Growth requirements

Climate Requirements

The crop thrives in temperatures ranging from 70°F to 85°F (21°C to 29°C) and requires relative humidity levels of 60–70% throughout the majority of the growing season. Adequate light exposure is also essential, with a minimum of 6 hours of full sunlight per day. Failure to meet these environmental conditions may lead to suboptimal leaf quality and decreased yields^[1].

Soil Requirements for Tobacco Cultivation

Tobacco plants thrive in well-drained soils with good air circulation, as they are sensitive to waterlogged conditions. The ideal soil pH ranges from 5.0 to 6.5, favoring slightly acidic conditions. High soil salinity can adversely affect both the quantity and quality of the yield, particularly by compromising leaf texture.

The recommended soil types for tobacco cultivation vary depending on the intended curing and processing methods of the harvested plants:

• Light, sandy soils are optimal for flue-cured light leaves.
• Silty to clay loam soils are preferred for air-cured dark leaves.
• Loam, sandy, or silty loam soils are best for fire- and air-cured light leaves.

Once a suitable field is identified, the next step is to select a variety of tobacco and begin planting^[1].

Footnotes

1. ^{a, b} Cherlinka, V. (2024, October 18). Growing tobacco: From planting to harvesting and curing. EOS Data Analytics. https://eos.com/blog/growing-tobacco/