Nicotiana 'Sensation Mixed' Seeds
While many modern bedding plants have lost their scent, 'Sensation Mixed' is an old-fashioned heritage variety that refuses to compromise. It produces starry, tubular flowers in a vibrant carnival of colours—deep crimson, bright rose, cool white, and zesty lime green.
But the real reason to grow this plant is the perfume. During the day, the flowers often half-close to protect their nectar, but as the sun sets, they burst open and release a powerful, intoxicating fragrance reminiscent of jasmine and cloves. It is the ultimate plant for an evening garden, turning a patio or path into a sensory experience at dusk.
Read More
🌿 Understanding the Plant
Nicotiana is a Half-Hardy Annual.
It originates from South America, so it loves warmth. Unlike the giant 5ft *sylvestris*, 'Sensation' grows to a manageable 60-90cm, making it perfect for the middle of a border or large containers.
The Moth Connection: The scent is released at night specifically to attract Hawk Moths. If you sit quietly in the evening, you will often see these large, hovering moths visiting your Nicotiana patch.
🌱 Growing Guide: How to Sow and Grow
Nicotiana seeds are tiny (dust-like) and need light to germinate.
Germination:
Sow indoors from February to April. Surface sow onto moist compost and do not cover (or use a tiny dusting of vermiculite). They need light to trigger germination. Keep warm (20°C). Germination takes 10-14 days.
Where to Sow:
They thrive in sun or partial shade. A little afternoon shade actually helps the flowers stay open longer during the day. They prefer rich, moisture-retentive soil.
Care While Growing:
Deadhead: Remove the individual dead flowers to keep the plant looking tidy and to encourage fresh buds.
Sticky Leaves: Don't worry if the leaves feel sticky—this is natural! It traps small pests like aphids, protecting the plant.
📋 Plant Specifications
| Latin Name | Nicotiana alata |
| Common Name | Flowering Tobacco 'Sensation' |
| Hardiness | H2 (Half-Hardy - Needs Frost Protection) |
| Light Required | Sun / Part Shade ⛅ |
| Height | ↕️ 60cm - 90cm |
| Spread | ↔️ 30cm |
| Spacing | 🌱 30cm apart |
| Great for | 🌙 Night Gardens 👃 Powerful Scent 🦋 Moths & Pollinators 🏙️ Bedding Schemes |
| Seed Count | Approx. 500 seeds (Dust-like) |
🤝 Perfect Garden Companions
Create a sensory evening garden by pairing Nicotiana with other night-scented or glowing plants:
- 🌃 Night Scented Stock: The Perfume Factory. Both plants release their scent at dusk. Planting low-growing Stock at the feet of the Nicotiana creates a layered cloud of fragrance that is simply unbeatable.
- ☁️ Cosmos 'Purity': The Moon Garden. The large white saucers of Cosmos reflect the moonlight beautifully, contrasting with the star-shaped Nicotiana flowers. A perfect white-themed pairing.
📅 Sowing & Flowering Calendar
Sow indoors in spring. Plant out in June. Flowers mid-summer to autumn.
| Month | J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sow Indoors | 🟢 | 🟢 | 🟢 | |||||||||
| Flowers | 🌸 | 🌸 | 🌸 | 🌸 |
⚠️ Toxicity Note
Nicotiana belongs to the Nightshade family. All parts of the plant are toxic if ingested (by humans or pets), and the sticky leaves can sometimes irritate sensitive skin. Wear gloves if you have sensitive hands.
🏆 Officially Recognised Excellence
This plant is an essential part of a wildlife garden, providing a vital nectar source for night-flying insects like Hawk Moths.
- Regular price
-
£1.80 - Regular price
-
- Sale price
-
£1.80
Couldn't load pickup availability
