How to grow nicotiana from seed
Learn how to grow fragrant nicotiana from seed, in our step-by-step guide.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| At its best | yes | yes | yes | |||||||||
| To do | yes | yes |
For the price of a few packets of seed, half-hardy annuals, such as tobacco plant (Nicotiana), can be sown in March ready to flower in summer. Start your half-hardy annuals in the greenhouse or on a sunny windowsill, then acclimatise them to life outdoors before planting out in their final position.
You Will Need
- Seed tray or small pots
- Seed compost
- Vermiculite or fine grit
- A propagator or plastic bag
- 7cm pots
- Multi-purpose, peat-free compost
- Cold frame
Step 1
Fill a tray with seed compost, then sow a tiny pinch of seeds in each cell. Cover with a vermiculite, water and place the tray in a propagator in a warm spot such as a windowsill.
Step 2
Once seeds have germinated, wait until two pairs of leaves form. Then, holding each seedling by its leaves and not its stem, transplant each one individually into a 7cm pot filled with sieved multipurpose compost.
Step 3
Water seedlings well after transplanting and keep the pots in a warm, bright place. Avoid exposure to bright sunlight, which can scorch the young leaves.
Step 4
When all risk of frost has passed, move the plants to a cold frame or patio, bringing them in at night. After a week you can plant them outside.
Christmas offer
Gift a subscription to BBC Gardeners' World magazine and save 51% on the shop price.
Year Planner 2025 on sale
Starting to plan your gardening year? The Year Planner 2025 is packed with expert advice from the Gardeners’ World team, to ensure you have your best gardening year yet.
New podcast series
Join Monty and the team for advice on winter gardening, tulips, caring for birds, house plants and more in the new BBC Gardeners' World Magazine podcast series.
