Description
Indian tobacco is a highly revered plant to many Native American tribes in the Western U.S., where it has long been cultivated for ceremonial and medicinal use. Individual family plots of Indian tobacco have long been seeded and tended with weeding and soil building techniques. Lewis and Clark documented the detailed farming practices of Indian tobacco during their expedition. Indian tobacco seeds were traded far and wide throughout tribal networks. Like other tobaccos, native Indian tobacco also contains nicotine and has been smoked ceremonially for thousands of years. Indian tobacco is a bushy annual herb that grows in many habitat types, including sunny, open slopes and along well-drained, cobbly or sandy floodplains and washes. It also likes disturbed and post-fire habitat. Typically grows 2′-4′ depending on growing conditions. The foliage is hairy and somewhat glandular. The tubular flowers are generally white, but can be tinged with green or purple. The flowers are attractive to hummingbirds, bees and sphinx moths. Perfect for a dry, sunny location in your garden.
Indian tobacco (Nicotiana quadrivalvis) seed packets contain approximately 500 seeds per packet.
Seed Germination Instructions
No pretreatment required. Sow outside, or start in a greenhouse in spring.