Ornamental Tobacco
Marshmallow Nicotiana is a heat-loving flowering plant that transforms the garden into an ethereal display of rose and cream-colored blooms from summer through frost. Hardy in zones 8-10 as a perennial and as an annual elsewhere, this four-foot tall beauty reaches maturity in about 75 days and produces flowers with soft blushed-white petals and darkened centers that glow against its airy foliage. The flowers emit a delicate perfume as evening falls, drawing night pollinators into the garden with an irresistible fragrance. From Baker Creek's lineage of heirloom nicotianas, this variety grows quickly and abundantly, creating the kind of gentle wildness that's genuinely difficult to achieve with conventional bedding annuals.
Full Sun
Moderate
8-10
60in H x 24in W
Perennial
Moderate
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Each plant becomes draped in a shimmering mix of rosy shades and cream tones, creating what gardeners describe as a glittering cloud effect when massed together. The blooms open throughout the day and release their signature soft perfume in the evening, making this nicotiana as much a sensory experience as a visual one. Growing to a full four feet on airy, open stems, it's architectural enough to anchor the back of a border yet delicate enough to weave through a cottage garden without dominating the space. Night pollinators find these blushed blooms irresistible, turning your garden into a living pollinator sanctuary after dark.
Marshmallow Nicotiana is grown for its flowers, which serve as focal points in cutting gardens, cottage borders, and pollinator gardens. The blushed blooms are excellent for fresh arrangements and for creating height and airy texture in mixed plantings. Night-blooming characteristics make it particularly valued by gardeners designing evening gardens or creating spaces meant to be experienced at dusk when the fragrance is strongest.
Start seeds indoors in a warm, sunny location 6-8 weeks before your last frost date. Sprinkle seeds on the surface of moist seed-starting mix without covering them, as they need light to germinate. Keep the soil temperature between 65-75°F (ideally around 70-75°F), and expect germination within 10-21 days. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged during this period.
Thin seedlings once they have their first set of true leaves. Transplant outdoors after the last frost date when soil has warmed and night temperatures remain above 50°F. Space plants 12-24 inches apart with 36 inches between rows, and harden off seedlings gradually by exposing them to outdoor conditions for several days before final planting.
Deadheading spent flowers will encourage continuous blooming throughout the season. Pinching back young plants when they reach 6 inches tall promotes bushier, more branched growth and fuller plants overall.
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