Tobacco plants in Oregon
Tobacco growing (Nicotiana) is not just for smokers. Growing tobacco plant seeds is still enjoyed by home growers and those with an interest in specialty varieties. Some varieties are grown specifically for their beauty and wonderful fragrances. One tobacco variety that comes to mind, is Nicotiana Sylvestries, also know by Argentina Tobacco in South America and called Woodland Tobacco in North America! Beautiful long white trumpet flowers with a heavenly jasmine-like scent as evening approaches.
Tobacco is a sub-tropical plant so requires four full months of growth from seed to harvest without frosty nights. Generally for our northern growers and in Europe, this is accomplished by germinating seeds in pots and growing indoors in greenhouses for four to six weeks prior to planting outdoors. This will give the gardener plants that are four to six inches tall and ready to take on the great outdoors! Tobacco plants do require watering and a good nitrogen based fertilizer in the garden setting in order to get the best production for quality home grown tobacco.
Once America’s biggest trade items, tobacco and tobacco plant seeds have lost their glorified reputation. But America’s smokers will not be deterred by threats and higher “sin” taxes. Many are now turning to their home garden or plot of land and growing their own. Each plant when harvested is about 80% water, so when fully dried and cured produces about four-five ounces of product. I know that doesn’t sounds like not much, but it only takes ½ pound of pure home premium tobacco to make one carton of cigarettes, or approximately two to three plants. Grow forty plants and you have up to twelve pounds of tobacco or twenty-four cartons. Not bad for a $2.50 packet of seeds!
Tobacco seeds have a “half-life” of five to ten years. What that means is that if you stored your seeds in a cool, dry, dark place, in five years, you should have 50% germination rate. Most of the seeds I sell are open pollinated so seeds can be saved for future sowings. So, if you are thinking about trying to grow your own, go ahead, get them now while the price is low and before our government bans the sale of tobacco seeds. It could happen! Visit www.virtualseeds.com/tobacco.html to view all our tobacco selections.
