Smokie Mix F1

Class

Dicotyledons

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Solanaceae

Order

Solanales

Genus

Nicotiana

Species

affinis

Description

An ornamental herbaceous plant, native to the tropical areas of South America and belonging to the Solanaceae family like petunia, potato and tomato, as well as smoking tobacco belonging to the same genus Nicotiana. Compact, with an erect habit and abundant branching, it displays a luxuriant flowering that lasts throughout the summer with graceful inflorescences, which are also appreciated by pollinating insects. Suitable for landscape use in flowerbeds or borders as well as for outdoor tubs, preferably in full sun.

Variety description

Compact variety for the production of summer plants for both gift and bedding purposes. When transplanted in flower beds it produces exuberant and continuous flowering for 3 to 4 months in the hottest part of the summer. It is for flowerbeds and large pots in full sun. No Smockie is suitable for flowering plants to be planted in the summer (June-July).

Curiosities and special features

The name of the genus was designated by Linnaeus in the 1700s, however, it was assigned to L. Fuchs who coined the name 'Nicotiana' in the 1500s in honour of J. Nicot, a French academician and ambassador who in 1559 introduced the tobacco plant(Nicotiana tabacum) to the French Court, first used as an ornamental and later considered a medicinal species; the specific epithet, winged, refers to the winged petioles of the leaves.

Origin and distribution

Native to tropical South America, particularly Argentina, Bolivia and Brazil. The ornamental nicotiana, whose history is often overshadowed by that of smoking tobacco well documented by voyages of discovery to the New World, was introduced into the gardens of the United States and England in the early 1800s where it was immediately appreciated for its fragrant flowers that opened at night. Today it spreads throughout Europe as an ornamental with cultivars that differ in the colour of the inflorescences.

Flower size

The flower individually is considered medium in size.

Leaf

Leaf has a tomentose lanceolate lamina, slightly silky to the touch.

Flowering period

The luxuriant flowering lasts during the warmest period, from late spring to late summer, for a duration of 100 to 120 days.

Inflorescence

Inflorescence raceme or cluster rising above the foliage.

Leaf colour

Leaf Solid colour.

Plant height

The height of the plant varies from 0.2 to 0.35 m, making it ideal as a first or second-stage plant in mixed compositions with other ornamentals.

Lifespan

Plant grown as an annual.

Where to plant

Very versatile, suitable for use in flowerbeds, outdoor tubs, borders, planters

Stem

Herbaceous stem, the variety has no thorns.

Flower

The flower has a simple, medium-sized form with a gamopetalous corolla and plain petals. It is arranged in raceme or cluster inflorescences of medium size. It flowers from late spring to late summer, with a flowering period of between 100 and 120 days. It is mildly scented, with a delicate aroma. It is attractive to bees and bumblebees.

Growth

Medium to vigorous growing variety.

Plant habit

Plant habit, ideal for association with other ornamentals in flowerbeds or planters.

Branching

It grows by developingabundant branching, thus creating a pleasant decorative effect in flowerbeds, either in isolated groups or in mixed compositions.

PH

It prefers near-neutral conditions with optimal pH between 6.3 and 7.

Soil preparation

Before transplanting, dig the soil about 20/30 cm deep, removing any weeds and bulky pebbles, then bury organic or chemical slow-release fertiliser and break up the coarser clods with a hoe. To improve the drainage of excess water, proceed by creating a raised bed by lightly bouldering, then add professional substrate on the surface for about 5/10 cm and carefully level by preparing the planting holes.

Sun exposure

Suitable for exposure in half shade, full sun.

Ideal climate and temperature

The biological temperature is between 8 and 34 °C. The ideal temperature is between 16 and 20 °C; it adapts well to hot summer climates.

Use

Due to its lush and prolonged summer flowering, it is used in:
Outdoor ornamental Landscaping

Hardiness

It is of medium hardiness, tolerating hot summer climates well.

Soil

It prefers a medium-textured or sandy, loosely loosened and well-draining soil; for use in pots and planters a substrate for spring plants containing peat and perlite is recommended.

Difficulty

It is easy to cultivate requiring no special care in routine maintenance, with a low level of management effort.

Growing tips

Here are some useful specific tips for optimum growth and flowering results, both in the flower bed and in the planter:

At least 10 hours of daylight Expose the plant to maximum light

Combinations with other plants

Recommended for use in compositions with Begonia semperflorens, Ipomea x hybrida, Lobularia x hybrida.

Planting

As with any ornamental bedding species, planting should be carried out at a suitable density to ensure the expression of the best vigour in growth, thus obtaining proportionate and visually harmonious final effects; we therefore recommend an average planting density of 18 plants per square metre. We also suggest positioning the plant on a raised bed with the collar outside the soil surface, ensuring that the root ball is moist and watering immediately after planting, preferably during the morning hours.

Propagation

Reproduction/Propagation is by sowing.

Watering

Use rainwater, or alternatively aqueduct water with optimal neutral pH, by hand-watering or irrigation system. When transplanting assist the seedling to take root properly in the new site, keeping it at a constant humidity. Afterwards allow the soil to dry out slightly between one watering and the next to prevent dryness; it is also advisable not to water the aerial part of the plant from above during the late afternoon or evening to avoid the development of fungal diseases.

Read more on the Joyflo blog

Fertilising

During pre-transplant soil preparation, carry out background fertilisation by burying slow-release organic or chemical fertiliser. During the summer, following proper establishment in the new planting site, apply a specific liquid fertiliser for ornamentals to the soil or medium at the foot of the plant, i.e. diluted in the irrigation water, without exceeding the frequency and doses applied.

Pet safety

Ingestion toxicity not known, avoid administration.

Edibility for humans

Ornamental Species are not edible.

Toxicity for humans

Some varieties may be toxic if ingested in certain doses.

Tip

For best results it is recommended to fertilise during the summer period, the plants will grow faster with dark leaves and brightly coloured flowers. It is more convenient to do the basic fertilisation in the flower bed when preparing the soil, or in the tank with soluble fertilisers with a 15.5.25 to 1-1.5 g/l titre, at least every 10-15 days.