Cultivated Tobacco

Scientific Name: Nicotiana tabacum

Plant Family: Solanaceae

Native Region: Tropical and subtropical Americas; now widely cultivated globally.

Cultivated Tobacco

Brief Description

An annual or perennial herb characterized by very large, oval or lance-shaped green leaves that are sticky to the touch and a thick, hairy central stem.

Care Instructions

Requires full sun and fertile, well-draining soil. Provide consistent moisture but avoid waterlogging. Apply high-nitrogen fertilizer during early growth and phosphorus-rich fertilizer as bloom approaches.

Medicinal Value

We do not currently provide medicinal value for plant identifications.

Sunlight

Full sun, at least 6 to 8 hours of direct light per day.

Watering

Moderate; keep the soil consistently moist but not saturated. Drought can lead to stunted growth and bitter leaves.

Soil

Deep, fertile, well-drained loamy or sandy soil with a pH between 5.8 and 6.2.

Hardiness Zone

8-11 (often grown as an annual in cooler climates).

Growth Habit

Upright herbaceous annual/perennial; typically grows 3 to 6 feet tall with a spread of 1 to 2 feet.

Bloom Season

Mid-summer to early autumn; produces trumpet-shaped flowers that range from white to pink or red.

Toxicity

Highly toxic to humans, dogs, cats, and livestock if ingested. Contains nicotine, which can cause vomiting, tremors, and respiratory failure in high doses.

Propagation

Propagated by seed sown on the surface of the soil in early spring; requires light to germinate.

Common Pests & Issues

Susceptible to tobacco hornworms, aphids, and flea beetles, as well as diseases like tobacco mosaic virus and black shank.

Similar Species

Nicotiana rustica (Wild Tobacco), which is smaller and more potent; also resembles Pokeberry (Phytolacca americana) in the vegetative stage, but Pokeberry has smooth stems and purple berries.

Interesting Facts

Tobacco was the first genetically modified plant to be grown in a field trial; it is a member of the nightshade family, the same family as tomatoes and potatoes.

Created At: 2026-05-07T20:07:04.834114