Tobacco is grown and processed commercially, but it is easy to grow in your own home or garden.It takes time for it to finish curing, but you can have tobacco that will save you money in the long run.
Step 1: Potting soil can be filled with a cell tray.
Purchase a cell tray at a gardening store.A tray with drainage holes at the bottom of each cell is the best way to keep the seeds dry.Potted soil is rich in nutrients and can be filled to the top of the cells.If the cell tray doesn't have holes for drainage, use a knife to cut a small slit in the bottom to let water out.
Step 2: The seeds should be spread on the paper.
Tobacco seeds are some of the smallest seeds you can buy.You can easily see how many you have by putting the seeds on the paper.
Step 3: The seeds should be on the tip of your finger.
If you want to plant a group of seeds, gently tap them.You can see how many you are going to plant if they stick to your finger.
Step 4: Place the seeds on top of the soil in each cell.
The seeds should be dropped into each cell of the tray.It's a good idea to aim for the center of the cell.root growth for each plant could be limited by the growth of seeds around the edges.Once the seedlings start to grow, you can thin them out.
Step 5: You can water the seeds with a spray bottle.
The seeds will be able to get into the soil.The seeds will not be pushed around by the force of the water if they are sprayed lightly.Don't leave water on the surface until it is moist.
Step 6: The container has 2 inch (13mm) of water.
There are drainage holes at the bottom of each cell.As your seeds start to grow, bottom watering helps promote downward root growth.A cheap plastic container can be used.The grocery store packaging for mushrooms works well for this.If the soil feels dry, refill the container with water.
Step 7: To block the sun, cover the seeds with foil.
Keep tobacco seeds away from any light.The seed tray should be covered with aluminum foil to block the light.The air can circulate if there is room between the aluminum and the soil.
Step 8: The tray should be kept in a warm place for 3 to 4 days.
Tobacco seeds can be sown within 3 or 4 days.It's best to keep them in a warm area that stays around 75 F.The heat will make a small greenhouse.The seeds should be checked for sprout each day.
Step 9: If you want to keep it on the windowsill, remove the cover.
Remove the aluminum foil cover from each cell and keep the small sprout on the windowsill to get light throughout the day.
Step 10: Pull out half the sprout from the cell tray.
Pick out any seedlings that are growing sideways or near the edge of a cell after 2 weeks.In order to not be overcrowded, leave about 5 seedlings in each cell.
Step 11: When they are 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm) tall, transplant them into pots.
After 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm), the roots will be too crowded to stay in the cell tray.You need to pre-moisten the soil in a 2 gallons pot with your finger equal to the size of one of the cells.The root ball of tobacco can be pushed out by squeezing the bottom of the cell tray.Use a pair of scissors to separate the cells from the tray.Use a wooden barbecue skewer to support the tobacco plant if it starts to droop.
Step 12: Use nitrate and no chlorine.
If you want to provide nitrogen to your plant in the form of nitrate, you need a fertilization that does not contain chlorine.Since tobacco is in the same family as tomatoes and peppers, it will work just as well.If you follow the directions on the package, you can figure out how much to use.Fertilization should not be applied after flowers start to form.
Step 13: The area has 6 hours of sunlight.
Your plant will grow larger if it gets more sunlight.Tobacco plants need full sun and should be near a large window.If the weather doesn't fall below freezing, you can keep them outside during the day and bring them inside at night.Grow lights can provide enough light for the plant as well as additional warmth.
Step 14: The tobacco should be watered so the soil isn't drenched.
Tobacco will require more water as it grows.Keep the soil moist with a watering can.The water should not puddle on the surface.Bed rot can be caused by excessive water in the roots.
Step 15: As the flowers begin to form, cut them off.
Tobacco will stop growing for the season when a flower forms.Pruning shears can be used to cut off flowers before they bloom.
Step 16: When the leaves turn yellow, remove the bottom leaves.
The tobacco plant's leaves will start to yellow after you remove the flowers.The lowest leaves on the plant can be removed with a pair of shears or scissors.
Step 17: The leaves should be removed from the stem in 4-5 harvests.
Since tobacco will continue to grow and develop, you don't want to remove all the leaves right away.As leaves turn yellow, start from the bottom.The stalks can be cut down 3-4 weeks after the flowers are gone.
Step 18: You can dry the leaves by hanging them by their stems.
Hang the tobacco leaves from a string.They can dry out if space is left in between the leaves.The leaves should not be crinkled or flaky.The leaves will turn brown and yellow as they lose water.
Step 19: To cure tobacco, store it in a room between 60 to 95 F.
The leaves get rid of herby flavor by aging and curing tobacco.The tobacco has a constant humidity of 65 percent.The longer you wait, the better it will taste.The leaves will start to brown and feel leathery during this time.The best place to hang and cure tobacco is a room with air flow controls.The tobacco can be aged for up to 3 years.
Step 20: The leaves need to be removed by hand.
The main stems can be removed when the leaves are not sticky to the touch.The leaves should leave the stem.
Step 21: The leaves can be shredded with a blender.
Once the tobacco is dried and cured, shred it in a blender.It will be easier to roll it into a cigarette or smoke a pipe with this.
Step 22: Store shredded tobacco in jars.
Tobacco will lose some of its flavor if it loses its moisture.Tobacco can be kept in an airtight jar for a long time.If you want to enhance the flavor of your tobacco, add a few drops of a flavoring.