to start Nicotiana seeds indoors and then transplant the seedlings into your garden. This can be advantageous if you live in a colder climate or want to get a head start on the growing season. To do this, start the seeds about 6-8 weeks before you plan to plant them outside. Sow the seeds in a seed-starting mix, keeping them moist and in a warm location until they germinate. Once the seedlings have developed a few sets of true leaves, they can be transplanted into individual pots or a seed tray with adequate spacing. When the danger of frost has passed and the seedlings are strong enough, they can be planted outdoors.
I personally find the self-seeding nature of Nicotiana to be quite fascinating and convenient. I have had instances where I allowed the flowers to go to seed and observed new plants popping up in unexpected but delightful locations the following year. It adds a touch of spontaneity and natural beauty to the garden.
Nicotiana has the ability to reseed itself if left in the garden. Whether you choose to let nature take its course or collect and sow the seeds yourself, this annual plant can easily propagate and provide you with beautiful blooms year after year.
