Flowering tobacco Nicotiana alata
Flowering tobacco (Nicotiana alata) is an annual flowering plant in the Solanaceae family, native to Southern Brazil, Paraguay and north-east Argentina. It grows 40 cm–1.5 m (16 in–4.9 ft) tall and 30–60 cm (12–24 in) wide, wants part sun to part shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about 2 °C (36 °F). Space plants about 35 cm (14 in) apart.
Plan Flowering tobacco in your garden →
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Flowering tobacco at a glance
| Type | Annual flowering plant |
|---|---|
| Family | Solanaceae |
| Mature height | 40 cm–1.5 m (16 in–4.9 ft) |
| Mature spread | 30–60 cm (12–24 in) |
| Spacing | 35 cm (14 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 4 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7 |
| Cold hardiness | About 2 °C (36 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 10) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 35 °C (95 °F) |
| Flowering | about 11–14 weeks after planting, for 10–17 weeks |
| Days to maturity | About 110 days from planting |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Southern Brazil, Paraguay and north-east Argentina |
| Common in gardens of | 🇺🇸 United States, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇦🇷 Argentina, 🇧🇷 Brazil, 🇳🇱 Netherlands |
Is Flowering tobacco toxic?
- People: moderately toxic
- Cats: moderately toxic
- Dogs: moderately toxic
- Parts: leaves, all parts
Contains nicotine and related alkaloids.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Flowering tobacco
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and moderate water.
Keep apart or take care
- caution With Florence fennel: Fennel releases growth-inhibiting compounds from roots and foliage; lab and garden reports show poorer growth of tomato, pepper and other nearby crops, so keep it in its own corner. Evidence C
- caution With Smoke tree: Smoke tree is very susceptible to Verticillium wilt, which persists in soil after tomato, potato or aubergine crops; avoid planting it where those crops have wilted. Evidence C
- caution With Fennel: Fennel is reported to suppress tomatoes, peppers and many other vegetables nearby; grow it in its own corner. Evidence C
- caution With Nightshades: Nightshades share late blight, early blight, Verticillium wilt and Colorado potato beetle; mix with other families and rotate the bed. Evidence B
- avoid With Potato: Potatoes are the main source of late blight (Phytophthora infestans) that spreads to tomatoes and other nightshades within a few metres. Evidence B
- caution With Sunflower: Sunflower residues and roots release phenolic compounds that can slow nearby seedlings; transplants are less affected. Evidence C
Questions about Flowering tobacco
- How far apart should I plant Flowering tobacco?
- About 35 cm (14 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 30–60 cm (12–24 in).
- Does Flowering tobacco need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 4 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Flowering tobacco need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Flowering tobacco?
- It tolerates about 2 °C (36 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 10. As an annual it is usually planted out after the last frost.
- When does Flowering tobacco flower?
- About 11–14 weeks after planting, for 10–17 weeks.
- Is Flowering tobacco poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is moderately toxic; for dogs moderately toxic; for people moderately toxic. Contains nicotine and related alkaloids.
- What grows well with Flowering tobacco?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Flowering tobacco. Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, NC State Extension
Notes and assumptions
- Long-tubed starry flowers release a strong evening scent for hawkmoths; plant by a seat or window. Often self-seeds.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Tomato Solanum lycopersicum
- Cherry tomato Solanum lycopersicum var. cerasiforme
- Potato Solanum tuberosum
- Bell pepper Capsicum annuum
- Eggplant (aubergine) Solanum melongena
- Chili pepper Capsicum annuum (hot types)
- Petunia Petunia x hybrida
- Tomatillo Physalis philadelphica