Shirey, Tobacco Seed

Shirey Tobacco Seed

Dark Virginia leaf offers mild yet fuller flavor
Hardy plants tolerate moderate late-season frosts
Sixty-five-day growth reaches approximately six feet
Large leaves air-cure readily to medium brown

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Key Attributes

Botanical Name

Nicotiana tabacum

Days to maturity

65 Days

Sun

Full Sun

Packet

1,000 Seeds

About Shirey, Tobacco Seed, Tobacco Seed

Shirey is a dark Virginian type tobacco with a mild flavor but with a fuller richer flavor than Virginia Golds have. It is an excellent tobacco for a cigarette or pipe blend. It produces a large leaf that air cures easily to a medium brown. It is a hardy plant and withstands moderate late season frosts.

Growing details

Planting

Sow Depth

Top of Soil

Days to Germination

7–14 days

In-row plant spacing

18-24"

Row Spacing

3-4'

Plant profile

Life Cycle

Annual

Plant Height

96 inches

Growth Habits

Upright

Seed & variety

Seeds Per Ounce

283,495

Color

Green

Seed Type

Open Pollinated

Before Planting

A successful Tobacco planting begins with a full-sun, warm site with fertile, well-drained soil and good air circulation. Incorporate compost and adjust nutrients and pH according to a soil test, avoiding excessive nitrogen. Wait until frost danger has passed and the soil has warmed; harden transplants and install supports before planting when the crop requires them.

Planting

Start tobacco indoors 8–10 weeks before the last spring frost. Press the tiny, light-requiring seed onto a moist sterile medium and maintain about 70–80°F until germination. Provide strong light and airflow after emergence, then thin or transplant seedlings into individual cells. Harden plants gradually and set outdoors after frost danger has passed and nights are reliably mild.

Watering

Tobacco benefits from even moisture during active growth. Water when the upper soil begins drying, applying enough to reach the roots while keeping foliage dry whenever possible.

Fertilizer

Tobacco generally needs moderate feeding while actively growing. Use a balanced fertilizer at label rates, reducing or stopping applications during dormancy, stress, or declining growth.

Harvesting

Tobacco is ready when it displays the mature color, texture, and size expected for the crop. Cut, lift, or pick carefully to protect the plant and remaining harvest.

Tips

Tobacco contains nicotine and is toxic if ingested. Wear gloves when handling wet foliage, keep plants away from children and pets, and wash thoroughly after pruning or harvesting leaves.

Pests & Diseases

Tobacco mosaic virus, blue mold, black shank, damping-off, and bacterial diseases affect tobacco. Use clean seed and trays, rotate nightshades, disinfect tools, and wash hands after handling tobacco products. Remove mosaic, distorted, or rapidly wilted plants; viruses cannot be cured and spread easily by contact.

Watch tobacco for aphids, flea beetles, hornworms, cutworms, and whiteflies. Remove egg masses and caterpillars, protect young stems, and encourage beneficial insects before using labeled controls.