Grow your own tobacco?

[GWBowman]

Over on Puff there were a couple threads about this. I live in western NY and have toyed with the idea of doing this. Anyone do this? How difficult is it? How rewarding is it? Any special tools needed? Where would one get seeds/starter plants? Basically looking for info as spring is coming.

Chris, Wayne sent me some seeds and I believe it's way more than I need. If you wish , I'll see about sending some your way in the next couple of days. Just say the word.

[Chris0673]

Chris, Wayne sent me some seeds and I believe it's way more than I need. If you wish , I'll see about sending some your way in the next couple of days. Just say the word.

I'm not entirely sure if it would grow well where I am. My yard is almost completely in the shade and the soil is pretty rocky. I've thought about getting some old tires and filling them with topsoil but I probably won't get that done this year. Do the seeds keep well?

[GWBowman]

I'm not entirely sure if it would grow well where I am. My yard is almost completely in the shade and the soil is pretty rocky. I've thought about getting some old tires and filling them with topsoil but I probably won't get that done this year. Do the seeds keep well?

I've read 2-5 years with a 10% loss per year is stored properly.

[OnePyroTec]

George is correct on seed life.

BTW George, you have enough to cover a huge plot of land.

My Virginia and Perique have sprouted. Looks like at least those two are still very healthy.

[OnePyroTec]

Sprouts about a week old. The top left had more than the rest. I just gave it the first of several thinnings. Eventually I will have 1 or 2 healthy plants per cup.

[Bruck]

Nice plantology, Wayne - you'll have to keep us updated photojournalistically I love this DIY subforum - it's inspiring to see all these creative types in action.

[OnePyroTec]

Tobacco is a slow starter when it comes to growing. It takes weeks before they being to really take off in size.

I have thinned the herd in all cups and if I'm lucky the leaves may have almost doubled in size in the last 10 days. (not a lot of growth but as expected) I'll try to get some update pics again this weekend.

[OnePyroTec]

Update on tobacco plant growth. You can see 14 days later they have not had much action.

[GWBowman]

I followed Wayne's lead with the solo cups. Five of the six tobaccos have sprouted. The Connecticut Shade did nothing and the Burley only has a few sprouts. I avoided the peat pellets, but at some point I thought to look at the bag of seeding mix and found out it is peat. Tonight I put just potting soil in a couple of cups and started more Connecticut Shade and Burley. Tried pics but for some reason me, digital cameras and flash can't get along. If I think of it I'll see what I can do in daylight.

[OnePyroTec]

Did you just sprinkle seed on top of the soil? I used to lightly cover them, until I realized that wasn't a good thing with tobacco seeds. Also, this year I covered the cups with plastic wrap until they sprouted. It kept the soil moist so I didn't have to water again for many days giving the tiny things time to take root.

When you say Burley, is that the Perique that only sprouted a few?