Nicotiana glauca BLUE TOBACCO (30 seeds)

Tree Tobacco, also known as blue tobacco, is a fast-growing arborescent variety from the Solanaceae family. It is native to northern Argentina and is highly resistant to drought. This perennial species is relatively hardy and grows at altitudes of up to 3,700 m in its country of origin. Its height ranges from 2 to 3 meters with a circumference of 1.50 meters. Over time, its base lignifies into wood and can measure several centimeters in diameter.

Its leaves are distinguished by a unique blue-green coloration and a very pronounced waxy appearance. They are lanceolate in shape and measure up to 20 centimeters long. Their smooth, evergreen texture allows the shrub to maintain its visual appeal throughout the year in mild climates.

The flowers develop in terminal clusters and are shaped like elongated trumpets. They feature a uniform bright yellow color and are 3 to 5 centimeters long.

The fruits are ovoid capsules about 1 centimeter long that turn brown when ripe. Each capsule contains a multitude of tiny, light seeds that disperse easily with the wind.

Tree Tobacco seeds from Nicotiana glauca are very small, round, and brown.

- Uses:

- Germination and sowing of seeds:

• The best period to sow glaucous tobacco is from May to mid-June.
• Sow the seeds in a tray of fine potting soil.
• Cover them with 1 to 2 millimeters of substrate.
• Water gently using a hand sprayer.
• Place the seed tray in a location with a temperature of 25 to 30°C.
• Germination generally begins after 2 to 3 weeks.
• Once germinated, wait until the seedlings are 10 to 15 cm high before planting them directly in the ground.

- Soil type:

Nicotiana glauca thrives in poor, stony, and perfectly drained soils, even tolerating limestone or saline soils. This pioneer plant easily colonizes dry embankments and neglected slopes without requiring any particular organic matter.

- Exposure:

This shrub requires a full sun position to develop its slender silhouette and the waxy blue-gray tint of its foliage. Intense light is essential to stimulate its yellow tubular flowering, which lasts from early summer until the first frosts.

- Growing temperature:

Of subtropical origin, it withstands extreme heat but remains sensitive to frost; its aerial parts often perish below -5°C. In regions with cool winters, it should be planted sheltered from prevailing winds to encourage the stump to regrow in spring.

- Water requirements:

Once its root system is established, Tree Tobacco shows exceptional resistance to drought and requires almost no watering. This particularly hardy species primarily fears stagnant moisture, which can cause rapid root rot in winter.