Consequences of growing tobacco under trees (with no direct sun light)?

[Skafidr]

Hey all!

I haven't been able to find anything solid about this topic.

I am considering asking someone I know if I could borrow a spot in their garden to plant a few tobacco plants next season (instead of growing in pots on my patio), although I wonder if it'll be better than what I currently have. Their location is in an old neighbourhood where the trees are tall, and everywhere. They don't have direct sun light in their garden. It's not a forest either. The spot may be close to one or two trees.

My current setup is:

• south-ish,
• a bit windy,
• pots
• I don't have "complete" sun because my patio is "inside" the roof, a bit like the image attached, so early in the morning and in the evening, the roof on the sides will make some shade
• plant hardiness zone 5b/6a, if that matters

For now, I just want to "grow tobacco", that will end up in a pipe or in cigars if possible, but I don't have specific needs yet as I'm still exploring this hobby.

I understand that "Shade tobacco" can be grown under tree shade, but it has to be a very specific plot/tree configuration because the tobacco still needs some direct sun light. I also understand that planting tobacco close to trees will hinder the development due to tree roots hogging the nutrients/water.

But what happens if there is no direct sun light?

Thanks!

 

[Knucklehead]

How many hours of direct sun do you get on your patio during the growing season?

 

[Skafidr]

I have not been able to calculate exactly (I thought I'd timelapse it, but I don't have a device I could put there that would stay on long enough), but I think most of the plants get 8-10 hours with this current setup?

 

[Knucklehead]

I have not been able to calculate exactly (I thought I'd timelapse it, but I don't have a device I could put there that would stay on long enough), but I think most of the plants get 8-10 hours with this current setup?

That's plenty for the patio. I don't get that much sunlight due to trees east and west. I'm envious of 8-10 hours.

I don't recommend the shade trees. Shade tobacco is grown commercially in full sun but 40% shade cloth. The plants get really tall reaching for sunlight and the stalks are so tall and spindly that they have to be supported from overhead guide wires to prevent the plants from just falling over. I grew under a shade tree my first year and some of them ended up "frenching" and all of them were black with tree sap and just nasty. I couldn't even get the stuff off with a water hose and ended up throwing them away. Lesson learned lol.

Photo of shade grown plants


40% shade cloth

Be Cool Solutions™ 40% Aluminet Shade Cloth, Grommeted Panel

Grommeted Panel (currently viewing) The edges of these panels are sewn with heavy-duty reinforcing tape. Brass grommets are installed on approx. 2' centers around the perimeter. Often includes a seam where two pieces of shade have been sewn together. Durable, easy to install with ropes, bungees...

www.greenhousemegastore.com

 

[Skafidr]

all of them were black with tree sap and just nasty

Oh, wow! Okay, yeah, that's a very good reason to avoid this.

I guess I'll forget about this plan haha!

Thanks!

 

[Old Gasman]

I think that if your pots are big enough and the compost is rich enough you'll get a better result than growing under the trees, and the plants are easier to manage possibly.