Tobacco plant
Nicotiana alata
Also called Nicotiana, Jasmine tobacco and Flowering tobacco
Garden plant · BeddingThe scent only starts at dusk and it is the whole point — plant it by a door or a seat, not at the back of a border where nobody stands after dark.
Care at a glance
- Ease
- Easy
- Water
- Every 4 daysWater the ground — water at the base, in the morning, not over the leaves.
- Light
- Sun or part shade
- Feed
- Once a fortnight
- Humidity
- Average
- Hardiness
- Half-hardy — a light frost RHS H3, to -5°C
- Size
- 1 m tall · 0.35 m across
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Origin
- South America
Is it safe for pets and people?
PetsToxic to pets
Affects dogs, cats, horses.
PeopleHarmful if eaten, and irritates skin
HandlingTake care handling it
RHS says to avoid skin contact and to wear gloves when handling it.
Checked against ASPCA and RHS on 2026-08-03.
A guide, not veterinary or medical advice. If a pet or a person has eaten a plant and you are worried, call your vet or doctor now — don’t wait for signs to appear. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.