Nicotiana (Flowering Tobacco) in Zone 9a & 9b
Nicotiana alata
When to plant nicotiana (flowering tobacco) in zone 9b
Zones 9a and 9b share the same average frost dates in our data, so this page covers both.
Method: Start indoors: Start indoors from seed, then transplant outside. Nicotiana (Flowering Tobacco) needs a head start most zones can't give it by direct-sowing alone.
| Start indoors | Jan 4–Jan 11 |
|---|---|
| Direct sow / transplant outside | Feb 22–Mar 1 |
| Estimated bloom | May 8–May 15 (~75 days after transplanting) |
Spacing: 1 per square foot (square-foot-gardening spacing). Mature height: 1.5-3 ft.

Nicotiana is an ornamental relative of cultivated tobacco, grown for trumpet-shaped flowers with a fragrance that gets noticeably stronger in the evening, making it a good choice near a porch or patio where people sit after dark.
How nicotiana (flowering tobacco) fits zone 9's season
Zone 9b's frost-free window runs about 293 days, from February 15 to December 5. Nicotiana (Flowering Tobacco) needs about 75 days from transplant to first harvest.
Good companions
No standout companions recorded yet for Nicotiana (Flowering Tobacco).
Where to buy nicotiana seeds
See why we recommend these suppliers →
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Some links on this page also go to other retailers we may earn a commission from as an affiliate, at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products with a genuine consensus of positive, independent reviews. See the sources cited on each item.
See it growing
Search YouTube for "growing nicotiana (flowering tobacco)" videos → (a live search, not a hand-picked video; results vary and aren't vetted by us)
← Back to the full zone 9b calendar · Full companion planting guide · Full plant profile · Plan your beds in the Garden Designer →

Pin this for later
Growing Nicotiana (Flowering Tobacco) in USDA zone 9b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a bloom.
Save to Pinterest