Tobacco - Nicotiana tabacum

Nicotiana tabacum

A thick-leaved perennial down to zone 8, Nicotiana tabacum is the most common species used in the tobacco industry.  It can grow up to 6' but is a very heavy feeder.  It produces sweet smelling, pink to white flowers that attract butterflies and bees. 

Growing information: Seeds can be started indoors or directly sown outdoors after the danger of frost has passed. The seeds are tiny, sow them in very shallow grooves and mist them to water in order to keep the seeds from all clumping together.  Keep evenly moist until germination in about 14-21 days.  Transplant outdoors in very rich, well drained soil about 3' apart in rows 5' apart.  Tobacco is a very heavy feeder, so keep well fed and well-watered.  If harvesting the leaves, pinch off the flowers to promote better leaf growth.  Cure the leaves by cutting the entire plant and hanging upside down in a well-ventilated, dark space like a shed or garage for 8 weeks.  If you're curing for cigars, separate the leaves and hang them individually so they don't stick together.

min qty/packet: 1g