Tobacco products on the modern market are becoming less and less quality. Another disadvantage is the constant increase in their cost. Therefore, many people are engaged in growing tobacco seedlings on their own. It is important to consider that this process has a number of nuances and features. To get a strong plant, it is worthwhile to carry out planting work correctly and provide it with high-quality care.
- When to plant tobacco seedlings
- Choosing the right variety
- Specifics of growing at home
- Preparing the soil and drainage substrate
- Optimal pot sizes
- Seed selection and stratification
- Timing and technology of sowing
- We create optimal conditions during the seedling period
- Temperature, lighting and humidity
- Watering and fertilizing
When to plant tobacco seedlings
Growing tobacco seedlings takes 1.5-2 months - this is exactly the period that passes before planting in the ground. Therefore, it is important to focus on the climate of the region. In the southern regions, planting work can be carried out at the end of February, and in the north - at the beginning of April. For the middle zone, the second half of March is considered the best option.
Choosing the right variety
When growing tobacco yourself, it is important to choose the right plant variety. The most popular options include:
- Kentucky Burley is considered the most popular option, which is often used for the production of cigarettes. The composition contains a minimum of sugar, which simplifies fermentation.
- Ternopil - is a product of successful selection. It is characterized by a wonderful aroma and low maintenance. The plant grows well even in poor soils.
- Yubileiny 142 was once very popular in the USSR. From 1 square meter you can get 3.6-3.8 kilograms of tobacco.
Specifics of growing at home
Tobacco is considered a heat-loving plant. Although the crop can grow in northern regions, the taste will differ significantly. The result of growing a plant is influenced by humidity parameters, soil specifics, and the content of salts and minerals in it.
Before planting seedlings, it is recommended to choose the right place for it. Sometimes tobacco has to be grown in greenhouse conditions.
Preparing the soil and drainage substrate
Tobacco beds need to be plowed in the fall. At the beginning of spring, the soil should be cultivated with a cultivator and harrow. Then make beds 1-1.5 meters wide and 10-15 centimeters long.
Nutritious soil is suitable for growing seedlings.To prepare such a mixture, it is recommended to mix loose humus, sand and soil in equal parts. It is important that the substrate remains loose and forms a crust. In this case, the soil should not be clayey.
Turf soil is considered the best option. There should be no chlorine in the humus. It does great harm to seedlings. Expanded clay or small wood chips should be used as drainage.
Optimal pot sizes
For seedlings, it is recommended to use containers of small height and depth. Store-bought pots or plastic glasses are suitable for this purpose. The container must be treated with potassium permanganate and dried.
Seed selection and stratification
It is recommended to purchase seed material from reliable producers. It is important to study the information on the packaging. There should be information about the variety, flowering time, and planting characteristics. In addition, the expiration date is indicated on the packaging.
You can also collect seed material yourself from flowering bushes. In this case, it is recommended to take well-dried flowers, dry them, pour the seeds into a paper bag and place them in a dark and dry place.
Before planting, the seeds need to be sorted. In this case, you need to get rid of low-quality, empty and damaged grains. The remaining seeds need to be soaked and stratified.
Timing and technology of sowing
To plant a plant, you need to pour a layer of drainage onto the bottom of the prepared container, distribute the soil on top and water it with warm water. Tobacco has very small seeds. Therefore, they need to be sown by hand, spreading them over the surface.
We create optimal conditions during the seedling period
In order for tobacco to grow and develop normally, it is important to adhere to a number of agrotechnical rules. At the same time, it is important to provide the culture with comfortable conditions by selecting the optimal parameters of temperature, humidity and light.
Temperature, lighting and humidity
Before the first sprouts appear, tobacco requires a temperature of +23 degrees. Subsequently, the parameters must be reduced to +18 degrees. When the first shoots appear, you need to remove the film to remove the greenhouse effect and move the container with the seedlings to the southern windowsill.
The plant requires not only daylight, but also additional lighting. For this purpose, it is worth using special phytolamps. It is recommended to place them 5-10 centimeters from the seedlings and turn them on in the morning and evening. This also needs to be done in cloudy weather.
Watering and fertilizing
Systematic hydration is considered an important condition for care. It is recommended to water the tobacco by drip. Before the first shoots appear, the soil should be moistened with a spray bottle. Only after this can you proceed to watering.
Immediately after the first three leaves appear, the covering material must be removed and picked. This manipulation is performed by transshipment.
It is recommended to install separate containers in a well-lit place. It is important to ensure the room temperature is +16-18 degrees. The need for watering should be checked based on the condition of the soil. Excessive moisture causes the development of fungi.
Tobacco requires nutritious soil.Therefore, it will not be possible to do without fertilizers. The soil for picking should be mixed with saltpeter, chicken manure or superphosphate. Potassium salt is also suitable as a fertilizer.
Growing tobacco seedlings has many features. In order for the plant to develop normally, it is important to carry out planting work correctly and provide the crop with quality care.
