Nicotiana Sensation Mixed

Nicotiana alata 'Sensation Mixed' Flowering Tobacco / Tobacco Plant 'Sensation Mixed'

Tall elegant stems of trumpet-shaped flowers in soft pinks, deep rose, warm crimson, pure white and deep maroon — releasing a powerful sweet jasmine-like fragrance as evening falls and continuing through the night. Nicotiana 'Sensation Mixed' is the cottage garden's great evening flower, transforming any patio or border into a scented night garden through July, August and September.

This is the cottage garden's other great dusk-scented plant (alongside Hesperis Sweet Rocket). Where Hesperis releases its violet-and-clove scent at dusk for night-flying moths, Nicotiana alata produces a more sweetly tropical jasmine-like fragrance that begins around sunset and intensifies through the early evening hours — most powerful when the air cools and humidity rises. The tall (80–100cm) elegant stems carry star-shaped trumpet flowers in a generous mix of soft pink, deep rose, warm crimson, pure white and deep maroon, opening fresh through the evening and closing in bright morning sun (the trumpet form is specifically designed for night-pollinating hawkmoths). Half-hardy annual flowering July through to first autumn frosts.

A note on growing

Nicotiana seeds are exceptionally fine (dust-like) and need light to germinate. Sow indoors February–April at 18–22°C. Surface-sow onto moist seed compost; do not cover (light is essential for germination). Cover the tray with clear plastic or glass to maintain humidity. Germination 14–21 days. Pot on once large enough to handle (the tiny seedlings can be fiddly — be patient). Harden off thoroughly before planting out only after all risk of frost has passed (late May/June).

Plant in full sun or partial shade in moist but well-drained soil. Nicotiana is happiest in rich, fertile soil with consistent moisture — unlike many cottage annuals that prefer lean conditions, this is a hungry plant that rewards generous compost or organic matter dug in before planting.

For the most spectacular evening fragrance: plant Nicotiana close to outdoor seating areas, kitchen windows, patios and entrance ways where the dusk scent can be appreciated. Open the windows of evening rooms to draw the scent indoors.

⚠️ Toxicity warning: All parts of Nicotiana alata, including the flowers, leaves and seeds, are toxic if ingested by humans or pets. Nicotine and related alkaloids are present in significant concentrations. Wear gloves when handling, keep seeds away from children, and do not plant where curious pets or grazing animals can access.

Where it shines

In dusk-scented seating areas — plant Nicotiana close to patios, garden benches, kitchen doors and bedroom windows where the evening fragrance can be appreciated indoors and out. In cottage borders for elegant cottage form during the day and scent at night. As a back-of-border anchor providing height alongside Cosmos, Cleome and other tall cottage annuals. In moon gardens, where the white forms in the mix glow in evening light just as fragrance releases. As cut flowers for evening-scented indoor arrangements.

Plant alongside

For the complete evening-scented cottage garden, combine Nicotiana 'Sensation Mixed' with Hesperis 'Purple' and Hesperis 'White' (matching evening fragrance, contrasting flower form) — together they cover dusk-to-dawn fragrance reliability. For tall cottage drama, pair with Cleome 'Cherry Queen' (matching height and architectural quality), Cosmos 'Sensation Mixed' (matching cottage palette) and Cornflower 'Black Ball' (sophisticated dark contrast).