The striking pastel colour combination of Nicotiana Havana Appleblossom is just one of its many qualifications that make it a real winner. Other winning characteristics are its excellent plant habit, dwarf in pot and rich in the garden, its floridity, lasting throughout the summer until early October and its very good weather tolerance. Surely Havana Appleblossom will raise the position of Nicotiana in the range of most popular bedding plants.
In detail
Nicotiana alata (synonym for N. affinis nana) originates from South America and is family of the Solanaceae (Nightshades). The species has gradually become a very popular bedding plant. Its major characteristics are floridity, long flowering period and a rich colour range. The fragrance of Nicotiana is very apparent and attracts butterflies. `Havana Appleblossom' is one out of many very good novelties, that have recently been tested by 23 international Fleuroselect judges. Yet, they unanimously chose this variety to deserve the Gold Medal for beauty and innovation. Although it already stood out for uniformity in the indoor trials, the climax came after planting out in the garden, where it got the highest points ever scored for attractiveness. Even though its other characteristics are also excellent, the delightful colour com¬bination of pastel white and rose explain as well its name `Appleblossom' as its Fleuroselect Gold Medal. Annual bedding plant Nicotiana `Havana Appleblossom' performs well in many settings in the garden and on balconies. It can just as beautifully be planted out on its own as in small groups, or in huge displays, but, also in balcony tubs and hanging baskets. Although Nicotiana is mainly used by professional growers, also for hobby gardeners it is most rewarding to grow it from seed. The fine seed should be sown indoors in February and not be covered to germinate in 1-2 weeks at 18°C. The seedlings can then be pricked off and grown at 18 °C in 10 cm containers. After 80-90 days Havana Appleblossom will flower and can be planted out after the frosts at a sunny spot (or half shaded in warmer climates) at 25 cm. planting distance.