About this variety
Trumpet flowers in soft pink, deep rose, crimson, white and near-maroon on elegant stems at 80 to 100cm. During the day it is a pleasant enough border plant. At sunset it becomes something else, releasing a sweet jasmine-like scent that builds through the evening as the air cools.
The flower shape is built for hawk moths, which is why it opens as the light goes and closes again in bright morning sun. Plant it by a patio, a bench or an open window and the scent will come indoors.
Unlike most cottage annuals, this one is hungry. Cosmos and nasturtiums want lean ground; nicotiana wants rich, moist, well-fed soil with compost dug in, and it will be half the plant without it. The seed is dust-fine and needs light, so surface-sow it and do not cover, and be patient with the tiny seedlings. It is half-hardy and cannot go out until late May or June.
All parts of the plant are toxic if eaten. Wear gloves to handle it and keep the seed away from children and pets.
