How far apart should I plant Tobacco?

About 50 cm (20 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 50–80 cm (20–31 in).

Does Tobacco need full sun?

Full sun: at least 7 hours of direct sun a day.

How much water does Tobacco need?

Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.

How cold-hardy is 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 Tobacco flower?

About 10–13 weeks after planting, for 3–4 weeks.

Is Tobacco poisonous to cats and dogs?

For cats it is severely toxic; for dogs severely toxic; for people severely toxic. Contains nicotine. Wet leaves can poison field workers through the skin (green tobacco sickness).

What grows well with Tobacco?

There is no well-documented companion pairing for Tobacco. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).

Tobacco Nicotiana tabacum

Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) is an annual herb in the Solanaceae family, native to Andes of South America, as a cultivated hybrid. It grows 1.2–2 m (3.9–6.6 ft) tall and 50–80 cm (20–31 in) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about 2 °C (36 °F). Space plants about 50 cm (20 in) apart.

Plan Tobacco in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.

Tobacco at a glance

Type	Annual herb
Family	Solanaceae
Mature height	1.2–2 m (3.9–6.6 ft)
Mature spread	50–80 cm (20–31 in)
Spacing	50 cm (20 in) centre to centre
Sun	Full sun, at least 7 h of direct sun a day
Water	Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none
Soil pH	5.5–6.5
Cold hardiness	About 2 °C (36 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 10)
Heat stress	Likely above about 35 °C (95 °F)
Flowering	about 10–13 weeks after planting, for 3–4 weeks
Days to maturity	About 110 days from planting
Wind tolerance	Low
Pollinator value	Low
Edible	Not grown as food
Native to	Andes of South America, as a cultivated hybrid
Common in gardens of	🇨🇳 China, 🇮🇳 India, 🇧🇷 Brazil, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇮🇩 Indonesia, 🇹🇭 Thailand

Is Tobacco toxic?

People: severely toxic
Cats: severely toxic
Dogs: severely toxic
Parts: all parts

Contains nicotine. Wet leaves can poison field workers through the skin (green tobacco sickness).

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 Tobacco

No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun 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 Tobacco

How far apart should I plant Tobacco?: About 50 cm (20 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 50–80 cm (20–31 in).
Does Tobacco need full sun?: Full sun: at least 7 hours of direct sun a day.
How much water does Tobacco need?: Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
How cold-hardy is 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 Tobacco flower?: About 10–13 weeks after planting, for 3–4 weeks.
Is Tobacco poisonous to cats and dogs?: For cats it is severely toxic; for dogs severely toxic; for people severely toxic. Contains nicotine. Wet leaves can poison field workers through the skin (green tobacco sickness).
What grows well with Tobacco?: There is no well-documented companion pairing for Tobacco. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).

Sources and evidence

Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).

Notes and assumptions

Listed because it is grown as a field crop.

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