Nicotiana Plant: Fight Nicotine Cravings With This Natural Patch

Looking for a quick fix for your nicotine habit? Look no further than the beautifully fragrant Nicotiana, commonly known as flowering tobacco. Don't get too excited; while Nicotiana plants are related to true tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum), these plants are grown for their ornamental properties, not to smoke. Nicotiana plants are native to warm, tropical and sub-tropical areas of North and South America. A Nicotiana patch is perfect for areas near entryways, such as porches, patios and walks. Place your Nicotiana patch in a sunny area in well-drained soil for best results. Although Nicotiana is considered an annual, most species readily self-seed, continually filling the patch with nonstop beauty and fragrance throughout summer and fall.

Nicotiana plants can be easily obtained from most garden centers and nurseries. Choose a Nicotiana species most suited for your region and specific needs. Growing Nicotiana from seeds is just as easy as growing your own tomato plants. Simply sprinkle the tiny seeds onto wet soil and lightly press them in, if at all. Give them some warmth and a little TLC and before you know it, you'll have a bunch of seedlings to thin out. Nicotiana is usually planted in spring well after the threat of frost has ceased. Depending on the variety you choose, spacing of Nicotiana plants can be anywhere from eight to twenty-four inches apart.

Most varieties of Nicotiana grow anywhere from twelve to thirty-six inches tall; however, there are some taller species. Dwarf forms are also available, though these may not be as fragrant as their taller counterparts. Nicotiana is available in many colors, from white, cream, and pink to red, purple, brown and even green, all with trumpet-like blooms. Hybrid species generally remain open throughout the day and are not as scented as true varieties, which only open during evening hours. Woodland tobacco (Nicotiana sylvestris) is adaptable to light shade as well as full sun. This old-fashioned variety is highly prized for its lovely white, fragrant evening blooms. Jasmine tobacco (Nicotiana alata) also has white blooms but is not as stately looking as the woodland variety. However, what this plant lacks for in beauty, it makes up for in fragrance.The ornamental Nicotiana langsdorffii is a tall variety with interesting droopy flowers of green. If you're looking for height, Tree tobacco (Nicotiana glauca) may be what the doctor ordered. This species grows up to an amazing ten feet tall, with showy yellow flowers. 'Variegatum' varieties offer interesting variegated leaves and are available with many species.

Did you know that Nicotiana is also a natural pest repellant? Nicotiana plants have fuzzy and very sticky leaves, which many unfortunate insects become adhered to. Other pests, Nicotiana rustica, known also as Aztec tobacco, is a South American native grown extensively for its insecticidal properties, as it is deemed one of the most potent of the tobacco species. All parts of the Nicotiana plants are poisonous so care should be taken around small children and pets. Nicotiana looks good in mass plantings or in clumps, especially if you want to enjoy their fragrance. A Nicotiana patch is not only easy to grow but with the many varieties available, you can quickly get your fix nearly anywhere.