Nicotiana Sensation Mixed
Couldn't load pickup availability
Description
Nicotiana 'Sensation Mixed' Seeds
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 colours—deep 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.
Read More
🌿 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 20°C). 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 shade—a 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.
⚠️ 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 →
Delivery & Returns
Delivery:
Delivery to mainland UK is calculated at checkout. For all other areas and large orders please ask for a quote. Orders will be sent by express next day delivery (DPD). They will be dispatched on a next working day service, with the exception of Ireland where it may take two days. Please allow up to 48 hours for delivery in the UK as the couriers may have already been and collected on the day you send your order in. Smaller orders for pouches, pockets, bags and pots may be sent via Royal Mail delivery. Please ensure you supply an email address and a mobile so you can be updated about your delivery. Should you have any problems with your delivery, please contact us at sales@naturalgrower.co.uk.Special Deliveries
Saturday or weekday morning deliveries can be arranged, but there will be a surcharge. Please contact us to request a price for either of these delivery services. If you need a parcel sending outside of the UK, please contact us for a quote.Returns:
If you are not completely happy with any product that you have ordered from us, you may return it to us in its original condition any time within 14 calendar days from the date of dispatch. Products must be returned in their original condition. Please contact us at sales@naturalgrower.co.uk to arrange a return. If you return a product by post, you will need to pay the costs of returning the product to us and obtain proof of posting.
Be a smarter gardener
Gardening organically is a more affordable and long term alternative to using chemical fertilisers. Natural Grower products eliminate waste because the nutrients are slowly released to the plants as they need them. Over the long-term you save money because your soil health naturally improves, which in turn produces healthier, stronger, disease resistant plants. Chemical products may cost less financially in the short term, but they don’t provide any long-term benefits and the damage they do to the natural eco-system in the soil is costly.
Slow release for sustained growth
Organic fertilisers are broken down slowly by organisms in the soil to produce a more measured, consistent, natural release of nutrients. This results in uniform growth with strong stems and leaves, unlike chemical fertilisers which provide a sudden boost resulting in tall lanky plants. Stronger plants are more resistant to disease, and with the presence of mycorrizhal fungi to strengthen the roots, the plants, soil and fungi all work together long-term to create the perfect natural eco-system.
Love your land
The organic matter in Natural Grower will help keep your soil or compost in optimum condition, retain moisture over the dry summer months and improve the health and structure of your soil. The presence of natural Mycorrhizal fungi in our products enhances root growth, enabling plants to extract nutrients and absorb water more efficiently from the soil or compost. By using our products you will be supporting and enhancing the natural eco-system in the soil.
Embrace sustainability
Natural Grower’s chemical free fertiliser products are approved organic, biodynamic and vegan. Plant-based and free from chemicals they are safe to use around wildlife, pets and children. Eco-friendly and sustainably produced in the UK. Our packaging is made from recycled plastic where possible and is all 100% recyclable. We are always happy to refill used containers, and often sell our products in reused containers or slightly damaged packaging at a reduced price. Reduce, reuse, recycle.
