Nicotiana tabacum (Common tobacco plant, Queen Mother herb, Virginian tobacco plant)
Botanical Information
| Family | Solanaceae |
| Genus | Nicotiana |
| Species | tabacum |
| Category | Annuals, Tropicals |
| Origin | North-Eastern Argentina, Bolivia, grown since pre-Columbian times. Genus is named for Jean Nicot (1530-1600) who introduced Nicotiana to France. |
| 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. |
Details
| USDA Hardiness Zone | 8 |
| USDA Hardiness Ref. | |
| Canadian Hardiness Zone | 7b - 8a |
| Canada Hardiness Ref. | |
| RHS Hardiness Zone | H5 - H4 |
| RHS Hardiness Ref. | |
| Temperature (°C) | -12 - (-7) |
| Temperature (°F) | 10 - 20 |
| Height | 120 cm |
| Flowering Period | June, July, August |
Description and Growing Information
| Landscape | Grown in cultivation on a domestic scale, but can be difficult to cure in cool climates. |
| Propagation | Surface sow the seed in spring about ten weeks before setting out. |
| 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. |
| Notable Specimens | Royal Botanical Gardens, Burlington, Ontario, Canada. |
| 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. |
Photographs
