About this variety
Connecticut Shade is a variety of Nicotiana tabacum, a tall annual plant with an upright habit and light-coloured foliage. It reaches 5-6 feet (1.5-1.8 m) in height and carries long, narrow leaves that start out light green and ripen to a pale golden-yellow. The leaves are thin, soft and smooth to the touch, and small pink flowers open on the plant in late summer. This listing is for seed of the plant, offered for sowing and growing in the garden.
Also known as: common tobacco, cultivated tobacco, tambaku (Hindi), tabaco (Spanish/Portuguese), tabac (French), Tabak (German), tütün (Turkish)
Plant at a glance
- Species: Nicotiana tabacum
- Variety: Connecticut Shade
- Height: up to 5-6 feet (1.5-1.8 m)
- Leaves: long and narrow, thin, soft and smooth; light green, maturing to pale golden-yellow
- Flowers: small and pink, appearing in late summer
- Light: full sun
- Soil: well-drained and fertile
- Climate: warm and sunny
Growing Connecticut Shade from seed
Start the seed indoors, 6-8 weeks before the last frost in your area. Press the seed lightly onto the soil surface and do not bury it, because it needs light to germinate. Keep the soil consistently moist and hold the temperature at about 75 degrees F (24 degrees C). Under these conditions germination typically takes 7-14 days.
- Sowing time: indoors, 6-8 weeks before the last frost
- Depth: on the surface, pressed in lightly and left uncovered
- Temperature: about 75 degrees F (24 degrees C)
- Moisture: keep the soil consistently moist
- Germination: typically 7-14 days
Transplanting and care
Move the seedlings outdoors only after the last frost has passed. Set the plants 2-3 feet apart in a sunny position with well-drained, fertile soil. Because Connecticut Shade can reach 5-6 feet, this spacing leaves each plant room for its full height and its long, narrow leaves. The variety suits a warm, sunny climate, so choose the brightest, warmest spot available. Water regularly and feed occasionally to support steady growth through the warm season, until the pink flowers open in late summer.
FAQ
What conditions does Connecticut Shade need to germinate?
Light, steady moisture and warmth. Press the seed onto the surface of the soil without covering it, keep the soil consistently moist and maintain about 75 degrees F (24 degrees C).
When should I sow Connecticut Shade?
Sow indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost. Transplant outdoors after the last frost has passed, with plants 2-3 feet apart.
How tall does Connecticut Shade grow?
Up to 5-6 feet (1.5-1.8 m). The leaves are long and narrow and change from light green to pale golden-yellow as they mature, and small pink flowers appear in late summer.




