Growing Time for Tobacco Plants

Tobacco plants are grown as a producing crop and as a decorative plant.

While many people try their hand at growing a tobacco plant for the tobacco that it produces, these plants also make excellent decorative plants. With their large flowers and leafy green foliage, they can make an eye-catching addition to almost any garden.

Time Frame

Tobacco plants will begin to bloom eight to 12 weeks after planting.

The early growth stage of tobacco is from four to six weeks after they are planted; this is the time it takes for the plants to get 2 feet high. In another four to six weeks, the plant will begin to show the first signs of blooming.

Features

Tobacco seeds are available through a number of different sources.

Tobacco plants are commonly grown from seed; many seeds are only available locally if the area is one that readily produces commercial tobacco crops, but seeds can also be ordered through many places online. These seeds will retain viability for several years if stored in the correct cool, dry temperatures.

Considerations

Start tobacco seeds in a protected place.

Tobacco seeds are very small, and should be started in a place protected from the elements and from disease. When started in a greenhouse, seeds will take approximately 50 to 60 days to reach the desired height (6 to 8 inches high) for transplanting.

Potential

Removal of the flowers depends on why the tobacco is being grown.

Tobacco can be grown for ornamental use, and in this case the white flowers that develop at the top of the plant are desirable. However, if the tobacco is being grown for its yield, these flower buds should be removed before any flowers begin to open.

References

• University of Florida Extension: Growing Tobacco in the Home Garden
• University of Georgia College of Agricultural Sciences: Irrigating Tobacco
• Rustic Girls: Grow Your Own Tobacco