Use a quality sterile potting mix. Wet the mix and put in a germination flat. Use a small block of wood to lightly tamp the mix to flat surface. Let the surface get almost dry then dust the tiny seed over the flat. Once again tamp the surface lightly to set the seed. If the surface is too wet the seed will stick to the block and make a mess. After the seed is tamped you can mist the surface to wet the seed. Do not cover the seed, they need light to germinate. Provide light with a grow light or indirect sunlight.

Keep the surface moist by misting but don't waterlog the flat. Keep the flat in a warm place and do not water with cold water. Germination is a bit slow and early growth of the seedlings is slow too. Transplant to individual containers at the 2nd to 4th true leaf stage.

Cover the flat with sheet of plastic to lock in humidity...no need to keep misting once it's been done, but vent or remove once seed leaves show. Once you get them going in the garden, you can expect self-sown seedlings every mid to late spring :D

Vera

Sow as pls mentioned, then add the clear light plastic piece to sit over top of your sown seeds, as Vera pointed out. Surface-sown seeds dry out quickly and the plastic prevents that from happening. I've used plastic for years and it is one of the missing variables for great germination rates. BTW nicotiana are very easy, and they will self-seed in undisturbed/unmulched soil, as noted.

I winter sowed some this year and they are germinating quite nicely in their plastic jugs!

Karen

these suckers are REALLY TINY. it is amazing to me that the standard sized nico (Only the Lonely for example) will be a big 4-foot tall plant with tons of flowers by July.