Growing cigar leaf in central Italy: @UmbriaFarmer

[StoneCarver]

I suppose you could even have "wrapper" seasons and filler seasons.

That actually sounds like a good idea. I'm definitely going to roll that one around in my head.

 

[WillQuantrill]

I matured the patch after ploughing with lots of 3 Yr old horse manure, then, when prepping each planting spot I put a cupful of blood and bone meal deep in the hole, then once in June and once in July I added a specific-to-tobacco liquid fertiliser into the drip irrigation water. The plants appeared vigorous and healthy, grew to between 5 and 6 ft tall, got tons of sunshine and I harvested when the tips were yellowing. But if either of your two points are a possibility, I shall make certain this coming season not to repeat them because unless something miraculous occurs during aging, the crop is unsatisfactory. I can see strong, rough tobacco being smoothed out with fermentation and aging but it's harder for me to envisage mild leaf developing strength through aging..... Thanks for the suggestions.

I can empathize with that level of disappointment, there have been mishaps that occur throughout my experience with this hobby. Hell my "first" year the transplants simply vaporized over 1 weekend. Haha. Point is, those setbacks have deeply broadened my knowledge through experience. But the only way to improve is to nail down what is amiss. Im convinced a life without struggle is one void of mastery.