Tobacco is a plant that has many varieties. They all differ from each other in color, aroma, design, size. Tobacco bushes are grown for different purposes. For example, common tobacco is cultivated in industrial quantities, and its dried leaves are used for the production of tobacco products. Flowers of fragrant tobacco will decorate the area and fill it with a delightful aroma. What is decorative tobacco, and why it is often found in almost every area, you can learn from this article.
Peculiarities
This is a garden plant of the Solanaceae family. Under natural conditions it is perennial, but at home it is mostly an annual.
The star-shaped flowers are colored in various shades. Moreover, the paler the color, the brighter the aroma of the flower. You can see this when the sun goes down.
It blooms throughout the summer season, extending into September.
The branches of the bush are straight. Large leaves are rounded at the root, elongated on the stems. This is not noticeable in the photo of fragrant tobacco, but glandular hairs cover its entire surface. They help absorb moisture from dew and neutralize the scorching rays of the sun.
If necessary, it can withstand replanting to another place even during flowering.
general information
Aromatic tobacco is an acquisition from South America, and was popularized in Europe by the intrigued Christopher Columbus. In its native latitudes it is a perennial plant, but here it is grown as an annual.
The herbaceous bush with a height of 20 to 90 cm belongs to the nightshade family and pleases with its variety. It has straight shoots with large green leaves and hard pubescence. Flower colors can vary greatly, but the most common varieties are pink, purple, white and yellow.
An interesting feature is that fragrant tobacco opens its buds in the evening. And in the evening its expressive aroma intensifies, which at the same time is able to repel pests. Flowering lasts from June to September.
Photo: prom.ua
Characteristics of bushes
With up to 60 species, the fragrant tobacco plant is divided into 3 categories:
- Tall.
- Medium height.
- Dwarf.
Quite tall bushes - above 80 cm. It is preferable to present them on the far perimeter of the flower garden, near fences and bushes of other garden plants. This category includes Hypnosis, Sensation.
Medium-sized tobacco grows up to 30-80 cm. It decorates gazebos, terraces and loggias of apartments. Lilac Mist belongs to it.
Small plants grow only up to 30 cm. These varieties frame flower beds and decorate balconies. Dwarf varieties: Nicki Red, Havana Appleblossom, Rosa Gnom.
When planting fragrant tobacco, height classification is of primary importance.
Sweet tobacco in landscape design
In ornamental gardening, plant varieties are used to create borders, design flower beds and edgings, and are included in mixborders with other flowering crops. Rock gardens and rock gardens are decorated with low-growing representatives. Tall ones are suitable for the background of any design solution.
Can be grown near ornamental shrubs and coniferous trees. Dwarf varieties with different colors create colorful compositions. Many specimens can be grown in containers; they are used to decorate summer verandas, gazebos, and grand staircases. Below are several examples of using fragrant tobacco in a design with a photo of flowers in a flower bed.
Mix with different colors
Lawn decoration option
Porch decoration
Linear planting to create a border Wild tobacco in a flowerbed near the summer terrace
Features of cultivation
For planting and maintaining fragrant tobacco in open ground, a space is allocated that protects it from drafts, gusts of wind and provides partial shade. Dig up the soil in the fall, fertilize it, if necessary, add a drainage compound.
For planting, planting holes are dug, maintaining a distance of 25-30 cm. When the plant is tall, the distance can be increased.
Immediately before planting, add superphosphate mixed with soil into the recess. The plant is carefully lowered into the hole, covered with soil, compacted, and watered.
When and how to plant fragrant tobacco in open ground
To plant sprouts of this beautiful fragrant plant in open ground, the gardener should clearly decide when it is best to do this. An important condition is sufficiently warmed ground. First of all, you need to decide when to plant fragrant tobacco. Garden beauty seedlings can be planted in open ground, provided that the ground has had time to warm up well. The recommended period suitable for planting is in May.
Important! It is best to plant seedlings at a distance of approximately 20-30 centimeters between the bushes to ensure their full development.
Watering mode
Another prerequisite for the growth of tobacco bushes is regular watering. This plant is accustomed to growing in places with high humidity. During the hot season and dry weather, it needs to be watered every day.
Top dressing
Fragrant tobacco does not require frequent feeding; it can be done only twice in one season. Feed the first time when buds form, and again before they begin to bloom. It is recommended to use phosphate fertilizers. The high nitrogen content in the fertilizer affects the development of the plant's foliage, but it will bloom little.
Features of care during the flowering period
The decorative tobacco flower does not always look bright and colorful. Sometimes there are inflorescences of a fading type. They do not cause any negative impact on the formation of new inflorescences. They do not need to be removed if you only care about the quality of flowering. From an aesthetic point of view, of course, a flowering plant without faded petals will look better, so in this case, it is better to get rid of dry buds, especially since they are very easily removed from the stem.
Blooming winged tobacco
Many types of ornamental tobacco bushes bloom starting in June and ending in September. To extend the flowering period, it is necessary to pick off dried flower buds more often. And every gardener wants to enjoy a blooming bright bush for as long as possible, before the onset of winter cold.
Features of care during the rest period
It is possible to obtain sufficiently high-quality smoking tobacco bushes if you remove the inflorescences at the beginning of their flowering, breaking off the flower arrows. This procedure promotes the active formation of stepsons that do not require removal.
Preparing for winter
To extend the life of your garden pet, the following actions will be required:
- At the end of the last month of autumn, carefully dig up mature bushes.
- Transplant the plants into pots of suitable size and place them on a well-lit windowsill.
- Trim the green parts with a bush, leaving approximately seventy percent of the length.
- Water the flowers according to the soil moisture level.
- In the first days of spring, transplant tobacco bushes into open soil.
It is possible to prevent the death of your favorite plant if you continue to grow it in a pot at home. In this case, it is at rest, and after the onset of the new year it begins to bloom.
Consequently, the same tobacco bush can be grown for several decades. The gardener is only required to remove dried flowers, keeping the plant decorative.
It is important to know! When fragrant tobacco has spent the winter at home, it should bloom much earlier, unlike other bushes obtained from seedlings. Florists need to take this phenomenon into account when composing flower arrangements.
Using seeds for planting
A garden flower reproduces simply:
- directly with the seeds of fragrant tobacco, with further use of seedlings;
- by self-seeding.
The time for planting seeds for seedlings is January-March. Accuracy depends on the climate of the region. The seedlings will be ready for transplanting into open ground in a couple of months. By this time the soil should warm up steadily.
The containers are prepared shallow, with a wall height of 7-8 cm. Ready-made soil is purchased in the store. You can make the soil mixture yourself, using the following in equal proportions:
- peat;
- humus;
- land from the site.
Small annual seeds are prepared before planting in an open flower garden. They are placed between layers of damp material to swell. Seeds that have increased in size but have not hatched are scattered evenly over the surface, lightly pressed into the substrate, moistened and covered with film.
Having obtained the greenhouse conditions, the box is placed in a lighted place with a temperature of +20 ° C. At the germination stage, the soil is moderately moistened, carefully loosened, and ventilated every other day.
Using seeds for seedlings, caring for them during this period, growing fragrant tobacco, even a novice gardener can do it.
Caring for a plant in the garden
Growing this plant in the garden requires performing a number of procedures, the most banal and familiar to every gardener.
- Regular watering at the right time,
- feeding,
- periodic loosening of the soil,
- weeding,
- protection and treatment from diseases and pests.
Watering
Watering is needed when it gets hot and there is no rain. At this time, the tobacco is watered abundantly every day. If the summer is rainy, then watering is reduced so as not to cause stagnation of moisture in the soil. At other times of the year, watering should also be reasonably reduced, doing it when the soil dries one centimeter deep.
Trimming
Pruning consists of removing wilted and diseased flowers. This will not only help the plant, but also increase its decorative value.
Top dressing
Fertilizing is not necessary for fragrant tobacco when grown on fertile soil. If the soil is poor in nutrients, feed it twice a year. The first time for feeding comes when the buds swell and flowering begins. The second time this procedure is carried out after the end of the flowering period.
In both cases, complex mineral fertilizers for flowers are used in combination with organic fertilizers, applying them alternately. The best way to add fertilizer to the soil is to dissolve it in water for irrigation.
If necessary, organize the preservation of the bush in winter. In late autumn, strong plants are dug up, the above-ground parts are shortened by a third and transplanted into containers of sufficient volume.
Flowers preserved in this way are placed in a cool place with good lighting and kept that way in winter. Water as needed. After the frosts end and the soil warms up in the spring, fragrant tobacco is planted in open ground.
First shoots
After half a month, sprouts will appear. The boxes with seedlings are moved to a room with t +16o C, and the cover is removed. When 2-3 strong leaves appear, the sprouts are dived into separate cups:
- water the soil before planting;
- remove the plant without shaking off the soil from the small roots;
- and place separately in prepared containers.
Water sparingly, do not overwater, do not let it dry out.
Before planting fragrant tobacco on the plot, it is hardened for two weeks - every day it is briefly exposed to the yard, gradually increasing the time.
Pest and disease control
Fragrant tobacco contains special essential oils and phytoncides that repel pests and support the plant’s immunity. He does not get sick himself and protects nearby plantings from parasites with his very presence. Otherwise, you just need to follow the rules of care.
Photo: 7dach.ru
Statica (50 photos): types, care and planting in open ground
Care
Activities for caring for fragrant tobacco flowers do not require special skills. This is the implementation of ordinary, without any special gardening rules:
- watering;
- getting rid of weeds;
- loosening the soil;
- introduction of fertilizers;
- disease prevention;
- protection from pests.
Fragrant tobacco does not need diligent fertilization with organic matter, mixtures containing nitrogen, otherwise the opposite effect will occur - an increase in green vegetation and poor flowering. It is enough to fertilize once during the appearance of buds, plus again at the very beginning of flowering. To do this, mineral fertilizer is added to irrigation water.
If the summer is hot, dry, and not rainy, you should water it daily.
For greater growth of the bush, if desired, you can pinch the top of the plant.
Origin and appearance of the plant
The history of the origin of tobacco began with one of the voyages of the navigator Christopher Columbus. In the uncharted lands that later became America, he and his companions met the aborigines. They exhaled dark-colored smoke from dark sticks in their mouths. At first glance it seemed very strange, but when inhaled and exhaled correctly, such smoking causes a state of peace, relaxation and vigor in the body. The person could feel as if under hypnosis.
Flowering of fragrant tobacco
Travelers began to smoke strange sticks, or cigars, as the locals called them, with pleasure. They were later given as gifts of honor to the royal court, and the first known woman to smoke in Europe was the Queen of Spain named Isabella.
The Spaniards were the first to create tobacco plantations; they chose the islands of Cuba and Haiti for its cultivation. Since 1540, sea transportation of fragrant, processed tobacco leaves to European countries has been carried out.
Interesting! The most successful trader of tobacco seeds was the Frenchman Joan Nicot, who distributed them in France and England. This plant was named after his name - Nicotiana.
Russia began to use tobacco leaves during the reign of Ivan the Terrible. Only members of the Russian nobility were allowed to smoke. But soon, by decree of Tsar Mikhail Fedorovich, the use of tobacco was banned. Subsequently, only Tsar Peter I allowed smoking.
Tobacco is an annual or sometimes perennial plant of the nightshade family. Its growth reaches up to two meters in length; it has existed in nature since 6000 BC. It is decorated with large leaves and flowers of pink, red or white in the form of a funnel, five to six centimeters long.
The birthplace of tobacco
Tobacco originally grew in Peru and Bolivia; it came to Europe thanks to Christopher Columbus. Currently it is grown in China, North America, Asia Minor, and India. The countries of the former Soviet Union are no exception, namely Transcaucasia, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Moldova, Ukraine, Crimea and Krasnodar Territory.
How tobacco grows
Fragrant tobacco is a fairly heat-loving plant that is usually planted in the soil as seedlings. Its seeds are sown at the end of February or at the beginning of March.
What does tobacco look like?
This ornamental plant is a medium-sized bush with a thick and strong stem, decorated with large leaves with slightly pointed ends. The length of the root system is usually no more than two meters. Flowering is accompanied by a paniculate inflorescence. The fruits of tobacco bushes are seed pods that can crack when ripe.
How tobacco blooms
Tobacco, the flowers of which are shaped like stars, looks very beautiful. The diameter of the inflorescences is no more than five centimeters. The inflorescence has a long flower tube and five petals of white, pink, crimson, red, lilac, yellow, and burgundy.
Fragrant tobacco blooms only in good light fourteen hours a day. Tobacco grows well on a balcony or window illuminated by the sun. This plant will also need four hours of sun daily to bloom.
Interesting! The flower is quite fragrant with a pleasant smell that intensifies in the evening. Pollination of its inflorescences is carried out in the dark by nocturnal moths.
After flowering
Before the onset of winter cold, the most spectacular and healthy perennial bushes are shortened by ⅓ by cutting off the shoots.
Carefully dig up, transplant into separate pots and leave for the winter in a bright, warm room, watering as needed. Plant in an open lawn closer to the summer warmth.
Fragrant tobacco: growing from seeds, when to plant annual seedlings
A favorite of many gardeners, fragrant tobacco (Nicotiana suaveolens) is a member of the Solanaceae family. In its homeland (North and South America), this flower with an incredibly pleasant aroma grows as a perennial, but in our country it is cultivated as an annual plant, but there are gardeners who manage to grow it for up to 10 years.
Tobacco was brought to Europe in 1492 by Christopher Columbus from a long journey. The navigator had no idea that the plant would become so popular and mark the beginning of the era of smoking.
Why has fragrant tobacco become a favorite? Let's list the advantages of this original heat-loving plant - ease of cultivation, bright flowers of various shades, attractive aroma and another important plus - it is useful for the garden, and we will tell you what it is below.
Types, varieties
The term “fragrant tobacco” itself combines several types of plants. All of them are from the Paslenov family:
- Forest tobacco - with white flowers, reaches 80-150 cm. A dwarf variety measuring a quarter of a meter has recently been bred;
- Langsdorf - with dark green bells, bush height 120 cm;
- Sander tobacco - popular varieties: Tuxedo Lime with yellow flowers, and Tuxedo Samen-Pink with salmon-colored flowers;
- Dolce Vita - varieties of the species are distinguished by the variety of colors of the blossoming buds, which open throughout the day;
- Green Light - grows up to half a meter, has yellow flowers with a light green tint;
- hybrid Pleasure - about a meter tall, with raspberry-colored flowers, quite tolerant of drought;
- Winged tobacco is distinguished by an abundance of varieties.
Types and varieties of fragrant tobacco with photos and names
Fragrant tobacco is a general name for various types of decorative tobacco. Below are descriptions of some of them.
Wild tobacco (Nicotiana sylvestris)
The height of the bush can vary from 0.8 to 1.5 m. The shoots are straight, and the white drooping flowers are very fragrant. This species is native to Brazil. It is recommended to be used for growing in the background, as well as in mixborders. In recent years, breeders have obtained a variety series of this species for container culture, the height of the bushes is only about 0.25 m.
Langsdorff's tobacco (Nicotiana langsdorffii)
The height of this annual plant is about 1.2 m. The bell-shaped dark green flowers have a very pleasant smell. Under natural conditions, this species can be found in Brazil and Chile. There is a rather low-growing variety of the Cream Splash species: the bush reaches a height of 0.6–0.9 m.
Winged tobacco (Nicotiana alata = Nicotiana affinis)
This herbaceous perennial plant is cultivated by gardeners as an annual. The height of its erect shoots is 0.6–0.7 m. Small leaf plates have a lanceolate or elongated shape. On the surface of all above-ground parts of the bush there is pubescence consisting of glandular hairs. Large loose panicle-shaped inflorescences consist of tubular flowers of white, cream or carmine color, their length is about 75 mm with a bend with a diameter of 50 mm. In the main species, flowers open only at night. However, thanks to the work of breeders, varieties have appeared that bloom during the day, as well as dwarf varieties that do not need support. This species in cultivation is represented by varieties and forms of the large-flowered variety (Nicotiana alata var. grandiflora), the flowers can be colored lilac-pink, purple, dark red, pink, white or scarlet. Bushes of individual varieties can reach a height of 150 cm. At the same time, the varieties that are part of the Kana group have low bushes, so their height is no more than 0.4 m. The following varieties are the most popular:
- Evening Breeze . The height of the bush is approximately 0.6 m. The color of the flowers is red-crimson.
- Red Devil . The height of the compact bush is about 0.4 m. The flowers, which do not close during the day, are dark red.
- Crimson Rock . The height of the bush is 0.45–0.6 meters. The flowers are colored crimson-red. This variety was awarded the Fleuroselect award.
- White Bedder . The height of the bush is approximately half a meter. The flowers, painted white, remain open during the day.
- Lime Green . The bushes reach a height of 0.75 meters. The flowers have a greenish color.
- Domino Saman-Pink . The height of small bushes is about 0.3 meters. The flowers are salmon pink.
Still quite popular are varieties such as: Night Fire, Green Light, Havana Appleblossom, Lunevsky, etc.
In specialized stores you can also purchase varieties of fragrant tobacco, for example:
- Series Sensation . The height of the bushes can vary from 0.6 to 0.9 meters.
- Nicky series . The height of the bush is about 0.3 m. The flowers can be painted in a variety of shades, from crimson to white.
- Havana series . Flowers can be painted in a variety of colors. The height of the bush is approximately 0.35 m.
- Avalon series . The height of the bushes can vary from 0.15 to 0.3 m. The flowers can be painted in a variety of colors.
- Perfume and Roll series . The composition includes low-growing varieties.
Sander Tobacco (Nicotiana x sanderae)
This garden hybrid was born in 1903; it was obtained by crossing wild Forget tobacco and winged tobacco. The flowers are larger compared to winged tobacco, but they are completely odorless. As a rule, they are painted in carmine-red color shades, but there are also white-flowered varieties. Thanks to this hybrid, a large number of different varieties have been developed. The first generation of hybrids of this species, included in the Tuxedo series, are low-growing bushes, so their height does not exceed 0.2 m. They can be grown both in flower beds and in containers. Popular varieties of this series: Tuxedo Lime - yellow-lemon flowers; Taxido Saman Pink - this variety with salmon-pinkish flowers is the most popular.
Flowers on the balcony - Sweet tobacco - the best trap for aphids
Tobacco Winged
This species has a variety of shades of colors:
- raspberry-red shades in Evening Breeze, Red Devil, Crimson Rock;
- the white flowers of the White Bedder variety are open and fragrant during the day;
- Lime Green has light green flowers.
Varieties in demand:
- Green light;
- Lunevsky;
- Night fire;
- Havana Applebloss.
All varieties support the method of growing from seeds.
In flower shops it is easy to find seeds of the low-growing series Niki, Avalon, Perfume, and Roll.
Fragrant tobacco - description of the plant and rules for caring for it
Fragrant tobacco is a plant with large inflorescences that emit a unique, enchanting aroma.
Thanks to its original and unique flowering, it can become a real decoration for absolutely any garden.
Fragrant tobacco is a plant resistant to various pests, and the aroma, pleasant to humans, is not at all to the taste of insects, therefore, it can be planted between vegetable crops to provide protection from pests.
This is a universal plant that is grown not only for its lush flowering and unique aroma.
There are several varieties of this plant, which is why you can place many different flowers in your garden plot.
It is worth noting that they differ in the length of the stem and the color of the inflorescences.
Features of the plant
This plant belongs to the nightshade family and is native to America.
The shrub has an erect stem, rather large, drooping leaves and small star-shaped flowers.
The height of the plant largely depends on the variety and can range from 30 cm to 1 m.
Flowering lasts from June to September.
The flowers generally open in the evening and have a rather pleasant, enchanting aroma.
This heat-loving plant has many advantages, among which are:
- ease of cultivation;
- attractive appearance;
- unique aroma.
Hybrids have huge buds that are open throughout the day, while wild ones open only in the evening.
Note!
Hybrids have almost no aroma, and white plants smell best.
What does a flower look like - fragrant tobacco photo
The most popular varieties of fragrant tobacco
There are many different forms of this amazing flower, which differ in the color of the flowers and the length of the stem.
They are divided into several groups according to plant height, namely:
- short;
- medium height;
- tall.
Low-growing varieties of fragrant tobacco
Dwarf varieties reach a length of no more than 30 cm and can be planted near borders.
Among the most famous varieties are:
- Havana Appleblossom;
- Nicky red;
- Rosa Gnom.
Havana Appleblossom
The Havana Appleblossom variety has white, pinkish, and reddish flowers.
Nicki red is a lush shrub with fiery red buds.
However, you can find this plant variety with buds of other colors.
The Rosa Gnom variety is one of the smallest plants, since the height of the bush is no more than 25 cm, and its buds are reddish-pink.
Medium-sized varieties of fragrant tobacco
Medium-sized varieties reach a height of approximately 70 cm. They can even act as a natural hedge.
Often there are varieties such as:
- Green light;
- Purple Haze;
- Lime Green;
- Night Bonfire;
- Fragrant harbor.
The Lime Green variety is grown as a perennial, and its inflorescences are represented by several shades of buds.
The Green Light flower has unique light green buds.
Green light
Lilac Fog has buds of various sizes in a rich lilac hue.
Tall varieties of fragrant tobacco
Tall plants reach a height of more than 70 cm. They can act as filler in the background of the lawn, and they are also planted in groups near shrubs.
Among the most popular varieties of this group we should highlight:
- Aroma Green;
- Hypnosis;
- Sensation;
- Mage noir.
The Hypnosis variety is distinguished by the fact that it has exquisite combinations of shades with a very refined aroma.
Variety Mazhi-naur
Sensation is a fragrant variety that reaches a height of approximately 1 m. The flowers open mainly in the evening. The color of the buds is mixed.
Mazhi-naur variety with an unusually refined and luxurious aroma of white flowers.
Many of the varieties grow somewhat pressed against the soil, acting as a natural mat.
Fragrant tobacco
Diseases, pests
Nature itself has created preventive measures for the plant. The fungicides contained in it prevent diseases and pests from appearing and spreading. By protecting itself, fragrant tobacco protects neighbors living nearby.
Sometimes the plant is affected by Peronosporosis, and:
- leaves dry;
- the edges curl;
- a yellowish tint is formed;
- a gray and purple coating appears on the leaves below.
If symptoms of the disease are detected:
- dig up a bush, burn it;
- dig up the soil and spray 30 liters of 7.5% formaldehyde solution on this place;
- treat the used instruments with 3% formaldehyde solution;
- Spray the seedlings with 80% Zineb solution.
It is recommended to periodically inspect all plants for the presence of disease.
Rarely, fragrant tobacco is affected by root rot - the plant turns yellow and dries; and stem rot. For prevention, before the time comes to plant in open ground, it should be treated with a fungicide at the seedling stage.
The pests that may bother you are slugs and, oddly enough, the Colorado potato beetle. But constant monitoring, manual collection and their destruction help cope with the scourge.
This gentle plant has nothing to do with addiction and nicotine. Despite the name, its description suggests that this flower, pleasing with its aroma and beauty, creates attractiveness and brings harmony to our garden plots.
Reproduction methods
In its natural habitat, fragrant tobacco forms numerous colonies. This happens thanks to root shoots and self-seeding. In gardens, all varieties and types of crops can be grown only in a generative way. Ripe fruits are collected until they open, the seeds are removed and stored in a dark place. 10 days before planting, place in a humid environment and put in the refrigerator.
Important! Before laying in the ground, treat with a solution of manganese or any antifungal agent.
Photo of fragrant tobacco plant
Perennial fragrant tobacco planting and care details
Despite the fact that in its homeland the plant is grown as a perennial crop, in temperate climates tobacco is cultivated as an annual. Therefore, it is necessary to stock up on seeds. You can collect seeds from faded buds or purchase new varieties in specialized stores. You can, of course, leave the flowers to sow the seeds on their own, but there is no guarantee that after winter frosts the seeds will not freeze and will retain their germination.
The flower will not bring much trouble to its owners. The basis of care is regular watering. Regardless of the variety, plants are equally moisture-loving. Removing faded inflorescences is not required, because this does not in any way affect the number of buds or the quality of flowering.
With the onset of autumn, the flowers can be dug up and transplanted into a pot. Shorten the stems by 1/3 and move to a warm room. Maintain moderate watering and temperature conditions throughout the winter. And when the spring thaw passes, plant the bushes back in the garden. If you do not trim the stems, but simply bring the flowering bush indoors, the flowering will continue throughout the winter and early spring. At home, fragrant tobacco can be grown for several years while maintaining abundant flowering.
Picking winged tobacco seedlings: rules and terms
The optimal time for picking is when the plants have 2 true, well-developed leaves . The soil mixture can be used the same as for planting. You need to use individual containers (cups, cassettes), their diameter is about 10 centimeters.
To properly plant fragrant tobacco seedlings, you must follow this diagram:
- water the plants 2 hours before the event;
- fill the cups with soil and water the soil;
- carefully separate the plant using a spoon, stick or any tool convenient for you (there is no need to destroy the earthen lump and shake off the soil from the roots);
- make indentations in the center of the container (with your finger or stick);
- place one plant in one cup, the seedlings should fit freely in the hole, and the roots should not bend;
- Gently sprinkle with soil, lightly compact the soil and water.
Caring for winged tobacco seedlings after picking is the same as before. But it is advisable to shade the plants from direct sunlight for 2 days after the procedure so that they take root normally and adapt to the new place.
It is also recommended to pinch the top shoot after the seedlings take root (after about 2 weeks).
What is fragrant tobacco and how does it differ from smoking tobacco?
The genus of fragrant tobacco (from Latin Nicotiana alata) belongs to the plant species of the Solanaceae family. According to its plant characteristics, tobacco is included in the family of dicotyledonous spinoletal plants such as tomatoes, potatoes, and eggplants. This species has several names, for example, “winged”, “Athenian”. In Europe, fragrant tobacco appeared after smoking varieties and shag. In the second half of the 19th century, bushes with this plant could be found in gardens, flower beds and parks.
Fragrant tobacco contains phytoncides - biologically active substances that affect and stop the growth and development of bacteria and fungi. Phytoncides can protect not only tobacco, but nearby plants near the bush from parasites. Experienced gardeners, knowing this property of the plant, protect their garden from parasites without the use of chemicals.
There is a certain pattern - when the color of tobacco flowers is too bright, the aroma will be weakly expressed. If the buds are light, the smell will be stronger.
The simplest type of tobacco began to spread in 1753 thanks to the ambassador Jean Nicot from Portugal, who brought powdered tobacco to France as a medicine for migraines. In honor of Jean Nico, tobacco itself was named in its pure form - Nicotiana. Thanks to the ambassador, the British began to distribute tobacco to various countries around the world after 1565. For 150 years, tobacco grew throughout Eurasia and the African continent.
A couple of interesting facts about the plant:
- by 1600, commercial tobacco plantations appeared in Spain, or rather in the colonies;
- In 1612, John Rolfe in the English colony of Jamestown (Virginia) harvested for the first time. This tobacco was christened Virginia;
- tobacco became one of the main export products from Virginia. It was used by the colonists as local currency.
This plant does not have smoking qualities (it does not contain nicotine), but remains a flower that pleases only with long flowering.
It grows in the form of bushes of medium diameter and height. Tobacco stems are strong and flexible. The trunks of the bushes are decorated with branches with large leaves with pointed tips. The length of the root system is up to 2 m. The flowering of fragrant tobacco buds is accompanied by a paniculate inflorescence. Seed pods belong to the fruiting parts of the bush. When ripe, the boxes crack.
Harvesting
Having gone through all the stages from planting seeds to seedlings, you will finally reach the harvesting stage.
Tobacco harvesting is carried out in several passes as the leaves ripen. The lower tier begins to ripen first.
How to determine leaf ripeness?
When ripe, the leaf becomes lumpy, dense, and sticky. The edges of the sheet are folded downwards. Gradually it begins to turn yellow at the edges. When a mature leaf breaks off, a peculiar cracking sound occurs. These are all very general characteristics. For each variety, leaf ripening occurs differently. In some varieties the leaf may turn pale.
After harvesting, tobacco leaves are sent for simmering and drying.
We recommend reading: Harvesting and drying tobacco.
Next, the harvest must be properly processed - dried, fermented and stored. We will talk about this in other articles.
Step-by-step photo instructions for planting fragrant tobacco seedlings
To grow healthy, strong, good seedlings of fragrant tobacco, you must initially plant the seeds according to all the rules. Next you will find a master class describing all the stages of sowing, step-by-step photographs, as well as little tricks and tips.
Seed selection and preparation
In terms of choosing seed material, the recommended standards are that you should choose high-quality seeds in a trusted store and from a reliable manufacturer.
You should not buy suspiciously cheap products, as well as seeds in dented, damaged packaging (this may indicate a violation of storage rules, which will negatively affect germination), or products with an expired expiration date.
The packaging must contain detailed information about the variety, dates of planting, disembarkation, flowering, expiration date and production date, and contact information of the manufacturer.
Important! As mentioned above, winged tobacco is an aromatic plant, but there are also hybrid varieties without aroma. Therefore, carefully read the information on the package of seeds - it should indicate that this is an odorless variety of flowers!
As you can see in the photo, the seeds of fragrant tobacco (regular, not granulated) are very small, so you need to handle them carefully:
You can collect the seeds yourself. After flowering, you need to carefully collect the fruits that have already turned yellow and dried out. Then dry them at home for several days, and then place the seeds of fragrant tobacco in a bag of paper or fabric and transfer it for storage to a dry and dark place at room temperature.
Soil preparation
The soil should be light, loose, fertile. You can buy it; regular soil for flower seedlings . But you can also plant in a soil mixture made with your own hands.
To prepare soil at home, mix:
- turf land (3 parts);
- humus (3 parts);
- peat (3 parts);
- river sand (1 part).
But you can make a soil mixture using a simpler recipe (the ingredients are mixed in equal proportions):
- soil from the garden;
- humus;
- peat.
Selection of capacity
As for choosing a container for growing fragrant tobacco seedlings, you can sow the seeds either in general containers - a wooden or plastic box, various bowls, or in individual containers - plastic cups, peat pots, plastic cassettes, peat tablets.
The planting container must have drainage holes , except for peat tablets and pots.
Important! The most convenient and optimal option for ordinary seeds is planting in a wide and not very deep container (height 7-10 centimeters). This is due to the fact that the seeds are very small and the use of a common container makes it possible to distribute them more evenly over the surface and then dive.
If you bought pelleted (granulated) seeds , which are much larger than usual, then it is better to plant them in individual cassettes or cups
Direct sowing
After you have prepared the soil, planting containers, and seed material, you can begin planting at home. It is best to sow fragrant tobacco seeds with sand (choose fine, not coarse). The good thing about this method is that light sand is clearly visible on dark soil, and this circumstance allows you to evenly distribute the sand over the surface and, therefore, obtain seedlings with normal density.
Important! Regardless of the method, only superficial sowing is done!
Steps and rules for planting fragrant tobacco seeds for seedlings with step-by-step photos:
1) Place drainage at the bottom of the container. The thickness of the layer is about 1.5 centimeters. As a drainage material, you can use perlite, broken brick, any small pebbles, expanded clay (it’s in the photo).
2) Fill the container with soil. Leave a small distance between the edges of the container and the ground.
3) Moisten the soil generously. It is most convenient to water with a spray bottle. Use only warm, settled and clean water. Let the moisture soak in.
4) We proceed to the direct sowing of fragrant tobacco seeds on seedlings with sand.
Take clean river sand (it is advisable to heat it in a frying pan and then cool it). Pour it in a small amount (about 2 tbsp) onto a small bowl. Sprinkle the seeds on top of the sand.
Mix the seeds well with the sand to ensure even distribution.
Sow winged tobacco seeds evenly with sand over the soil surface. This can be done by hand or directly from the bowl.
5) Water after planting through a tray.
Usually the soil with seeds is moistened after the procedure using a spray bottle. However, in the case of fragrant tobacco, it is better to water after sowing through a tray (if done with a spray bottle, the seeds may become too deep or move unevenly over the surface).
To water the tray, pour a small amount of clean water into a bowl (it is recommended to use hot water - the seeds will activate faster and the germination of seedlings will be faster).
Place a container in a container of water. Let stand for 15 minutes, and then remove from the pan with liquid.
6) Create a mini-greenhouse for optimal conditions.
A greenhouse is necessary for the germination of strong and friendly seedlings. To create it, you need to cover the container with a lid, glass or film.
7) Label the seedlings.
Sign the container with the future flower seedlings in any way convenient for you - sign with a marker, attach a sticker. This way you will definitely not confuse it with other plants.
Move the container to a warm place where the temperature is stable - 22-23 degrees Celsius.
As noted above, you can also buy pelleted seeds ; it is more convenient to sow them in individual containers. Simply place one pellet in the middle of the cup or cassette. There is no need to fill it with soil or sand; sowing granulated winged tobacco seeds is also superficial! After sowing, moisten the soil generously; in this case, you need to water it with a spray bottle.
Planting rules and combination with other plants
The plant is considered undemanding, but some nuances of proper planting should be highlighted.
- In the fall, the site of the planned flower bed needs to be dug up and fertilizer applied - compost, manure.
- When planting seedlings, be sure to maintain an interval between plants of at least 30 cm.
Advice. If tall varieties are planted, the distance should be increased slightly. As plants age, they may lean over, resulting in a continuous flower carpet.
- Varieties of fragrant tobacco have no special requirements for soil composition. But a lot of water evaporates through large leaves. Accordingly, planting requires good drainage and maintenance requires regular watering. The soil must be water- and breathable.
- Tobacco should be placed in a sunny area of the site. In partial shade, the plant stretches out and completely loses its appearance.
To plant fragrant tobacco, choose a sunny place
. Basically, planting fragrant tobacco is no different from similar work with other summer plants. If seedlings are planted, the holes are well moistened and the root of the plant is immersed in the resulting mud. Sprinkle a little dry soil on top and lightly squeeze the stem. Watering in the first days should be carried out daily.
When planning to plant fragrant tobacco in a common flowerbed, you must take into account the characteristics of the selected variety. The combination of low varieties with perennials climbing along a vertical support, located in the middle or behind, looks great. For example, clematis, campsis. If the plants are tall, then it is better to plant them behind low-growing annuals: agetarums, marigolds, etc.
Which varieties to choose
The issue of choosing a variety is acute for beginners. Experienced tobacco growers have long made a choice for themselves and plant those varieties that are more preferable for use this year.
Beginners should pay attention to two things:
- Climatic conditions of your region
- Demanding variety for growing conditions. Beginners should choose unpretentious varieties. They will forgive mistakes that are inevitable.
Tobacco is a southern plant. However, since the beginning of the 20th century, many varieties have appeared that are adapted for cultivation in different climatic zones.
The selection of tobacco varieties is developed in all countries of the world. Including in the countries of the former Soviet Union. Domestic selection was aimed at ensuring that tobacco varieties were adapted to colder climatic conditions, while not losing the properties of the original variety, and increasing productivity.
Cuban, American, and Turkish varieties of tobacco also grow in the Russian climate, but do not provide the productivity that they could have achieved in the homeland of their selection. And they are more difficult to grow.
Methods for fermenting tobacco at home - Article.
Therefore, for beginners in the tobacco business, we recommend starting with varieties of domestic selection. Especially for those who live in regions with a cold climate - in central Russia, Siberia, the Urals, etc.
In the first year, it is recommended to plant 3-5 different varieties. You will feel the difference and understand how different types of tobacco can differ from each other. We list the varieties that have proven themselves well in the climatic conditions of Russia and are suitable for beginners.
Virginia 202 . This is one of the best varieties for beginning tobacco growers. The plant is 1.5 to 2 meters high. The raw materials have a pleasant fruity taste and aroma. Unpretentious to grow. Can be used in a variety of cigarette and pipe bags.
Virginia Gold . Belongs to the Virginia variety. A very productive and unpretentious variety. Recommended for growing for beginners.
Burley Krasnodar . A good variety, acclimatized for cultivation in central Russia. Unpretentious and productive.
Sturdy . Good reliable variety. Gives a stable harvest.
Herzegovina Flor . Stalin's favorite tobacco variety. Very aromatic and tasty. No fermentation is required after harvest.
Anniversary New 142 . Another good variety of domestic selection. Great for beginners.
There are a huge number of tobacco varieties. There is no point in describing them all within the framework of this article.
A set of tobacco varieties that do not require fermentation
This set contains tobacco varieties that do not require additional fermentation. They can be consumed immediately after harvesting and drying.
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The benefits of growing tobacco in the garden
The harm of smoking to humans is undeniable. Tobacco addiction develops very quickly. Tobacco leaves contain nicotine, and this is one of the most powerful drugs. Undoubtedly, it is better to quit smoking. In fact, this is not so difficult to do - the dependence is more psychological than physical.
Let's not go too far off topic. If you are a heavy smoker and regularly smoke a pack of cigarettes a day, then it will be very beneficial for you to grow your own tobacco on your plot.
Firstly, you will receive natural tobacco raw materials of the highest quality. From this raw material you can make tobacco for cigarettes, pipes, make your own cigars and even hookah tobacco. You will know for yourself what your product is made of.
Secondly, if you smoke 1 pack of cigarettes a day, then you spend about 100-200 rubles on it. This means that from 30 to 60 thousand rubles are spent on cigarettes per year. This is a lot of money for the quality that we get in industrial cigarettes. By growing your own tobacco, you can get the highest quality raw materials for mere pennies. However, this will require some effort in caring for, processing and studying the tobacco business. To provide yourself with tobacco for a whole year, you need to plant 150-200 bushes of highly productive varieties of tobacco.
The financial costs for growing tobacco in the garden are minimal. It will be necessary to purchase seeds and high-quality soil for seedlings. You can spend 500-1000 rubles. Agree, the benefits are obvious.
Thirdly, tobacco processing products (central veins, tobacco dust) can not be thrown away, but can be used to control pests in the garden. Aphids, ants, and copperheads die immediately after treating plants with infusion of tobacco dust.
Growing tobacco is an interesting hobby that allows you to get not only harm from your bad habit, but also an opportunity to study the branch of plant growing.
A set of tobacco varieties for making cigarettes and rolling papers
Have you decided to switch from store-bought cigarettes to your own tobacco? Based on these varieties, you can prepare different bags and choose the flavor that suits you.
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