subject: Tobacco for your own Cuban Cigars [print this page] With the growth of the cigar industry, there has also been a rise in those who grow their own tobacco. When you are looking to create the perfect do it yourself cigar, you cannot replicate the feeling of smoking a cigar you have grown and rolled yourself. Now this is not typical to most cigar lovers. It's probably not even a practice most fanatical cigar lovers would undertake, but for those who are willing to endure such a labor of love, you simply cannot do better than lighting up a cigar you grew yourself.
Now there are many options when looking to take on such an endeavor The type of soil you need, the seeds you choose, and the dedication in which you are going to approach your plants. As is with all your endeavors, the more you work, the more you gain
Now the first variable in your tobacco equation is choosing the soil. Tobacco loves warm and sunny locations. The tobacco plants generally require almost full sun, and the soil needs to be well drained. Cultivating and properly preparing Your soil is the building block from which your tobacco will grow. It is the key element in determining your final quality. Failure to take the proper care at the beginning will only serve to create headaches down the line. Your tobacco will not grow properly, and it will become harder to reap your crop.
After you have determined your planting location and soil type, you need to select a type of seed. There are different variables for choosing what to plant. You need to diversify your seeds however, as Cigars are blended tobaccos of varying flavors, and that is where the detailed flavors are derived from You can get an idea of the flavor you will reap from different tobaccos by talking with the seed supply companies.
Starting your seeds inside is essential, as the newly sprouted plants are vulnerable to their climate Planting the seeds in a controlled climate where temperatures are maintained in the mid 70's is ideal. Once the sprouts reach between 6 - 8 inches in length, they can be transplanted to their final home outdoors.
When planting, the sprouts should be spaced approximated 2 feet apart. While the soil should be well drained, the tobacco plants thrive with plenty of water. Do not be wary of over-hydrating the plants. Fertilizer is another key component. Tobacco plants need proper fertilization for optimal growth. Generic fertilizers designed for vegetable gardens will work great. One note, tobacco plants to not root deeply in the soil. Take care when working the soil at the base of the plant when maintaining your planting area.
When the plant matures, you will need to prune the plant so that the leaves can reach their full potential. This process is known as topping. The method for this is to clip the end buds before they flower, so as to provide maximum nutrition for the upper leaves.
I sincerely hope this article encourages you to try growing your own tobacco. There is nothing quite like offering someone a cigar feature tobacco you grew yourself!
