Tobacco Seeds and Grow Kit: Digital Raingardens Online Seed Catalog

While everyone is familiar with the smoking and chewing products derived from this plant, tobacco also has many other uses. It has medicinal values, makes an extremely valuable ornamental plant and flower garden specimen and is used to make one of nature's finest biodegradable, all natural pesticides.

TA80 Growing and Processing Tobacco at Home, A Guide for Gardeners
by Jim Johnson, 210 pages, paperback, plastic coil binding, black and white photos and line drawings $24.95

Tobacco is a very easy plant to grow and requires only 65-70 frost free nights to mature once transplanted outside. The book Growing and Processing Tobacco at Home was written with the gardener in mind.

This book covers all aspects of raising and processing tobacco at home. It details how to plant the seeds, care for the plants, identify and cure tobacco pests and diseases, how to harvest the plants, how to air cure, complete instructions and drawings on building your own kiln, how to flavor your tobacco, how to make cigars, cigarettes, chewing tobacco and snuff along with loads of other useful information.

In response to overwhelming popularity of tobacco seed sales this year, a new item of specially blended seeds is now available for the first-time grower. Both new and experienced growers will appreciate this homegrown alternative to the expensive chemical-laden, tax-riddled storebought tobaccos.

Developed by Jim Johnson, author of Growing and Processing Tobacco at Home, this blend is the result of his years of experience. It contains burleys, bright leaf virginia, orinoco, and red leafs that produce material for a mild smoking cigarette. Many of our best selling cigarette tobacco seeds are included in this blend.

This premium pack of seeds should result in more than 500 transplantable plants, allowing for an 80% germination rate and another 20-30% loss for transplanting and novice learning curve. For calculation purposes, estimate 2 ounces of yield from each plant. At 500 plants per pack, the yield would be 1,000 ounces, just as a conservative estimate. This equates to 62.5 pounds per harvest. Estimate one pound per two cartons of cigarettes. Overall yield should be 125 cartons, just from this one pack of seeds.

Keep in mind that tobacco which has been aged naturally is superior to kiln dried. Seeds are viable for a long time when stored in a cool dry place, so there's no need to plant all at once if space is limited. Harvest from time of transplanting into the ground is roughly 60 days. Also, tobacco improves with aging, so plan accordingly. This special mix of 1,000 seeds is just $24.95.

For best results, first-time growers need both information and some seeds. Our revised Home Tobacco Kit now consists of:

Save $5.00 with the Tobacco Kit and purchase the book and the blend of cigarette tobacco seeds for $44.90.

Note: Each of the following packs should produce 25 healthy plants. We offer these selections of Nicotiana seeds:

The following three selections are the most popular for chewing tobacco. Each variety produces a dark, thin leafed tobacco with excellent flavor. Each has its own unique flavor.

Medium, smooth leaf, cures to a dark brown with fine chewing tobacco flavor. High yields.
$2.50 per pack

An old Kentucky heirloom for making old fashioned chewing tobacco. Good yield and cures well.
$2.50 per pack

An old Kentucky favorite used by many growers for its thin, dark leaves. Also a good cigar wrapper as well as chewing tobacco. Good yield and cures well.
$2.50 per pack

A large leaf type Havana well suited for chewing. Grows better than other varieties in poor soil. A large plant reaching 6-7 ft. with leaves spaced far apart.
$2.50 per pack

An up right variety with more leaves than most varieties. Is taller than most varieties on the market. Cures a golden color. Good cigarette selection, one of the heaviest producers.
$2.50 per pack

This is one of the burley cigarette varieties that has long been grown in Virginia. The leaves are closely spaced on the stalk and are of medium size. Leaf body is heavy.
$2.50 per pack

This is a one sucker burley variety that cures up a wonderful red color. A good smoking tobacco that works well for blending cigars and cigarettes.
$2.50 per pack

This is an older variety that was originated in Virginia. The leaves are closely spaced on the stalk and are wider than most varieties. Provides a large bounty of tobacco in a small space.
$2.50 per pack

This variety originated in Kentucky. It has relatively large leaves of medium body that cures out a deep, rich brown color.
$2.50 per pack

A dark tobacco of good quality. This cross produces more weight than most varieties being grown at present. It has a little larger leaf than Orinoco.
$2.50 per pack

This is a variety used by many growers to produce a good yield of high quality dark tobacco.
$2.50 per pack

A very popular Hungarian tobacco with full rich flavor. The lower 5-6 leaves are used for cigars or pipe tobacco and the upper leaves are used for medium flavored cigarettes or for pipe tobacco. The huge leaves can be up to 24-30" long and 16" wide. A heavy producer.
$2.50 per pack

A distinctive annual plant that hail from Chile and has odd green 1 1/2" nodding flowers. An interesting species that grows to about 4 ft. The flavor of this tobacco is slightly different than others, and it makes a good blending tobacco.
$2.50 per pack

A half hardy annual that grows to about 3 ft. and is cultivated worldwide for smoking and nicotine production. Has many yellow flowers that remain open during the day. It is so potent that it has been used as an arrow poison in Mexico. Can be raised as far north as Maine.
$2.50 per pack

This is a standard Burley that is grown in several states. It produces a very good tobacco for cigarettes. Grows to 6 ft. with red flowers. One of the most widely grown cultivated tobaccos. Has limited disease resistance.
$2.50 per pack

A fine commercial strain that is used for its hardiness and smooth flavor. A must for cigarette making. This plant grows fast and is a high yield producer. I recommend leaving up to 14 leaves on this plant when pruning.
$2.50 per pack

This is a standard Tennessee Burley that produces good yield, high quality tobacco that is favored for cigarettes. This plant has multiple disease resistance. A vigorous plant that is easy to grow.
$2.50 per pack

A very light gold leaf when curing, it makes an excellent smoking tobacco. Grows to 5 ft. tall with a heavy yield.
$2.50 per pack

A fine commercial variety that is fast growing and hardy. If you smoke cigars, try growing this one.
$2.50 per pack

This is a deep dark tobacco that gives good weight and supports itself very well. This is a tobacco prized by specialty growers because it provides a great wrapper tobacco or a premium snuff tobacco when ripe. A good tobacco for beginners learning to roll their own cigars or for first time snuff makers.
$2.50 per pack

An excellent Havana tobacco that produces a quick harvest in about 65 days. This is a good tobacco for both chewing and cigars. This is an especially good tobacco for the North and is easily raised as far North as Wisconsin.
$2.50 per pack

Said to be the best Havana for home use. Produces a quick crop in about 65 days, and is good for cigars or chewing. This plant gives a high yield and is also recommended for growing in the North. First time growers should definitely try this one!
$2.50 per pack

A tall tobacco with thick textured, crinkly leaves that produces a rich brown pipe tobacco that is a favorite of pipe smokers worldwide. Also makes a good blending tobacco for cigars and cigarettes.
$2.50 per pack

A fast growing, high yielding tobacco with with large leaves that cure to a red color, excellent cigarette and pipe blend. $2.50 per pack

One of the most popular cigar varieties for home growers. Will grow 6-7 ft. tall. Cured leaves have a reddish to light brown color. Cured leaves have a silky texture like long rye that makes a good covering for cigars. Has a pleasant, mild aroma and taste much preferred for cigars. Also can be smoked in pipes or chewed.
$2.50 per pack

Ornamental Varieties, great in the flower garden and also used as fillers for cigars and cigarettes

A graceful tree that grows to 20 ft. with bright trumpet- shaped yellow flowers and striking glaucous-blue foliage. From Argentina. It makes a wonderful tub plant. Can be grown outdoors in warm climates and makes a striking garden specimen. It is highly valued for its chewing, smoking and medicinal uses. It is said to have only trace nicotine. Hardy to 15 degrees. It will flower when very young.
$2.50 per pack

A vigorous perennial growing to 5 ft. with large 20" basal leaves and sweet scented drooping white flowers. Try growing this tobacco for mixing purposes. Its slightly different flavor will blend well with cigarette tobaccos. A very attractive plant that should be planted in every flower garden.
$2.50 per pack

A native form of N. rustica that is used by Native American Indians in ceremonies and for smoking purposes. A rather strong tobacco compared to commercial types. A fast grower and decorative plant.
$2.50 per pack

PLANTING AND RAISING

Raising tobacco is very easy. Your seeds should be started inside in flats. In northern states, start the seeds 4-6 weeks before the last frost. Tobacco can be ready to harvest for curing about 60 days after transplanting, therefore it can be raised in almost any state. If raising more than one variety of tobacco, use separate flats. A mixture of peat humus and potting soil should be used. Potting soil only can be used if you select a high grade of commercial potting soil. Place the mixture into the flats, soak the soil with water and allow the excess water to drain off. The next day, sprinkle the tobacco seeds onto the surface of the damp soil. Do not cover the seeds as they need light for germination. Tobacco seeds are very tiny, so be careful to spread the seeds evenly. Keep the soil damp being careful not to wash the seeds around when you water. You will begin to notice sprouts in about two weeks. Transplant outside after all danger of frost is past.

If you have a moderate growing season and can start the seeds outside, try to sow the seeds where leaves or wood has been burned. The plants will thrive in these spots. Tobacco requires a lot of nitrogen and potash which is supplied by wood ashes. The ashes from charcoal grills are also beneficial. Apply a good brand of garden fertilizer to the area where the plants will be grown. Working rotted manure into the soil is very good for the plants. Never raise tobacco plants in the same spot in the garden for over a few years at a time as tobacco plants will totally deplete the nutrients in the soil.

You should space the tobacco plants about 2 ft. apart in rows 3 ft. apart when practical. The plants are large enough to transplant when the largest leaves are 2" or larger. Always transplant outside in late evening or when it is cloudy and overcast. Water plants thoroughly after transplanting and water daily each day until plants have become established. When growing in tubs, limit the number of plants grown. Tobacco plants need to be exposed to full sun while growing.

Tobacco roots grow quickly and often close to the surface. Be careful around plants when hoeing or cultivating around them. Try not to disturb the soil anymore than necessary. As the plant begins growing, remove all suckers as they will sap the plants growth.

Tobacco plants suffer from several diseases and are attacked by several leaf chewers. Be cautious not to use any form of systemic insecticide that will penetrate the leaf. Remember, you may be chewing or smoking this plant and you do not want to be ingesting chemical residues. If you use a chemical control for insects, try using sevin dust.

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Tobacco Seeds and Grow Kit from the Digital Raingardens Online Seed Catalog

PLANTING AND RAISING

Tobacco Seeds and Grow Kit from the
Digital Raingardens Online Seed Catalog