Aztec Tobacco
Nicotiana rustica
- Native to:
- Peru
Giuseppe Frizzi
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Solanaceae
- Genus:
- Nicotiana
- Species:
- Nicotiana rustica
- USDA Symbol:
- NIRU
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Annual
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 120 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- jun,jul,aug,sep
- Bloom Colors:
- yellow, greenish-yellow
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
beet armyworm (Spodoptera exigua), tobacco hornworm (Manduca sexta)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- hummingbirds, sphinx moths
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Fragrant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- native to regions with fertile soils
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- None required
- Germination Time:
- 10–20 days
- Notes:
- Seeds require light to germinate; surface sow and do not cover. Optimal germination temperature 70-75°F.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow @ 20C. Germinates within 3 months. Requires light / surface sow (fine seed).