Tobacco Growing Guide

Tobacco is a member of the Solanaceae or nightshade family. This family includes tomato, pepper, eggplant, Irish potato, and a number of other plants. Tobacco belongs to the genus Nicotiana, and almost all commercial tobacco is of the tabacum species. The Nicotiana rustica species was commonly used by American Indians and may still be used for ceremonial purposes in some areas. There may be small amounts of N. rustica planted commercially in Asia. There are a number of other species of Nicotiana that serve as ornamental plants. Tobacco is usually grown in home gardens so gardeners can harvest the plant and know it has no additives. The efforts of growing tobacco began hundreds of years ago, but its popularity has decreased over the years due to health concerns. Tobacco also is grown for its ornamental appearance and herbal properties. It is a member of the nightshade family, which includes tomatoes and peppers as well. Tobacco is typically a warm-weather plant.

When growing tobacco from seed, you need to start the seeds by growing transplants, and it is best to grow these transplants in trays. Seed should be sown about 50-60 days prior to the desired date of transplanting. Do not cover the seeds; instead, lightly press into soil. Transplant the seeds once the soil temp reaches 65 degrees Fahrenheit. To water, mist them gently for the first couple of weeks. Be carful not to overwater them because they are finicky about overwatering the first two weeks. Transplanting should be done after there is no further danger of freezing temperatures. Normally the best transplant is about 6-8 inches in length. Transplant them in the evening to prevent the plants from drying out and water thoroughly after transplanting. Once transplanted, water the tobacco plant daily until it becomes established.

Harvest the tobacco leaves when they turn yellow and golden. As it grows in, cut off the top of the plant where the seed pods develop. If the tobacco plants are topped, the plant puts more of its energy and nutrients into the leaf. Don’t harvest green leaves or they will not cure properly. Tobacco plants can be harvested by cutting down the entire plant at once or by pulling individual leaves from the plant. Tobacco leaves on the bottom of the plant mature first. Once harvested, the leaves are dried through a process called curing. To sun cure tobacco, the leaves are placed in the sun and dried. Continue to harvest leaves through the season as the rest of the plant and upper leaves (the newest growth) slowly turn the same pale golden yellow. Tobacco is most commonly harvested leaf-by-leaf, but may also be harvested whole only if the entire plant has turned an even golden yellow. Allow the leaves to wilt for 12-48 hours before curing. Avoid cutting the leaf itself which is known to affect the curing process; instead, clip the stem at least 3-5 inches below the leaf.

Any dark and well-ventilated space such as a barn, shed, or basement will do as a location to cure your leaves for 4-8 weeks. You will need a dark, dry location with 70-80% humidity. Harvested leaves and plants should be hung ½” from each other to cure and dry. If the leaf dries too quickly without properly curing (turning yellow) then it will be unsmokable. Allow leaves to continue drying until main stem snaps like a twig. Once cured and dried, the leaf can be left to hang and age where it is. Aging allows time for nitrogen compounds in the leaf to break down, removing the harshness of freshly cured tobacco and allowing true flavors to be accentuated. Store dried leaves in a mason jar or plastic bag in a cool, dark place, or use a humidor.