Origin
Nicotiana excelsior (J. M. Black) J. M. Black, commonly referred to as the mountain tobacco plant, is a species of flowering plant in the Solanaceae family. The plant is native to the Andes Mountains in South America, specifically in Peru, Ecuador, and Colombia.
Common Names
The Nicotiana excelsior plant is commonly known by different names such as Mountain Tobacco, Andean Tobacco, Noduco, and Great-Flowered Tobacco.
Uses
Indigenous people in South America have used Nicotiana excelsior for medicinal and ceremonial purposes for centuries. The leaves of the plant contain nicotine and have been used as tobacco. The plant is also a source of pyrethrum, a natural insecticide used in the control of pests.
General Appearance
The Nicotiana excelsior plant is an herbaceous perennial that typically grows to a height of 1-2 meters. The leaves are large and can grow up to 30 cm in length and 20 cm in width. The plant produces clusters of fragrant, trumpet-shaped flowers that can be up to 8 cm long, with colors ranging from white to pale pink. The plant can flower in summer or autumn, depending on the geographical location and climate.
Growth Conditions for Nicotiana excelsior (J. M. Black) J. M. Black
Light: Nicotiana excelsior requires full sun exposure for healthy growth and development. It cannot tolerate shady areas as it hinders the photosynthesis process, which is essential for the plant's survival. Therefore, it is recommended to grow Nicotiana excelsior in areas that receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Temperature: Nicotiana excelsior is native to South America but can thrive in a variety of temperature conditions as long as they are not extreme. For optimal growth, a temperature range of 15 to 27 °C (59 to 81°F) is ideal. Temperatures above 30°C (86°F) can cause damage to the leaves and negatively impact the growth of the plant. Additionally, Nicotiana excelsior cannot tolerate frost and should be planted after the last expected frost date in the area.
Soil: Nicotiana excelsior grows best in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The pH level of the soil should be slightly acidic to neutral (around 6 - 7). The plant can tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils, but the soil should not be compacted, as the plant's roots need sufficient access to oxygen. Additionally, Nicotiana excelsior requires regular watering to maintain healthy growth.
Cultivation Methods
Nicotiana excelsior is a hardy annual plant that thrives in well-drained soil under full sun or partial shade. It can be propagated from seeds planted directly in the garden soil, or indoors in seed trays and later transplanted to the garden. When planting seeds directly in the soil, the seeds should be lightly covered with soil and kept moist until they germinate. The ideal time to plant the seeds is in the spring when the soil has warmed up and the last frost has passed.
If planting indoors, the seeds require a temperature range of 20°C to 25°C to germinate, and should be sown in a well-draining seed raising mix. Once the seedlings have emerged and are established enough, they can be transplanted to the garden when all danger of frost has passed. These plants require space to grow, and each seedling should be planted about 25cm apart in the garden.
Watering Needs
Nicotiana excelsior requires moderate watering and should be watered regularly to keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged. It is best to water early in the morning or late in the afternoon to minimize water loss through evaporation, as watering during the hottest part of the day can damage the leaves due to scorching.
The plants will show signs of wilting and yellowing leaves if the soil is too dry, and overwatering can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases. Therefore, it is important to monitor the soil moisture levels to ensure the plant is getting the right amount of water.
Fertilization
Nicotiana excelsior benefits from regular fertilization with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer that contains equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. The fertilizer should be applied every two weeks during the growing season, but should be stopped once the plant starts flowering to minimize the risk of burning the delicate flowers.
An organic fertilizer such as compost or well-rotted manure can also be used to nourish the plants. A layer of 5cm of compost can be applied around the base of the plants before watering to provide nutrients to the roots.
Pruning
Nicotiana excelsior does not require extensive pruning, but the removal of dead flowers and brown leaves can help to keep the plant neat and healthy. Deadheading, or the removal of spent flowers, also promotes the growth of new flowers, ensuring a prolonged blooming period.
The plants can grow up to 1.5m tall, so staking may be necessary to keep them upright in strong winds. Light pruning to remove the top portion of the plant can also be done to encourage bushier growth and a fuller plant.
Propagation of Nicotiana excelsior (J. M. Black) J. M. Black
Nicotiana excelsior (J. M. Black) J. M. Black, commonly known as the tall tobacco plant, can be propagated through various methods. These methods include:
1. Seed propagation
One of the most reliable ways to propagate Nicotiana excelsior is through seeds. These seeds can be sown directly in the soil or started indoors and later transplanted. It is recommended to start the seeds indoors approximately 4-6 weeks before the last frost date. The plant requires warm soil (above 18°C) for germination, which usually takes place within 7-14 days. The seedlings can be transplanted outdoors, once they reach a height of 4-6 inches.
2. Stem cuttings
Another way to propagate Nicotiana excelsior is through stem cuttings. This method involves taking cuttings from the plant's stem and rooting them in moist soil. The cuttings should be taken from healthy plants that are free from any diseases or pests. Plant the cuttings in moist soil and keep them in a warm and humid environment until they develop roots. It usually takes around 4-6 weeks for the roots to form, after which the new plants can be transplanted outdoors.
3. Division
Division is a method that involves separating the parent plant into sections and planting each section separately. This method is best suited for mature plants that have multiple stems or branches. To propagate Nicotiana excelsior through division, dig up the parent plant and separate it into sections, making sure each section has its roots and stems. Replant each section in a separate hole and water it well. It is best to do this in the spring or fall when the plant is not actively growing.
Overall, these propagation methods can help expand your Nicotiana excelsior garden, bringing more of these beautiful tobacco plants into your home or yard.
Disease Management for Nicotiana excelsior
Nicotiana excelsior, like most plants, is susceptible to various diseases that can reduce yield and quality if not managed properly. Here are some common diseases that might affect the plant and potential management strategies:
Wildfire
Wildfire is a fungal disease that commonly affects Nicotiana excelsior. Symptoms include yellowing of leaves and premature defoliation. To manage wildfire, farmers can use fungicides like Azoxystrobin or Pyraclostrobin when the first symptoms of the disease appear. Moreover, farmers can reduce the incidence of wildfire by planting resistant varieties and avoiding high-density planting.
Black Root Rot
Black Root Rot is a disease that gradually kills plant roots due to the invasion of soil-borne fungi. When this disease is present, the plants exhibit stunted growth, yellowing of leaves, and poor crop quality. The best strategy to manage Black Root Rot is to sanitize soil to reduce the fungal population, practice crop rotation, and avoid excessive irrigation. Implementing these control measures limits the disease's impact on the growth and productivity of Nicotiana excelsior.
Pest Management for Nicotiana excelsior
Just like with disease management, pest management is necessary to avoid infestations that reduce the yield and quality of Nicotiana excelsior. Here are some common pests that farmers encounter and management strategies to reduce their impact:
Thrips
Thrips are tiny insects that suck sap from plants resulting in yellow or white spots on leaves. To manage thrips, farmers can use insecticides like Chlorpyrifos or Cypermethrin after detection of the pest. Alternatively, farmers can introduce natural predators like mites to control their population.
Cutworms
Cutworms are moth larvae that feed on the plant stem, resulting in wilting or death of seedlings. Management strategies include the use of insecticides, planting collars around plants, and removing plant debris from fields. By practicing these measures, farmers can avoid the loss of yield and quality caused by cutworm infestations.
