How to Grow Tobacco

Tobacco may refer to any plant in the Nicotiana genus. However, commercial tobacco is almost exclusively Nicotiana tabacum, with Nicotiana rustica making up a small percentage. Tobacco is the most widely grown non-food plant and is important to the economies of many countries. It can be commercially cultivated in small quantities and is even grown just for individual use.

Instructions

1. Grow tobacco inside for colder climates. The soil must be kept moist and the temperature should be in the range of 70 to 80 degrees. The seeds should germinate in 5 to 15 days. The plants are ready to be transplanted when the leaves are at least 2 inches across. This normally takes about 6 weeks.

2. Ensure the planting area will have full sun because tobacco is a heavy feeder. Rotted compost and manure should be worked into the soil. Tobacco also has a high requirement for nitrogen and potash so wood or leaves are frequently burned in the area before planting. Tobacco must be rotated frequently because it will deplete the soil of nutrients.

3. Transplant tobacco during the late evening or when it is cloudy. Water thoroughly afterwards and daily until the root system is established.

4. Keep the soil moist and well-drained. Clay should be broken-up with peat moss. Tobacco plants are usually topped when they start to flower because this encourages leaf production.

5. Use natural products such as pyrethrum to control diseases and pests if the leaves will be consumed.

Resources

• Learn more about growing tobacco.