How to Raise Tobacco Plants
- 1). Test the planting soil with a pH test kit, because tobacco plants prefer an acidic soil with a pH of approximately 5.8. Add ground rock sulfur to lower the soil pH.
- 2). Plant the tobacco seeds or seedlings in a location that has well-drained soil and full sun conditions. Use a tiller to work compost into the soil prior to planting to improve water drainage. Pooling of water will cause root rot.
- 3). Plant tobacco when the majority of the growing season maintains a temperature above 77 degrees F. Cold weather will inhibit growth and plant quality.
- 4). Water tobacco plants regularly. They require 40 inches of water per growing season. Do not allow water to pool around the plants.
- 5). Apply a small amount of non-chlorine fertilizer at the time of transplanting. Do not place the roots directly on the fertilizer. Fertilize as needed throughout the season to maintain a healthy, green plant. Nitrate or tomato/pepper plant fertilizers work well.
- 6). Remove the terminal bud or top before it opens and any leaf suckers over one inch in length to increase the thickness of the upper leaves.
- 7). Harvest tobacco leaves once they have ripened. A tobacco plant is harvested six times during the growing season as the plant ripens from the bottom to the top. Remove lower leaves first and tips last.
- 8). Monitor the plant regularly for caterpillar infestation. Remove insects by hand picking and destroying them.
