Tobacco

Plant family

Season Overview

Details

Light requirement

Sunny

Water requirement

Moist

Soil

Medium (loamy)

Nutrient requirement

High

Light germinator

Plant distance

50 cm

Row spacing

70 cm

Seeding depth

0Not specified

Instructions

Description

The tobacco plant (Nicotiana tabacum) is part of the Solanaceae family. It is known for its high content of nicotine, which is used as the main active ingredient in tobacco products. It originated in South America, but is now grown and cultivated in many parts of the world. The tobacco plant is a perennial, herbaceous plant that can grow between 1 - 3 m tall. The large, elongated, lance-shaped leaves are alternate on the stem. The funnel-shaped flowers are white to pink or red. The many small seeds are contained in a capsule fruit.

Growing tips

Tobacco plants require well-drained, nutrient-rich soil and plenty of sunlight. A sheltered location is also very important, as the leaves are quite sensitive and tear quickly. The seeds are sown in seed trays in March and later planted outdoors after the last frosts. The tobacco leaves are usually harvested in late summer or early fall, when the leaves have reached their maximum size and have developed a high nicotine content. After harvesting, the tobacco leaves are hung up to dry or dried in special drying plants. They are then fermented to break down unwanted aromas and develop the flavor. After fermentation, the leaves are sorted and further processed for the manufacture of tobacco products such as cigarettes, cigars, snuff and chewing tobacco.