Night Scented Stock, Matthiola longipetala

Night Scented Tobacco typically grows to a height of 2 to 3 feet, bearing long, slender, and somewhat sticky leaves. Its most alluring feature is its blooms, which open in the late afternoon or evening, exuding a sweet, intoxicating fragrance that is particularly potent at night. The flowers come in a variety of colors, including white, pink, and yellow, adding to the plant’s visual appeal.

Historical Information: Night Scented Tobacco has a rich history dating back to its use by Native American tribes for various purposes, including ceremonial and medicinal applications. The genus Nicotiana is named after Jean Nicot, the French ambassador to Portugal, who introduced tobacco to the European continent in the 16th century. While Night Scented Tobacco is distinct from its nicotine-rich relative, it shares the genus’s name due to its association with the tobacco family.

Fun Facts:

1. Moth-Pollinated: The reason for Night Scented Tobacco’s evening bloom and intoxicating fragrance is its adaptation to attract night-flying moths, which serve as its primary pollinators. This is a fascinating example of co-evolution between plants and insects.

2. Aromatic Oils: Night Scented Tobacco’s scent is due to the presence of aromatic oils in its flowers, which makes it a prized addition to fragrant gardens.

Materials and Steps to Grow Night Scented Tobacco from Seeds:

Materials Needed:

• Night Scented Tobacco seeds
• Seedling trays or small pots
• Seed starting mix
• Watering can or misting bottle
• A sunny location or grow lights
• Well-draining soil
• Garden gloves (optional)
• Fertilizer (optional)

Steps:

1. Seed Preparation: Night Scented Tobacco seeds generally do not require any special preparation. They can be sown directly or started indoors. If you choose to start them indoors, soak the seeds in warm water for 12-24 hours before planting to help with germination.

2. Sowing Seeds: Fill seedling trays or small pots with a seed starting mix. Sow the seeds on the surface of the mix and gently press them down. Do not cover the seeds with soil; they require light to germinate.

3. Location: Place the trays or pots in a sunny location or under grow lights. Ensure they receive at least 6-8 hours of indirect sunlight daily.

4. Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged. You can use a misting bottle to water the seeds initially, and then gradually transition to a watering can with a fine spray.

5. Transplanting: Once the seedlings have grown to a reasonable size (about 2-3 inches), transplant them to their final location in your garden, ensuring well-draining soil.

6. Fertilizing (optional): You may choose to fertilize the plants with a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer, but be careful not to over-fertilize, as it can reduce fragrance production.

Uses: Night Scented Tobacco serves several purposes in the garden:

• Ornamental: Its fragrant blooms make it an excellent addition to fragrant gardens, as they release their scent in the evening, creating a magical atmosphere.
• Pollinator Attraction: Night Scented Tobacco attracts night-flying pollinators like moths, benefiting the local ecosystem.
• Cut Flowers: The trumpet-shaped flowers can be cut for beautiful, scented flower arrangements.

Medicinal Benefits: While Night Scented Tobacco is not as widely used for its medicinal properties as other tobacco species, it has been traditionally used for minor purposes. Some potential medicinal benefits include:

• • Anti-inflammatory: Some Native American tribes used Nicotiana species, including Night Scented Tobacco, as an herbal remedy for various inflammatory conditions.
  • Respiratory Relief: In very controlled and diluted forms, it has been used to alleviate respiratory symptoms, such as coughs and congestion. However, caution is advised, as it contains toxic alkaloids present in other tobacco species.

• Night Scented Tobacco is a remarkable and fragrant addition to any garden, offering a sensory delight with its evening blooms. Its historical significance, charming qualities, and potential medicinal uses make it a captivating and unique plant for both experienced and novice gardeners. 

• As with any herbal remedy, it is important to consult a

  The Night Scented Stock typically grows to a height of 8 to 18 inches, forming dense clusters of slender, lance-shaped leaves. Its most distinctive feature is its clustered, four-petaled flowers, which come in a range of pastel colors, including shades of pink, purple, and white. These blooms open in the late afternoon and release a sweet, intoxicating scent that intensifies after the sun sets.

  Historical Information: Night Scented Stock has a rich horticultural history and has been cultivated for its fragrance and ornamental qualities for centuries. The genus Matthiola is named after Pietro Andrea Mattioli, an Italian physician and botanist who made significant contributions to the field of herbal medicine during the Renaissance. The Night Scented Stock has been a beloved choice for gardens, particularly in Europe, where it has been cultivated and appreciated for its evening aroma.

  Fun Facts:

  1. Aromatherapy: The fragrance of Night Scented Stock is often used in aromatherapy for its soothing and calming properties. The scent is known to promote relaxation and reduce stress.

  2. Edible Flowers: While Night Scented Stock is primarily grown for its beauty and fragrance, its delicate flowers are edible and can be used to garnish salads, desserts, and cocktails.

  Materials and Steps to Grow Night Scented Stock from Seeds:

  Materials Needed:

  • Night Scented Stock seeds
  • Seedling trays or small pots
  • Seed starting mix
  • Watering can or misting bottle
  • A sunny location or grow lights
  • Well-draining soil
  • Garden gloves (optional)
  • Fertilizer (optional)

  Steps:

  1. Seed Preparation: Night Scented Stock seeds generally do not require any special preparation. They can be sown directly in the garden or started indoors.

  2. Sowing Seeds: Fill seedling trays or small pots with a seed starting mix. Sow the seeds on the surface of the mix and gently press them down. Do not cover the seeds with soil, as they require light to germinate.

  3. Location: Place the trays or pots in a sunny location or under grow lights. Ensure they receive at least 6-8 hours of indirect sunlight daily.

  4. Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged. You can use a misting bottle to water the seeds initially, and then gradually transition to a watering can with a fine spray.

  5. Transplanting: Once the seedlings have grown to a reasonable size (about 2-3 inches), transplant them to their final location in your garden, ensuring well-draining soil.

  6. Fertilizing (optional): You may choose to fertilize the plants with a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer, but be careful not to over-fertilize, as it can impact the fragrance and the overall health of the plant.

  Uses: Night Scented Stock is a delightful addition to any garden with various uses:

  • Ornamental: Its fragrant, evening blooms make it a beautiful addition to gardens, especially those designed for evening enjoyment.
  • Cut Flowers: The aromatic flowers are often used in bouquets and floral arrangements, bringing their sweet scent indoors.
  • Aromatherapy: The scent of Night Scented Stock is used in aromatherapy for its relaxing and stress-reducing properties.

  Medicinal Benefits: While Night Scented Stock is not widely known for medicinal applications, its aromatic properties have been used in traditional herbal medicine for their soothing qualities. The fragrance is believed to have a calming effect and may be used to help reduce stress and promote relaxation, making it a popular choice for aromatherapy and as a natural remedy for mood enhancement. However, it is not typically ingested or used for more serious medical purposes. Always exercise caution and consult with a healthcare professional before using any plant for medicinal purposes.

  ***This information is not intended to be used as a diagnosis.  Caution should be exercised when considering any medicinal use, and it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional.