Perfume variety of nicotiana (Photo by Allen Owings, LSU AgCenter)

Nicotianas, or flowering tobacco, are good alternative cool-season bedding plants for south Louisiana.

Most nicotiana for landscape use are “dwarf” in size but still reach heights of 24 inches. They have less cold hardiness than some other cool-season flowers, however, so an appropriate location needs to be considered. In south Louisiana, they should be able to withstand winter temperatures as long as plants are hardened off before the first frosts and freezes. During the cool season they do best in full sun, but partial shade is best in late spring.

Nicotiana can be put into the landscape as transplants or directly sown from seed into beds in fall. You also can plant them in mid- to late February. Plants last until late spring.

Flower colors available include white, lime, rose, red and more. The Nicki, Perfume and Saratoga varieties do well in Louisiana.

Allen Owings
Rick Bogren