The tobacco plant, Nicotiana, is a popular summer bedding plant, coming in a range of colours and sizes. The trumpet-like, night-scented flowers make Nicotiana a great choice for planting near a seating area. Perfect for growing in a mixed border or container display. Nicotiana are easy to grow from seed. Many varieties make excellent cut flowers.

Sow on the surface of a good free draining seed compost from late winter to early spring. Make sure the compost is moist but not wet and place in a propagator or seal in a polythene bag until after germination. Do not exclude light which is beneficial to germination.

Transplant when large enough to handle and grow on in cooler conditions. Gradually acclimatise to outdoor conditions for 10-15 days before planting out after all risk of frost 60cm apart in sun or part shade on rich well drained soil, or into a container display.