Tobacco – Cuban Criollo 98

Tobacco – Cuban Criollo 98

Cuban Criollo 98 is one of the most esteemed strains for cigar production.  It is known for its exceptional quality and rich history. This tobacco variety originated from a cross between the Havana 92 and Habana P.R varieties. This makes it a prized choice for cigarettes and cigar binders.

Key Features:

• Height: Grows to an average height of 6 feet.
• Leaf Size: Produces 14-16 useful leaves per plant, each averaging 24 inches in length and 12 inches in width.
• Resistance: Resistant to Blue Mold, Blackish Paw, and Tobacco Mosaic Virus, and moderately resistant to Environmental Necrosis.
• Maturity: Approximately 55 days to maturity.

Planting Instructions:

• Indoor Start: Begin seeds indoors six weeks before the last frost.
• Soil: Prefers soil with a pH of 5.8 and well-drained conditions.
• Light: Requires light to germinate, so do not cover the seeds.
• Transplanting: Transplant seedlings after all frost dangers have passed.
• Watering: Water 1/2 inch weekly, avoiding overwatering.
• Fertilizer: Use fertilizers suitable for tomatoes or peppers.

Harvesting:

• Timing: Harvest around 60 days after transplanting.
• Method: Cut down the entire plant or pull individual leaves.
• Curing: For flue-cured tobacco, hang leaves in a barn’s kiln; for sun-cured tobacco, dry leaves in the sun.

Is It Legal to Grow Tobacco?

Yes, it is entirely legal to grow, harvest, and cure tobacco for personal use in the United States.  It is grown like any other fruit or vegetable in the home garden. However, if you intend to grow tobacco for commercial production and resale, you will need federal USDA licensing and permits.

Selling personally harvested tobacco leaves at Farmers’ Markets or stores involves more regulations compared to selling fresh produce. Sellers or “marketers” of any untaxed tobacco products may face local, state, and federal penalties depending on the severity and location. If you plan to grow cigar tobacco at home, it’s best not to sell any product without obtaining a license to do so as a fully taxed professional.

Growing Tobacco

A wide selection of tobacco seeds is available for various uses. Tobacco seeds are extremely small and can be challenging to handle and germinate. However, once sprouted and established in the garden, tobacco plants will flourish with minimal attention until harvest.

Similar to tomatoes or sweet corn, tobacco is a heavy nitrogen feeder that benefits from organic fertilizer throughout the season. Once firmly rooted, tobacco requires minimal watering and only a light addition of fertilizer 4-6 weeks later. A full Tobacco Growing Guide is available for more detailed instructions.

Tobacco leaves are ready to harvest when they turn a pale golden yellow.  This allows for an even and fast curing process. Leaves do not turn yellow all at once. It will begin to change color from the base of the plant as green chlorophyll breaks down. Aging allows nitrogen compounds in the leaf to break down. It reduces the harshness of freshly cured tobacco and enhances its true flavors.