Starlight Dancer Nicotiana is an elegant open-pollinated hybrid that brings refined simplicity to beds, borders, and cottage gardens. Its ivory blooms nod gracefully on tall, sturdy stems, creating an airy, romantic quality that cuts beautifully for arrangements. Reaching maturity in 70-80 days, this compact grower thrives in partial shade across zones 10-12, making it a stellar choice for gardeners seeking sophisticated cut flowers with minimal fuss.
Partial Shade
Moderate
10-12
?in H x ?in W
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Moderate
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Ivory nodding flowers sit atop sturdy stems that yield multiple cuts throughout the season, with germination that's prompt and reliable. The blooms emerge quickly once transplants go into the garden, rewarding early effort with extended harvest potential. Its preference for partial shade sets it apart from many flowering nicotianas, opening up shaded garden spaces that often feel underutilized.
Starlight Dancer excels as a cut flower, with stems that remain productive through repeated harvesting. The elegant nodding ivory blooms work beautifully in mixed bouquets and arrangements. It's equally at home anchoring the back of borders or weaving through cottage garden plantings where its refined form adds vertical interest without dominating the space.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Sow seeds into 72-cell flats 5-6 weeks before your last spring frost date. Gently press seeds into the growing media or cover them very lightly, as light aids germination. Keep flats at consistent warmth and maintain even moisture until sprouts emerge.
Harden off seedlings gradually over 7-10 days before transplanting after your last frost. Space transplants 12 inches apart in beds, borders, or cutting gardens. Choose a location with partial shade for best performance.
Cut stems when approximately half the flowers along the stem are open; this stage ensures longevity in the vase while displaying the full beauty of the nodding blooms. Use sharp shears and expect multiple cuts from the same plant throughout the growing season as new stems continue to emerge. Be prepared for a sticky residue on hands and harvest tools, which is typical of nicotianas.
Pinch out the center stem of young transplants early in the season to encourage branching and a bushier growth habit, which will increase the number of flowering stems available for cutting.
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