Tobacco / Nicotiana Tabacum “ Virginia Gold “
WARNING: Tobacco products are harmful to health. Sale of tobacco seeds or any tobacco-related products to individuals under 18 years of age is prohibited by law. Please ensure that you comply with all legal requirements when purchasing or growing tobacco seeds.
Photo taken from wiki as we had not originally intended to offer these and didn’t take a photo of the plant. Next season this will be replaced with our own images.
Growing Virginia Gold tobacco from seed in New Zealand is surprisingly easy.
Traditionally used in cigarette and cigar production, it prefers a sunny location with well-drained, fertile soil. It thrives in warm climates so does well in the northern areas of NZ but can be grown further south due to its use as an annual. Early planting is recommended as it requires consistent moisture, especially during the early stages of growth. Plants reach roughly 1 1/2 meters in height.
Germination
Germinating and Planting Virginia Gold Tobacco
To germinate Virginia Gold tobacco seeds, start by sprinkling the seeds on the surface of a seed-starting mix, as they require light to germinate. The seeds should be kept in a steadily warm environment (around 24-29°C) and lightly misted to keep the surface moist.
Germination usually takes about 7-14 days. Once the seedlings have developed a few true leaves and are sturdy enough to handle, they can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into well-prepared garden beds.
When planting, choose a sunny location with well-drained, fertile soil. Plants should be spaced about 45-60 cm apart to allow for proper air circulation and growth. The plants will need regular watering, especially during dry periods, but be careful not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot.
Fertilizing with a balanced fertilizer can promote healthy growth, but be mindful of nitrogen levels, as too much nitrogen can lead to excessive leaf growth at the expense of flavor development in the leaves.
Care and Harvesting
Throughout the growing season, keep an eye out for common pests such as aphids, armyworms, and whiteflies, which can damage the plants. You can manage these with organic insecticides or by encouraging natural predators. As the plants mature, the leaves will begin to turn yellow, signaling that they are ready for harvesting. Harvesting typically involves removing the leaves and allowing them to cure, either by air-drying or using other curing methods to develop the characteristic tobacco flavor.
Legal Guidelines in New Zealand
Legal Guidelines in New Zealand
In New Zealand, the legal limit for growing tobacco for personal consumption is 5 kg per year, which was reduced from the previous 15 kg limit. It is important to stay within this limit to avoid legal issues. The law is primarily concerned with preventing the production and sale of illicit tobacco, and there are strict penalties for those who exceed the legal limits or engage in illegal tobacco trade. It’s crucial to ensure that any tobacco grown is strictly for personal use and not for sale or distribution. PLEASE NOTE this means that sharing or selling the grown product is illegal.
If you intend to grow tobacco, it’s advisable to stay informed about any updates to these regulations, as they can change, particularly in light of New Zealand’s ongoing efforts to reduce smoking and tobacco use across the population.
WARNING: Tobacco products are harmful to health. Sale of tobacco seeds or any tobacco-related products to individuals under 18 years of age is prohibited by law. Please ensure that you comply with all legal requirements when purchasing or growing tobacco seeds.
Approximate seed count
Estimated 200 seeds per order