![How to grow nicotiana from seed How to grow nicotiana from seed](https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/10/2018/02/9eb47367-a851-40e6-a2ce-bab52cabaa44-7fedbe7.jpg?quality=90&resize=940,627)
How to grow nicotiana from seed
Learn how to grow fragrant nicotiana from seed, in our step-by-step guide.
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
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At its best | yes | yes | yes | |||||||||
To do | yes | yes |
For the price of a few packets of seed, half-hardy annuals, such as tobacco plant (Nicotiana), can be sown in March ready to flower in summer. Start your half-hardy annuals in the greenhouse or on a sunny windowsill, then acclimatise them to life outdoors before planting out in their final position.
You Will Need
- Seed tray or small pots
- Seed compost
- Vermiculite or fine grit
- A propagator or plastic bag
- 7cm pots
- Multi-purpose, peat-free compost
- Cold frame
Step 1
![Labelling newly sown nicotiana seeds Labelling newly sown nicotiana seeds](https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/10/2018/02/4b2482a2-4324-483a-9c05-53e049bfc713-7aacb81.jpg?quality=90&fit=700,466)
Fill a tray with seed compost, then sow a tiny pinch of seeds in each cell. Cover with a vermiculite, water and place the tray in a propagator in a warm spot such as a windowsill.
Step 2
![Transplanting nicotiana seedlings Transplanting nicotiana seedlings](https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/10/2018/02/ca40ef8c-2ea9-4c01-a2e6-7eb658ff0b42-99081ec.jpg?quality=90&fit=700,466)
Once seeds have germinated, wait until two pairs of leaves form. Then, holding each seedling by its leaves and not its stem, transplant each one individually into a 7cm pot filled with sieved multipurpose compost.
Step 3
![Watering nicotiana seedlings Watering nicotiana seedlings](https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/10/2018/02/3eca1d6a-2a98-4790-b8ff-53e1f94071b4-99081ec.jpg?quality=90&fit=700,466)
Water seedlings well after transplanting and keep the pots in a warm, bright place. Avoid exposure to bright sunlight, which can scorch the young leaves.
Step 4
![Young nicotiana plants Young nicotiana plants](https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/10/2018/02/2dbf8423-2f05-42bc-a382-97afa19f530f-fe389d5.jpg?quality=90&fit=700,466)
When all risk of frost has passed, move the plants to a cold frame or patio, bringing them in at night. After a week you can plant them outside.
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