kshamala
Member
These are my plants. Could you please clarify what type they are, describe their characteristics, and suggest how to improve them?
What kind of tobacco is this?
- Thread starter kshamala
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kshamala
Member
Is this a type of Nicotiana tabacum؟
Yes. It is Nicotiana tabacum. It has long, pink-rimmed blossoms. Nicotiana rustica, by contrast, has short, yellow-rimmed blossoms.
Beyond that, I find it nearly impossible to identify specific varieties, without measurements of the stalk height, leaf length and width, etc. Given your location, some Turkish (Oriental) variety is most likely. Perhaps a Basma-type Oriental.
I should add that they look quite healthy. I would suggest waiting until you see slight yellowing of the leaf tips, before harvesting. If they are Oriental, then you can either prime (harvest) individual leaves as they show yellowing, and string them for color-curing, or possibly waiting until clear signs of maturity in the upper leaf, then stalk-cutting and color-curing on the stalk.
Bob
Beyond that, I find it nearly impossible to identify specific varieties, without measurements of the stalk height, leaf length and width, etc. Given your location, some Turkish (Oriental) variety is most likely. Perhaps a Basma-type Oriental.
I should add that they look quite healthy. I would suggest waiting until you see slight yellowing of the leaf tips, before harvesting. If they are Oriental, then you can either prime (harvest) individual leaves as they show yellowing, and string them for color-curing, or possibly waiting until clear signs of maturity in the upper leaf, then stalk-cutting and color-curing on the stalk.
Bob
kshamala
Member
Thank you, Bob.
Is it dried in direct sunlight or in the shade?
Is it fermented using the traditional method, and are any solutions added to it?
What is the length of the 10th leaf from the ground?
Bob
Bob
kshamala
Member
The leaf is 35 cm long, and its width ranges from approximately 10 to 12 cm.
Excellent! That is in the size range of Basma-type Orientals. You may wish to sun-cure either the individual leaves, or cut the entire stalk, and hang the stalk in the sun to sun-cure. For me (in Virginia), that requires about 3 weeks.
If you then allow the leaves to rest indoors for a few weeks, you likely will not need to kiln or ferment it further. Age always improves any color-cured leaf.
Keep in mind that I am just guessing. So if these suggestions work well, then I've guessed correctly.
Bob
If you then allow the leaves to rest indoors for a few weeks, you likely will not need to kiln or ferment it further. Age always improves any color-cured leaf.
Keep in mind that I am just guessing. So if these suggestions work well, then I've guessed correctly.
Bob
