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Annual plant
Solanaceae
Heritage and ethnobotanical plants
Sacred Tobacco
Nicotiana rustica
Product code : 2 to 11
Traditional annual plant with large decorative leaves and cultural value.
- Quantity
- Minimum 100 seeds
- Exposure
- Full sun
- Life cycle
- Annual
- Hardiness
- Annual
Discover the plant
Common nameSacred Tobacco
FamilySolanaceae
GenusNicotiana
Speciesrustica
Cultivar
TypeAnnual plant
Botanical nameNicotiana rustica
Reproducible seedsYes
Sacred Tobacco (Nicotiana rustica) is a traditional annual plant recognized for its impressive foliage, vigorous growth, and ethnobotanical importance. Its large green leaves create a bold structure that adds a lush texture to sunny gardens. During summer, its yellow-green flowers appear above the foliage, providing subtle interest while contributing to garden diversity. Adapted to warm summer conditions, this plant offers a distinctive presence in heritage, botanical, and educational gardens.
Sacred Tobacco (Nicotiana rustica) prefers full sun, rich well-drained soil, and regular moisture during active growth. The very small seeds should be surface sown because light supports germination. Young plants can be transplanted after the last frost and quickly develop a vigorous habit during the warm season. In Quebec and Canada, this annual species requires summer cultivation because it does not tolerate freezing temperatures.
Sacred Tobacco (Nicotiana rustica) holds important cultural and historical value in several Indigenous traditions and is now mainly grown as an ethnobotanical, ornamental, and educational plant. This plant is not edible and should not be consumed. It fits well in pollinator gardens and themed landscapes where its large leaves create strong visual structure. Combined with plants such as monarda, rudbeckia, and goldenrod, it contributes to a garden rich in history and biodiversity.
Sowing guide
It all startswith a seed.
Sowing depth
Surface sowing
Spacing / density
45 to 60 cm (18 to 24 in)
Germination temperature
20 to 25 °C
Germination time
7 to 30 days
Sowing period
March to May indoors
Propagation
Seed propagation
Growing method
Surface sow the extremely fine seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last expected frost. The seeds require light to germinate and should not be covered, or only barely covered with fine growing medium. Maintain temperatures between 20 and 25°C (68 to 77°F) and consistent moisture until germination. Transplant outdoors after all danger of frost has passed into rich, fertile, well-drained soil in a warm, sunny location. Incorporating compost encourages the production of large leaves, while the summer flowers attract numerous beneficial pollinators.
Soil and care
The right care,at the right time.
Soil pH
6.0 to 7.5
Minimum temperature
0 °C (32 °F)
Care level
Moderate
Watering
Regular
Soil type
Rich fertile well-drained soil
Fertilization
Compost and moderate fertilization
Moisture
Moderate; keep soil evenly moist without waterlogging
Seasonal care
Maintain moisture, protect from frost, and remove weeds.
Container growing
A garden,within reach.
Recommended pot size
40 cm (16 in)
Sacred Tobacco grows well in deep containers at least 40 cm (16 in) deep filled with rich, well-drained growing medium. Container growing makes it easier to manage watering and fertility while protecting young plants during spring. A sunny location promotes vigorous growth and the development of large aromatic leaves. Water regularly without allowing the soil to become waterlogged.
Bloom and dimensions
Its place,in your garden.
Mature height
2 m
Width / spread
60 cm
Flower color
Yellow-green to yellow
Foliage color
Green
Foliage type
Deciduous
Growth rate
Fast
Growth habit
Upright, compact and branching
Fragrance
Foliage with a characteristic tobacco scent
Bloom period
July to September
Fruiting
Seed capsules
Days to maturity
Approximately 90 to 120 days
Harvest
August to September
Garden associations
In goodcompany.
Companion plants
Monarda, rudbeckia, goldenrod, sunflower
Plants to avoid
Tomato, potato, pepper, eggplant
Frequently asked questions
Your questions,answered.
When should Sacred Tobacco be sown?
Seeds are generally started indoors in late winter or early spring to produce strong transplants before moving them outdoors after the last frost.
Do seeds need light to germinate?
Yes. The seeds must be surface sown because light is essential for successful germination.
Can it be grown in Quebec?
Yes. Sacred Tobacco is grown as an annual throughout most of Canada when provided with adequate warmth and full sun.
Does it attract pollinators?
Yes. Its tubular flowers attract bees and other beneficial pollinating insects throughout the summer.
Is this plant edible?
Leaves are typically harvested once they reach full size in late summer, before the first autumn frosts.
Wildlife and pets
Life,around your plants.
Reported toxicity
Yes
Supporting wildlife
Pollinators
For a great start to your seeds
The right extras.Right here.
Platters, pots and domes
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Seed Starting Soil
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