12-Step Direct Guide to Growing Tobacco in Chiang Mai

Growing tobacco in Chiang Mai, Thailand from Virginia seeds (Nicotiana Tabaccum) can be a rewarding process, but it requires patience and attention to detail. Below is a step-by-step guide to help you get started on your tobacco farming journey. You don’t need a lot of space, just a sunny spot is enough for 1 or 2 plants. Do you want to know if it is possible growing your own organic Virginia Tobacco in Chiang Mai? We did it for you and here are the results!

https://youtu.be/qWSGceCHYZ4

1. Growing Tobacco in Thailand: Obtaining Tobacco Seeds

The first step to growing tobacco is to acquire Golden Virginia tobacco seeds. Purchase your seeds from various online retailers like or specialized nurseries. It’s crucial to select high-quality seeds from a reputable source to ensure the best chances of successful germination and plant growth.

I ordered my tobacco seeds online from this shop: https://ravensongherbals.com/herbs/tobacco-virginia

2. Preparing Seed Trays or Pots

Fill your seed trays or small pots with a well-draining seed-starting mix that you can buy at the local garden center. Make sure that the containers have drainage holes at the bottom to prevent waterlogging, which could harm the seeds.

3. Sowing the Golden Virginia Tobacco Seeds

Evenly sprinkle the Golden Virginia tobacco seeds over the surface of the soil in the seed trays or pots. Gently press them into the soil, but do not bury them too deeply, as tobacco seeds need exposure to light to germinate properly. The seeds are very small in size so don’t drop all seeds in one spot but spread them evenly. If seedlings grow too close to each other they can not properly develop to a strong growing tobacco plant in a later stage, so make sure to separate them, ensuring they have enough space to grow.

4. Watering The Soil

Moisten the soil gently using a misting spray bottle or a watering can with a fine rose attachment. It’s vital to avoid overwatering as this may result in seed rot. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.

5. Light and Warmth

Place the seed trays or pots in a warm location with plenty of sunlight or under grow lights, if necessary. Golden Virginia tobacco seeds thrive best at temperatures around 70 to 80°F. Maintaining a good balance of warmth and light is imperative for successful germination. The climate in Chiang Mai is ideal for growing tobacco, so just place the seed trays directly in the sun, but ensure that the pots don’t dry out too quickly. If your pots are on concrete, place a piece of foam or wood between the pot and the concrete so that the heat is isolated from the floor.

6. Maintaining Humidity

Creating a humid environment helps in moisture retention which is important for seed germination. Cover your seed trays or pots with a clear plastic dome or plastic wrap to create a greenhouse effect, which promotes better germination rates. It also helps to keep insects out, giving the seeds and seedlings a perfectly protected environment.

7. Germination Period Of Tobacco Seeds

Under optimal conditions, Golden Virginia tobacco seeds typically take 1 to 2 weeks to germinate. Continue to monitor the soil’s moisture levels and ensure the seedlings receive adequate light and warmth throughout this period. In Chiang Mai it took us about 3 weeks, as we started seeding in December which is the cold season with ideal temperatures for growing tobacco.

8. Transplanting Growing Tobacco Seedlings

Once the seedlings have developed several true leaves and are sturdy enough to handle, typically after 4 to 6 weeks, they are ready to be transplanted into larger containers or directly into your garden. You will notice that the stems are getting more developed and the plant will desire nothing more than sun and watering in time.

9. Hardening Off Seedlings

Before transplanting, gradually expose the seedlings to outdoor conditions to harden them off. This process reduces shock and prepares the plants for the external environment. We started our seeding outdoors as the cool season in Chiang Mai is the ideal temperature to allow hardening outdoors. But if you started indoors, it is required to expose them gradually, especially if the hot season is coming. It takes some time to let seedlings get strong enough to withstand the heat from direct sun.

10. Outdoor Planting

Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil for planting your Golden Virginia tobacco. Space the plants at least 18 to 24 inches apart to allow for proper air circulation and growth. You can also plant them next or in between tomato plants, as tobacco plants act as a natural pesticide and can help you protect the garden in general against pests and diseases.

11. Care and Maintenance of Tobacco Plants

Water the growing tobacco plants regularly, especially during dry periods, but beware of overwatering to prevent disease. Remove any competing weeds and monitor for any pests or diseases, addressing them as necessary. If you don’t remove weeds regularly, they will use a fair amount of nutrients that would otherwise be available for the tobacco plant.

12. Harvesting Virginia Tobacco Plants

Golden Virginia tobacco plants typically mature 60 to 90 days after transplanting. Harvest leaves when they turn yellow and feel slightly leathery. Cut the entire plant at ground level, leaving some stem attached for handling.

13. Curing Virginia Leaf Tobacco

Hang the harvested leaves in a well-ventilated, dry area out of direct sunlight to cure. You can spray them weekly with a mixture of honey and water, or even add a shot of whiskey or brandy, adding a more distinct flavor during the curing. The process can take from several weeks to a few months, depending on environmental conditions.

To achieve a perfect curing of Virginia Tobacco in Live In Chiang Mai, you should complete the curing process before the end of March, when the hot season starts and the air gets dryer with rising temperatures. Once cured, the tobacco leaves are ready to be processed further for smoking or other uses.