Tobacco 'Cranberry Isles'

SKU # S642

Latin Name: Nicotiana x sanderae

Category: SEEDS

Seeds Per Packet: 450

An heirloom variety with trumpets of bloom in hues of lilac, smoky mauve, white, pink, violet, and dusky dark purple, some netted with darker veining. As evening hours approach, they lift their heads and release an intoxicating scent that will perfume your whole garden. Poisonous. Self sows.

Select Seeds Introduction!

Lifecycle: Annual

Hardiness: Half Hardy Annual

Color: Lilac, mauve, white, pink, dark purple

Size: 3-4' h x 2.5' w

Season: Summer to Fall

Seed to Bloom: 10-12 weeks

Sun: Full sun to partial shade

Soil: Rich, moist, well-drained

Poisonous

Rare

Symbol Legend & Hardiness Codes

We use several symbols and abbreviations in our catalog:

: especially fragrant
: great for containers
: great cut flower
: deer-resistant
: heat and/or drought tolerant
: attracts butterflies
:hummingbird favorite
: Honey Bee Favorite
: Native Flower

Hardiness codes:

HA -- Hardy Annual. Hardy annuals can stand some frost, so sow in the open ground well before the last spring frost date, or, in warm winter areas, sow in fall.
HHA -- Half-hardy Annual. Half-hardy annuals will survive a very light frost but are planted in the open at the last spring frost date or a little later. They can also be started indoors 6-8 weeks before the last spring frost.
TA -- Tender Annuals. Tender annuals are warm weather plants that cannot withstand any frost and prefer warm nights. Tender annuals with long weeks to bloom (16-18+) should be started indoors 8-10 weeks before the last spring frost.

Growing Guide

Sowing Instructions:

Depth: Surface sow; requires light to germinate.
Sprout Time: 7-14 days
Starting Indoors: Start indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost. Keep at 60-75°F and provide light. Cover with plastic to retain moisture until germination occurs.
Starting Outdoors: Direct sow after last frost.

When to Set Outside

A heat-loving annual, Nicotiana should be set outside after all danger of frost has passed.

Placement & Cultivation

Rather droopy during the day, flowering tobacco transforms as the afternoon rays of the sun lengthen, lifting their blossoms and releasing an intoxicating sweet fragrance. A mix of hues of lilac, smoky mauve, white, pink, violet, and dusky dark purple. It is right at home in cottage gardens at the back border. Hummingbirds hover and dip their beaks into the long flaring trumpet flowers. Night-bloomers attract pollinating moths. Deadhead for continual bloom. Self sows.
Water Use: Medium
Watering Details: Keep fairly moist; be sure to water regularly for best results, keeping a close eye on soil dampness when the weather is particularly hot and dry.
Soil pH: Prefers slightly acidic soil but is tolerant of a wide range of pH levels.
Fertilizer: No need to fertilize unless growing in containers, in which case an all-purpose granular, organically-sourced fertilizer can be used. Fertilizing every other week with a liquid fertilizer is also adequate. If soil is especially poor, mix in about 4" of compost prior to planting.
Diseases & Pests: Nicotiana can be susceptible to aphids, particularly when the air is very dry; you can easily prevent this problem by regularly hosing them down, taking care not to break the delicate stems or leaves. If an infestation does occur, an insecticidal soap can be used to safely remedy the issue. Tobacco budworm can be troublesome later in the summer. Try to hand pick them at dusk when they come out to feed. If necessary, treat with an organically-friendly insecticide, but not one that is broad-spectrum, as this will negatively affect beneficial insects which parasitize the budworms. Tilling in annual beds in autumn can help destroy budworm pupae trying to overwinter, thus decreasing populations the following year. Mosaic virus is another possible trouble spot, but spraying a mixture of 20% nonfat dry milk/80% water on healthy plants can prevent transmission of the virus. If you suspect disease to be present, such as noticeable distorted growth or discoloration of leaves, immediately remove and destroy these plants to prevent spread to healthy plants.

Plant Description

Plant: A cluster of large ovate leaves will form at the base of the plant, with a slender flower stem reaching about 3-4’ in height. Stems are also leaved, with the light green foliage decreasing in size moving up the stem.
Flowering: Trumpets of lilac, mauve, white, pink, and dark purple, star-shaped at the end
Seeds: The seed is very tiny, less than the size of a pin-head, and is produced inside of a two- or four-valved capsule. The capsule will split open and spill the seeds if not collected.
When to Cut: Nearly to fully open flowers

Fun Fact

This flower typically opens in the late afternoon-evening, emanating a divine scent to be enjoyed by anyone sitting nearby at dusk. It for this reason that Nicotiana was often intentionally planted outside of parlor windows in the late 1800s or along walkways in Victorian times.

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Number of Comments 1

Average rating:

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

Lovely Wednesday, August 29, 2018

By Orland Park, IL

Select Seeds Confirmed Purchase

These do well behind my house where there is some shade in the morning with afternoon and evening sun. We are in zone 5. A handfull by the house have even sprouted back every year and then I move them to space them out plus I add a few more.

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Tobacco 'Cranberry Isles'

Symbol Legend & Hardiness Codes

Hardiness codes:

Growing Guide

Sowing Instructions:

When to Set Outside

Placement & Cultivation

Plant Description

Fun Fact

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Tobacco 'Cranberry Isles'

Symbol Legend & Hardiness Codes

Hardiness codes:

Growing Guide

Sowing Instructions:

When to Set Outside

Placement & Cultivation

Plant Description

Fun Fact

Notify Me

Email A Friend