Description

Nicotiana ‘Sensation Mixed’ Seeds

Starry flowers in a vibrant carnival of crimson, rose, and lime. As the sun sets, they release a powerful, intoxicating fragrance that transforms your garden into a sensory experience for evening relaxation.

While many modern bedding plants have lost their scent, ‘Sensation Mixed’ is an old-fashioned heritage variety that refuses to compromise. It produces starry, tubular flowers in a vibrant carnival of coloursdeep crimson, bright rose, cool white, and zesty lime green.

But the real reason to grow this plant is the perfume. During the day, the flowers often half-close to protect their nectar, but as the sun sets, they burst open and release a powerful, intoxicating fragrance reminiscent of jasmine and cloves. It is the ultimate plant for an evening garden, turning a patio or path into a sensory experience at dusk.

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Understanding the Plant

Nicotiana alata ‘Sensation Mixed’ is a Half-Hardy Annual (H2) in the UK. Unlike the giant 5ft woodland tobacco, this variety reaches a more versatile height of 60-90cm, making it ideal for the middle of a border or large patio pots.

Nocturnal Strategy: This variety is specifically adapted to attract night-flying pollinators like Hawk Moths. Because the scent and flowers are most active in the evening, it is essential to plant them near seating areas or windows where you can enjoy their fragrance as the sun goes down.

Natural Pest Guard: You may notice the leaves feel slightly sticky to the touch. This is a natural defensive mechanism that can trap small pests like aphids, helping the plant protect itself in the garden.

Growing Guide

Nicotiana seeds are tiny and dust-like; they require light to germinate, so they should be sown with great care.

How to Sow:
Sow indoors from February to April. Surface sow the seeds onto moist seed compost. Do not cover the seeds with soil, as they need light to sprout. Simply press them gently into the surface. Keep the environment warm (around 20C). Germination typically takes 10-14 days.

Where to Plant:
Plant out in June once all risk of frost has passed. They thrive in full sun or partial shadea little afternoon shade can actually help the flowers stay open longer during the day. They prefer rich, moisture-retentive soil to support their continuous flowering habit.

Ongoing Care:
Deadhead individual spent flowers regularly to keep the plant looking tidy and to encourage a non-stop production of fresh, starry blooms. Ensure they are watered during dry UK spells, particularly if growing in pots, to prevent them from wilting.

Plant Specifications

Botanical Name	Nicotiana alata ‘Sensation Mixed’
Common Name	Flowering Tobacco
Plant Type	Half-Hardy Annual
Hardiness	H2 (Needs frost protection)
Light Requirements	Full Sun / Part Shade
Height	60cm – 90cm
Spread	30cm
Spacing	Plant 30cm apart
Flowering Period	July to October
Perfect For	Sensory Evening Gardens Intoxicating Perfume Hawk Moth Support Large Patio Pots
Seeds per Packet	Approximately 500 seeds (Dust-like)

Beautiful Garden Combinations

Create a multisensory evening display by pairing Nicotiana ‘Sensation Mixed’ with these night-performing companions from our collection:

• Night Scented Stock: The Perfume Factory. Both plants release their strongest fragrance at dusk. Planting low-growing Stock at the base of the taller Nicotiana creates a layered cloud of perfume that will fill your entire garden.
• Cosmos ‘Purity’: The White Glow. The large white saucers of ‘Purity’ reflect moonlight beautifully, providing a luminous backdrop to the starry, colourful flowers of the Nicotiana.

Sowing & Flowering Calendar

Sow indoors in spring for a colourful, fragrant performance from July until the first frosts.

Month	J	F	M	A	M	J	J	A	S	O	N	D
Sow Indoors
Flowering

Toxicity Note
Nicotiana belongs to the Nightshade family. All parts of the plant are toxic if ingested by humans or pets, and the sticky foliage can sometimes irritate sensitive skin. We recommend wearing gloves when handling the plants.

Essential Pollinator Plant

Nicotiana alata is a vital source of nectar for night-flying insects. Its powerful evening fragrance and colourful starry blooms make it a standout choice for an architectural and sensory UK cottage garden.

Want more detailed growing advice?
View our Complete Growing Guide for Annuals