The seed vigor and phenological characteristics of 14 Nicotiana L. species were investigated. The results showed that significant differences among these species for germination rate(GR),germination viability(GV) and germination index(GI) were observed. The GR and GV of seeds from N. sylvestris showed a significant high level compared with other species. Phenological characters of the 14 species varied widely from budding stage, flower budding stage and blooming stage. The flower budding stage and blooming stage of N. clevelandii occurred earlier by 115 d and 110 d separately than that of N. paniculata.