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Annuals, Tropicals > Nicotiana > Nicotiana tabacum > Nicotiana tabacum

Nicotiana tabacum


Common tobacco plant, Queen Mother herb, Virginian tobacco plant




Origin:  North-Eastern Argentina, Bolivia, grown since pre-Columbian times. Genus is named for Jean Nicot (1530-1600) who introduced Nicotiana to France.
Family
Solanaceae
Genus
Nicotiana
Species
tabacum
Category
Annuals, Tropicals
USDA Hardiness Zone
8
Canadian Hardiness Zone
7b - 8a
RHS Hardiness Zone
H5 - H4
Temperature (°C)
-12 - (-7)
Temperature (°F)
10 - 20
Height
120 cm
Photographs
Description and Growing Information
Flowering Period
JuneJulyAugust
Landscape
Grown in cultivation on a domestic scale, but can be difficult to cure in cool climates.
Cultivation
Grow in a rich, moisture retentive but well-drained soil in full sun, using a stake in exposed areas.
Pests
Aphids can be a problem for young plants, and mosaic and mottling viruses should be watched for.
Bark/Stem Description
Stems often become woody at the base.
Leaf Description
Leaves are ovate to elliptic to lanceolate, growing up to 25 cm.
Flower Description
Flowers are green-white to rose.
Fruit Description
Fruit is elliptic to globose, growing to 2 cm.
Notable Specimens
Royal Botanical Gardens, Burlington, Ontario, Canada.
Propagation
Surface sow the seed in spring about ten weeks before setting out.
Ethnobotanical Uses (Disclaimer)
Various forms of the N. tabacum are used for different purposes, including Havana tobacco for cigars and Virginia tobacco for cigarettes. Poisonous if ingested.
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