Tobacco Papante Seeds

Papante is a Nicotiana tabacum variety offered here as seed for growing the plant. Plants are described as reaching about 1.5 to 1.8 m (5 to 6 feet), with broad leaves that are slightly crinkled and delicate pink flowers. It does best in warm, sunny conditions with well-drained soil, and the notes below follow the variety description.

Papante is the name of this selection.

Plant at a glance

• Species: Nicotiana tabacum
• Variety name: Papante
• Height: about 1.5 to 1.8 m (5 to 6 feet), according to the variety description
• Leaves: broad and slightly crinkled
• Flowers: delicate and pink
• Site: full sun, warm conditions, well-drained and fertile soil

Growing Papante from seed

Nicotiana seed is very fine and needs light to germinate, so it is pressed onto the surface and never buried. The figures below come from the variety description and are approximate growing guides.

• Sowing: press the seeds lightly onto the surface of moist soil and leave them uncovered.
• Timing: start the seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last expected frost.
• Temperature: the variety description suggests keeping the soil around 24 C (75 F) and moist while the seeds germinate.
• Germination: the variety description gives 7 to 14 days.
• Transplanting: move seedlings outdoors only after the last frost, spacing plants 60 to 90 cm (2 to 3 feet) apart.
• Site and soil: full sun and well-drained, fertile soil, with regular watering and occasional feeding during growth.

Because the seed is so small, the surface layer can dry out quickly. Water gently, from below or with a fine mist, so the seeds stay in place on the soil instead of washing together into clumps. Once the seedlings have their first true leaves, thinning them gives each plant room before it goes outdoors.

Space and site planning

A plant that can reach 1.5 m or more needs room for air to move around it. The spacing of 60 to 90 cm from the variety description is a practical starting point, and a sunny bed with fertile, free-draining soil suits the variety description. Because the plant is a warm-season grower, the seedlings are best hardened off and planted out only once frost has passed, so they can settle into the bed and put on height through the season.

Gallery images illustrate Nicotiana tabacum at species level and do not verify the exact appearance of this selection or the current seed lot.

FAQ

What conditions do Papante seeds need to germinate?

Light, moisture and warmth. The variety description says to press the seeds onto the soil surface without covering them and to keep the soil around 24 C (75 F) and moist.

When should I sow Papante?

The variety description recommends sowing indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost, then transplanting outdoors after the last frost has passed.

How tall does Papante grow?

The variety description gives about 1.5 to 1.8 m (5 to 6 feet), with pink flowers. Actual height depends on light, soil, feeding and spacing.