Shag Peruvian Mapacho Seeds

Shag Peruvian Mapacho is a variety of Nicotiana rustica, a fast-growing, hardy annual that reaches 1-2 metres (about 3-6 feet) in height and carries large, dark green leaves. The name points to Peru, and the plant is listed here as seed for sowing and growing in the garden. Nicotiana rustica is a different species from common Nicotiana tabacum, so its habit and care are not identical to the more familiar tobacco plants.

Also known as: mapacho, Aztec tobacco, wild tobacco

Plant at a glance

• Species: Nicotiana rustica
• Variety: Shag Peruvian Mapacho
• Height: 1-2 metres (about 3-6 feet)
• Leaves: large and dark green
• Habit: fast-growing and hardy
• Light: full sun
• Soil: fertile and well-drained, pH 6.0-7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
• Climate: warm and humid, though the plant adapts to other conditions with proper care

Growing Shag Peruvian Mapacho from seed

Start the seed indoors, 6-8 weeks before the last frost in your area. Sow it on the surface of a fine seed-starting mix and do not cover it, because the seed needs light to germinate. Nicotiana seed is dust-fine, so scatter it thinly over a pre-moistened surface and press it in gently with a flat board or your palm instead of burying it. Keep the mix evenly moist while the seedlings establish.

• Sowing time: indoors, 6-8 weeks before the last frost
• Depth: on the surface, left uncovered
• Light: required for germination
• Medium: fine seed-starting mix

Transplanting and care

Move the young plants outdoors once the last frost has passed. Choose a spot in full sun with fertile, well-drained soil, and work in organic matter beforehand. Aim for a soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0.

Water consistently so the soil stays evenly moist, but avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Because the plant is fast-growing and can reach 1-2 metres, give it room on all sides so the large leaves are not crowded and air can move between neighbouring plants.

Pick the site with the plant's final size in mind: a tall, leafy annual in full sun is better placed where it will not shade smaller plants, and where it can be reached from the side for watering. The leaves are large and dark green, which makes the plant easy to tell apart from lower-growing ornamental Nicotiana in a mixed bed.

FAQ

What conditions does Shag Peruvian Mapacho need to germinate?

Light and a fine, moist seed-starting mix. Sow on the surface without covering the seed, because it requires light to germinate.

When should I sow Shag Peruvian Mapacho?

Indoors, 6-8 weeks before the last frost. Move the seedlings outside after the last frost has passed.

How tall does Shag Peruvian Mapacho grow?

The plant reaches 1-2 metres (about 3-6 feet) and has large, dark green leaves. It is fast-growing and hardy, and it prefers warm, humid conditions with fertile, well-drained soil.