Sacred tobacco (Nicotiana rustica), proposed by Akène
🌿 A sacred plant with multiple uses 🌿
Sacred tobacco, also called peasant tobacco or small tobacco , is a vigorous annual that produces large oval leaves and a cluster of greenish-yellow tubular flowers. Native to Central America, it has been cultivated for centuries and was introduced to Canada by Aboriginal trade routes.
🌱 Considered a sacred plant , it is used in several indigenous traditions for spiritual ceremonies, offerings and communication with the spirit world. It is also appreciated in the garden for its ornamental appeal and its ability to repel certain harmful insects.
Characteristics of the variety
📅 Flowering : August to September
📏 Height : 100 cm
🌱 Spacing : 45 cm
☀️ Exposure : Full sun
🌿 Life cycle : Annual
🌾 Soil type : Loamy, well drained
💧 Soil moisture content : Medium
🦌 Deer Resistance : High
📦 Seeds per packet : 250
Sowing and cultivation
📏 Sowing depth : Surface (seeds require light to germinate)
🌡 Germination time : 7 to 21 days
❄️ Cold Stratification : Not required
🔹 Outdoor method
1️⃣ Sow directly in open ground after the last frosts, in well-prepared soil that is kept moist.
2️⃣ Tamp lightly to ensure good contact with the soil.
3️⃣ Water regularly until the plants are established.
🔹 Indoor method
🌱 Start seedlings 6-8 weeks before the last frost for an earlier transplant.
💦 Keep soil moist but not soggy until germination.
🌿 Light fertilization will promote vigorous growth.
🌞 Resistant and rustic plant, easy to grow even in difficult conditions.
Traditional uses and precautions
⚠️ A supervised use
Sacred tobacco contains a high concentration of nicotine. Traditionally, it is used for spiritual and medicinal purposes by some First Nations. However, it is toxic if ingested unsupervised and should not be used without precaution.
🐝 An attraction for pollinators
Its nectar-rich flowers attract bees, butterflies and hummingbirds , thus contributing to the biodiversity of the garden.
🦟 A natural repellent
Sacred tobacco can be planted near the vegetable garden to keep away certain harmful insects. However, its use in infusion as an insecticide is not recommended due to its high toxicity for beneficial insects and surrounding wildlife.
Why choose sacred tobacco?
🍃 A plant with a rich cultural heritage
🐝 An excellent choice for pollinators
🌿 Easy to grow and disease resistant
🚫 A plant to handle with care
🌿 Add a touch of history and biodiversity to your garden with sacred tobacco!
