This isn’t something we would have mentioned if it wasn’t for the constant sniping by the Leftist Legacy media at the government for its desire to freeze the extremely high taxes that the last government planned to increase. Growing your own supply means you escape all of the Leftists’ taxes.

Leftists love to smoke ‘funny tobacco’ i.e. marijuana and see nothing wrong with it, but regular tobacco for some reason is a no-no for them.

For those who enjoy smoking tobacco, the idea of growing your own can be both rewarding and fulfilling and there are any number of smokers that grow a few plants in their back yard for their own use. Tobacco plants grow like weeds and once you have one they seed all over the place. So they are easy to grow, but the curing of the leaves is much more involved.

Although it is illegal in New Zealand to sell or gift home-grown tobacco plants, people can legally grow tobacco for their own use and sell and buy the seeds. It only requires a search for tobacco seeds on TradeMe and the like.

Choose the Right Variety

Tobacco comes in various varieties, each with its own distinct characteristics. When selecting seeds, consider factors such as climate, soil type, and intended use. Common tobacco varieties include Virginia, Burley, and Oriental. Research the specific requirements of your chosen variety to ensure a successful harvest.

Climate and Soil Conditions

Tobacco plants thrive in warm, sunny climates with well-draining soil. They require a frost-free growing season, making them suitable for regions with a Mediterranean or subtropical climate. Ensure your chosen location receives ample sunlight and has soil with good drainage and moderate fertility.

Seed Germination and Transplanting

Start the tobacco cultivation process indoors by germinating seeds in trays or small pots. Once the seedlings are robust enough, transplant them to the outdoor growing area. Pay attention to spacing recommendations to allow adequate airflow between plants and reduce the risk of disease.

Cultivation and Maintenance

Tobacco plants require consistent care throughout their growth cycle. Regular watering, proper fertilization, and protection from pests are essential. Pruning is also crucial to ensure a healthy and productive crop. Be vigilant for signs of diseases, such as tobacco mosaic virus, and take prompt action if needed.

Harvesting and Curing

The timing of the harvest is important for tobacco cultivation. Harvest the leaves when they reach the desired maturity, typically when they turn yellow and the lower leaves begin to wilt. After harvesting, curing is essential to develop the flavor and aroma of the tobacco. Curing methods include air-curing, flue-curing, and fire-curing, each providing unique characteristics to the final product.

from Tobacconist University…

Picked (primed) leaves are tied in pairs, hung on lathes (cujes) and placed high up in curing/drying barns for approximately 50 days.

These barns are also known as casas de tabaco. Curing barns typically have doors and openings on all sides to help regulate temperature and humidity. Sometimes, small fires can be lit inside to help dry the air. Historically, curing barns were made with wood walls and thatched palm roofs. In addition, the casas de tabaco faced East and West to provide optimal air circulation.

After about 50 days in a curing barn, the leaves have released their chlorophyll and much of their moisture (85%): causing them to turn brown in color. Curing also fixes the sugar content of the leaf and halts the maturation process.

Cured cigar tobacco is still raw tobacco and definitely not ready to smoke: it is still filled with ammonia and impurities that must be “worked” out through the processes of fermentation. Curing has merely prepared the leaf for the next step.

Learn about Stalk-Curing, a related but unique air-curing process which keeps the stalk attached to the leaves. Stalk-Curing can only be applied to stalk-cut and stalk-primed tobaccos.

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