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Nicotiana rustica (Mapacho, Aztec Tobacco)

$14.00

Nicotiana rustica

Aztec Tobacco or Mapacho

Bring a bold splash of lime green blossoms and lush, velvety foliage to your garden with this striking heirloom species. Native to the Americas and traditionally grown for centuries, Nicotiana rustica is prized today for its ornamental beauty and ease of culture.

Planting & Care

  • Light: Full sun to partial shade

  • Soil: Well-draining, moderately fertile soil

  • Sowing: Start indoors 6–8 weeks before your last frost date or direct-sow after danger of frost. Surface-sow seeds—they need light to germinate.

  • Germination: 7–14 days at 65–75 °F (18–24 °C).

  • Spacing: Thin or transplant seedlings to 12–18 in. apart.

  • Watering: Keep soil evenly moist but never soggy.

Plants typically reach 2–4 ft tall and reward you with clusters of lime-green, starry blooms that open in the evening, attracting moths and other nighttime pollinators.

For ornamental use only. Keep out of reach of children and pets.

Nicotiana rustica

Aztec Tobacco or Mapacho

Bring a bold splash of lime green blossoms and lush, velvety foliage to your garden with this striking heirloom species. Native to the Americas and traditionally grown for centuries, Nicotiana rustica is prized today for its ornamental beauty and ease of culture.

Planting & Care

  • Light: Full sun to partial shade

  • Soil: Well-draining, moderately fertile soil

  • Sowing: Start indoors 6–8 weeks before your last frost date or direct-sow after danger of frost. Surface-sow seeds—they need light to germinate.

  • Germination: 7–14 days at 65–75 °F (18–24 °C).

  • Spacing: Thin or transplant seedlings to 12–18 in. apart.

  • Watering: Keep soil evenly moist but never soggy.

Plants typically reach 2–4 ft tall and reward you with clusters of lime-green, starry blooms that open in the evening, attracting moths and other nighttime pollinators.

For ornamental use only. Keep out of reach of children and pets.

  • Light

    • Full sun is best for robust growth and heavy flowering.

    • Can tolerate partial shade, especially in very hot climates.

    Soil

    • Prefers rich, well-draining garden soil with good organic matter.

    • pH between 6.0–7.0 is ideal.

    Watering

    • Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged during germination and early growth.

    • Once established, give deep waterings when the top inch of soil dries.

    Temperature

    • Warm-season annual: thrives at 65–85 °F (18–29 °C).

    • Protect young seedlings from frost.

    Fertilizer

    • Mix a balanced organic fertilizer or compost into the bed before planting.

    • Optional: light side-dressing of compost tea or fish emulsion mid-season to support lush foliage.

    Planting Tips

    • Seed start: Sow indoors 6–8 weeks before last frost or direct-sow after danger of frost.

    • Press seeds lightly onto soil surface—do not bury deeply, they need light to germinate.

    • Germination in 7–14 days at ~70 °F (21 °C).

    • Transplant seedlings when they have 2–3 sets of true leaves, spacing 18–24 inches apart.

    Maintenance

    • Pinch off early flower buds to encourage bushier plants if desired.

    • Deadhead spent flowers to prolong bloom.

    Notes

    • Traditionally grown as an ornamental and ceremonial tobacco; contains high natural nicotine.

    • For ornamental use only—keep out of reach of children and pets.

    • Ships Mon–Tues. via USPS Priority.

    • Local pickup and Portland-area delivery available.

    • If a plant arrives damaged, email photos within 48 hours for replacement.

    • All parts of Nicotiana are toxic if ingested.

    • Sold for ornamental and horticultural purposes only.