Noteworthy CharacteristicsSilvery-blue foliage, fast growth, semi-evergreen. It is invasive in some areas, including the southwestern United States.

CareNicotiana likes fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. Staking may be needed.

PropagationTo get tree tobacco going, you could just scatter seed in early spring, but you won’t get much of a display until August. For earlier blooms, start the minuscule seeds inside 8 to 10 weeks before the last frost date. Seeds should be surface-sown since they need light to germinate. In 10 days or so, the seeds will sprout and soon form attractive little rosettes. Leaves yellow quickly if the seedlings get hungry. Feed plants with a weekly mix of fish emulsion and water-soluble 20-20-20 fertilizer, using each at half strength. As the frost-free date nears, gradually acclimate seedlings to life outdoors.

ProblemsAphids, caterpillars, leaf miners, and spider mites can be problems. Stem rot, stalk rot, downy mildew, damping off, and root rot occur frequently, as do viruses causing mosaic, vein vanding, etch, and ringspots.