At first glance, scented tobacco is not the most obvious name, especially for beginners. In reality, behind it is an ornamental flowering plant with a wonderful aroma that attracts bees. And it is about this amazing wonder that we want to tell you today!
general information
Fragrant tobacco is purchased from South America, and the intrigued Christopher Columbus contributed to its popularization in Europe. In native latitudes, this is a perennial plant, but here it is grown as an annual.
A herbaceous bush with a height of 20 to 90 cm belongs to the nightshade and pleases with a variety. It has straight shoots with large green leaves and hard pubescence. The color of the flowers can be very different, but the most common varieties are pink, purple, white and yellow.
An interesting feature is that fragrant tobacco dissolves its buds in the evening. And in the evening, its expressive aroma is enhanced, which along the way is able to scare off pests. Bloom lasts from June to September.
Types of scented tobacco
In fact, this is the general name for a whole category of ornamental plants. Let's try to figure out the main varieties that are of interest to florists!
Forest tobacco
This is a tall species that stretches its stems up to 1.5 m. But dwarf varieties up to 25 cm have already appeared. The leaves and buds seem to be drooping, and this has its own charm.
Tobacco Sander
A spectacular garden hybrid that is more than a hundred years old. Its peculiarity is that large bright flowers are odorless. There are white and red varieties.
Langsdorf Tobacco
A tall, spectacular annual that blooms with bizarre elongated green bells. The height of the bushes varies from 80 to 120 cm.
Winged tobacco
He is especially loved for the delicate buds of a creamy, snow-white or rich red hue. Elongated inflorescences reach 7-8 cm in length.
Dwarf tobacco
These are compact ornamental varieties, mainly of breeding origin. They can even be grown at home or on a balcony. The impressive choice of colors only contributes to this.
Levkoy (50 photos): types, care and planting in the open field
Caring for scented tobacco
Given the number and variety of decorative varieties, be sure to ask if yours has any specific requirements. But in general, fragrant tobacco does not cause any particular problems for gardeners.
Temperature and lighting
Fragrant tobacco belongs to heat-loving plants, and therefore does not hibernate in the middle lane. Choose an area protected from the scorching sun and strong drafts.
Watering
Fragrant tobacco needs frequent and abundant watering. Moreover, on hot summer days, it will need to be watered in general every day. Therefore, good drainage is needed so that the water does not stagnate.
The soil
Decorative scented tobacco is absolutely indifferent to the composition of the soil, if at the same time it is sufficiently nutritious. It is better to fertilize poor soil in the fall during digging. Can be used immediately with baking powder and drainage.
Fertilizers and feeding
With sufficient soil fertility, scented tobacco does not need additional feeding. On poor soil, you can use complex fertilizers twice - at the beginning of budding and during flowering. Avoid excess nitrogen and use liquid solutions when watering.
Wintering
Some of the most beautiful and strongest bushes can be left to winter indoors and planted back next year. To do this, carefully transplant them into pots, shorten all shoots by a third and provide good lighting with regular watering.
Daisies (50 photos): types, planting and care in the open field
Planting and breeding
In our latitudes, scented tobacco is grown mainly by seeds through seedlings.To prepare, wrap them with a damp cloth by the end of winter for a couple of days, but so that they do not have time to germinate. Then carefully spread over the loose soil mixture, but do not fall asleep on top.
Moisten the fit and keep warm at +20 degrees under the film. After 2 weeks, seedlings will appear, and it will be possible to remove the shelter and transfer the seedlings closer to the light. Water the seedlings as needed, gently loosen the soil and plant the sprouts after the appearance of several full-fledged leaves.
It is better to dive seedlings with an earthen clod immediately into separate cups. After that, pinch the tops so that the bushes grow better.
By the end of May, after frost, plant them in a warmed-up garden soil at a distance of at least 20-30 cm, based on the size of the variety. First, add superphosphates to the hole, and then carefully pass the plant and fields.
Pest and disease control
The composition of fragrant tobacco contains special essential oils and phytoncides that repel pests and support the plant's immunity. He does not get sick himself and protects the nearest plantings from parasites by his very presence. For the rest, you just need to adhere to the rules of care.
Statice (50 photos): types, care and planting in the open field
Fragrant tobacco - photo
If you have never met fragrant tobacco before, then this selection of photos is especially for you. Look how good he is!
