Tobacco — Growing reference
| Scientific name | Nicotiana tabacum |
|---|---|
| Seed germination (days) | 10–20 |
| Soil temperature for germination (°C) | 21.1–26.7 |
| First harvest or flowering (days) | 90–130 |
| Measured from | Transplant |
| Plant spacing (cm) | 45.7–61 |
| Mature height (cm) | 91.4–182.9 |
| Mature spread (cm) | 45.7–61 |
| USDA hardiness zones | 4–10 |
| Light | Full sun |
| Water | Moderate |
| Sowing method | indoor-start |
Growing directions
Transplant into fertile, well-drained, slightly acidic soil in full sun; tobacco is a fast-growing annual grown for its large, broad leaves, which are harvested, cured, and fermented into the leaf used in cigars, cigarettes, and pipe tobacco. As flower buds form, most growers 'top' the plant by removing the flowering tip, which redirects energy into leaf size and thickness, and then remove the side shoots ('suckers') that sprout below the cut, though some plants can be left to flower for their tall spikes of pink, trumpet-shaped blooms if seed saving or ornamental effect is the goal. Harvest leaves progressively from the bottom of the stalk upward as they mature and turn pale yellow-green, then cure them by hanging in a warm, well-ventilated, shaded space for several weeks before further fermentation. All parts of the plant contain nicotine and are toxic if ingested by pets, livestock, or children, and the sticky leaf hairs can cause skin irritation (green tobacco sickness) in sensitive individuals during handling, so wear long sleeves when working with mature plants.
Source and local conditions
Typical planning ranges from OpenPlantDB (CC0). Cultivar, climate, season and growing method can change these values. Confirm the seed label and local guidance before planting.
Source & verification
OpenPlantDB · CC0