Nicotiana 'White Trumpets' Seeds
If you enjoy sitting in your garden at dusk with a glass of wine, you need this plant. During the day, Nicotiana sylvestris is a stately, architectural giant with large, paddle-shaped leaves and cascading fountains of long, tubular white flowers.
But as the sun goes down, the flowers perk up and release a powerful, intoxicating fragrance reminiscent of jasmine and cloves. The pure white trumpets seem to glow in the twilight (making it perfect for a "Moon Garden"), acting as a beacon for night-flying moths. It adds height, drama, and sensory delight to the back of any border.
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🌿 Understanding the Plant
Nicotiana sylvestris, also known as Woodland Tobacco, is a Half-Hardy Annual (H2) in the UK. While technically a short-lived perennial in its native Argentina, it is best grown as a spectacular annual here, reaching its towering height in just one season.
The Evening Performer: The flowers of this variety are specially designed to attract night-flying pollinators. During the peak heat of a UK summer day, the blooms may look slightly pendulous, but they "wake up" at dusk, becoming fully upright and incredibly fragrant as they prepare to welcome hawk moths.
RHS Excellence: This architectural giant holds the prestigious **RHS Award of Garden Merit (AGM)**, signifying its reliability and outstanding contribution to the summer garden landscape.
🌱 Growing Guide
Nicotiana seeds are tiny and dust-like; they require light to trigger germination, so careful sowing is essential.
How to Sow:
Sow indoors from February to April. Surface sow the seeds onto moist compost. Do not cover the seeds with soil—simply press them gently into the surface. Place in a bright, warm spot (20°C). Germination typically takes 10-14 days.
Where to Plant:
Plant out in June once all risk of frost has passed. They thrive in full sun or partial shade—the flowers often stay open longer during the day if they are protected from the baking midday sun. They require rich, moisture-retentive soil to support their rapid growth and towering stems.
Ongoing Care:
Due to their height, they may need support with a bamboo cane in exposed or windy gardens. Water regularly, especially in dry spells. Deadhead spent flower stalks to encourage side shoots and extend the fragrant display into late October.
📋 Plant Specifications
| Botanical Name | Nicotiana sylvestris |
| Common Name | Woodland Tobacco / White Trumpets |
| Plant Type | Half-Hardy Annual |
| Hardiness | H2 (Needs frost protection) |
| Light Requirements | Full Sun / Part Shade ⛅ |
| Height | 120cm - 150cm |
| Spread | 60cm |
| Spacing | Plant 50-60cm apart |
| Flowering Period | July to October |
| Perfect For | 🌙 Moon Gardens 👃 Intoxicating Scent 🦋 Hawk Moth Haven 🏰 Back of Border |
| Seeds per Packet | Approximately 1000 seeds (Dust-like) |
🤝 Beautiful Garden Combinations
This architectural giant looks spectacular when paired with other plants that come alive in the evening from our collection:
- 🌙 Night Scented Stock: The Scent Layering. Plant low-growing Night Scented Stock around the base of the tall Nicotiana. Both release their perfume at dusk, creating an intoxicating sensory corner near your patio.
- ☁️ Cosmos 'Purity': The White Garden. The large, open saucers of white Cosmos look stunning next to the hanging trumpets of the Nicotiana. Both glow in the moonlight, creating a cohesive, elegant "Moon Garden" display.
📅 Sowing & Flowering Calendar
Sow indoors in spring for an architectural, fragrant display from July through October.
⚠️ Toxicity Note
Nicotiana belongs to the Nightshade family. All parts of the plant are toxic if ingested by humans or pets, and the sticky foliage can sometimes irritate sensitive skin. We recommend wearing gloves when handling the plants.
🏆 RHS Award of Garden Merit
Nicotiana sylvestris holds the RHS Award of Garden Merit and is a vital nectar source for night-flying pollinators. Its architectural scale and powerful fragrance make it a standout performer for any British Moon Garden.
📖 Want more detailed growing advice?
View our Complete Growing Guide for Annuals →
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