Batten Blooms
PL. —Nicotiana langsdorffiiBotanical illustration — drop image
Nicotiana langsdorffii

Langsdorff's Tobacco

SummerFall
2a–11bHardiness zone
Peak bloom windowZone 6b · frost-offset weeks
Winter
Not in bloom
Spring
Peak bloom
Summer
Peak bloom
Fall
Peak bloom
Peak bloom
In bloom
Background

Native to Brazil, Langsdorff's tobacco is easy to pick out among flowering tobaccos by its small, nodding, tubular bell flowers in an unusual apple green, each one showing off a cluster of contrasting blue anthers when viewed from below. The airy, branching habit and unusual color make it a favorite for threading through borders where its green blends rather than competes.

It's grown as a tender annual everywhere outside the tropics, started indoors well ahead of the last frost since seed needs light to germinate and shouldn't be covered. It blooms from midsummer until frost and self-seeds readily in a spot it likes.

Good companions
CosmosZinniaSalvias
Care guide
SunFull sun to part shade
WaterModerate
SoilWell-drained, average to fertile
Spacing12–18 in
Height3–4 ft
Zone2a – 11b
Seasonal tasks
winter
sowStart seed indoors 8–10 weeks before last frost; press onto the soil surface without covering, as seed needs light to germinate.
spring
sowTransplant seedlings outdoors after all danger of frost has passed.
summer
watchLook closely at the nodding green flowers to see the contrasting blue anthers inside.
cutDeadhead spent flower clusters lightly to keep the plant tidy and encourage continued bloom.
fall
watchLet a few seed heads mature if self-seeding for next year is wanted.
Pests

Aphids

Aphididae →
Symptoms

Clusters of small soft insects on new growth and flower buds.

Treatment

Knock off with a strong jet of water. Ladybirds and lacewings are natural predators. Insecticidal soap as last resort.