Nicotiana Sensation Mix, Flowering Tobacco, 1941 Heirloom

The ‘Sensation Mixed’ variety is a true "Gold Medal" heirloom. Introduced to the gardening public in the late 1930s, it achieved the highest honor in American horticulture by winning the All-America Selections (AAS) Award in 1941.

While the Nicotiana alata species is native to South America (Brazil and Argentina), it became a staple of Victorian "English Cottage Gardens" because of its height and airy elegance. The ‘Sensation’ strain was a breakthrough in breeding because it offered a wider range of colors than the original white species while retaining the intense, honey-sweet fragrance that attracts night-flying pollinators. For over 80 years, it has remained the preferred choice for "Moon Gardens"—landscapes designed to be enjoyed under the light of the moon.

• Intense Evening Fragrance: Features a heavy, sweet perfume that intensifies at dusk and through the night.
• 1941 AAS Winner: A time-tested variety proven for its vigor and beauty.
• Stunning Color Range: A mix of crimson, pink, white, and purple flowers on tall, graceful stems.
• Pollinator Magnet: The long, tubular flowers are a favorite for hummingbirds by day and sphinx moths (hawkmoths) by night.
• Deer Resistant: Like most members of the tobacco family, the foliage is unappealing to deer and rabbits.

1. Sowing the Seeds:
Nicotiana seeds are tiny (like dust!) and require light to germinate.

• Indoors: Start 6–8 weeks before the last frost. Surface-sow the seeds onto a high-quality seed starting mix and press them in lightly. Do not cover them with soil.
• Outdoors: Direct sow after the danger of frost has passed, but indoor starting is recommended for the best results.

2. The Perfect Spot:
While they love full sun, Flowering Tobacco is one of the few flowers that performs exceptionally well in partial shade, especially in hotter climates. In afternoon shade, the flowers often stay open longer into the day.

3. Soil & Water:

• They prefer rich, moist, well-draining soil.
• Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Mulching around the base will help keep the roots cool and the soil hydrated.

4. Maintenance:

• Spacing: Space plants 12–18 inches apart.
• Deadheading: Remove the spent flower stalks (deadhead) regularly to encourage the plant to send up fresh blooms. This can extend the flowering season significantly.

Plant ‘Sensation Mixed’ near a patio, porch, or bedroom window where you can enjoy the scent in the evening. Pair it with other night-blooming or white-flowered plants like White Alyssum or Moonflowers to create a landscape that "glows" and smells divine after dark.

Safety Note: Like all Nicotiana plants, 'Sensation Mixed' is toxic if ingested. Keep away from curious pets and small children. ⚠️

Garden Tip: The white flowers in this mix are particularly reflective under moonlight, helping to guide nocturnal pollinators like the beautiful Sphinx Moth to your garden! 🦋🌙