Tobacco Jaffna Germany Seeds

Jaffna is a tobacco variety of Nicotiana tabacum, a tall, large-leaved annual in the nightshade family. The card for this lot describes it as a traditional variety from the Jaffna region of Sri Lanka, growing to about 2 m (6.5 ft) with leaves around 75 cm long and 45 cm wide. The seed is very fine and needs light, so it is sown on the surface and left uncovered.

Also known as: common tobacco, cultivated tobacco, tambaku (Hindi), tabaco (Spanish/Portuguese), tabac (French), Tabak (German), tütün (Turkish)

Plant at a glance

• Height: about 2 m (6.5 ft) at full size.
• Leaves: large, averaging about 75 cm (30 in) long and 45 cm (18 in) wide.
• Maturity: about 55 to 60 days after transplanting, according to the listing.
• Climate: suited to warm, tropical conditions; the plant needs protection from frost.
• Name: Jaffna is the variety name as it appears in our supplier list; we have not tested this lot ourselves.

Growing Jaffna tobacco from seed

Fill a tray with fine, moist seed mix, scatter the seed thinly over the surface and do not cover it. Tobacco seed needs light to germinate, and a layer of soil on top is the most common reason for a tray that never comes up. Water gently, or from below, so the seed is not washed together.

• Light: keep the tray bright; sowing depth is zero.
• Temperature: 20 to 25 C (68 to 77 F) is the range given for germination.
• Emergence: seedlings typically appear within 7 to 14 days.
• Moisture: keep the surface evenly damp but never waterlogged.
• Transplanting: move seedlings to the garden or large containers once frost has passed and the weather is warm.
• Spacing: give each plant 50 to 60 cm (20 to 24 in) so air can move between the large leaves.
• Site: full sun.
• Soil: fertile and well drained, with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5.

Because the plant reaches about 2 m and carries leaves close to 75 cm long, it suits a sheltered, open bed or a deep container where it has room to spread. Stake plants in windy spots, and keep the soil moisture steady through the growing season.

Growing notes

• Do not bury the seed: surface sowing is the single most important step for this species.
• Keep young seedlings warm and out of frost; the variety is described as a warm-climate type.
• Thin crowded seedlings early so the survivors get light and air.
• Water at the base of the plant rather than over the leaves, and avoid soggy soil.

FAQ

What conditions does Jaffna tobacco seed need to germinate?

Light and gentle warmth. Sow on the surface of moist seed mix without covering it, and hold the tray at about 20 to 25 C (68 to 77 F). Seedlings typically appear within 7 to 14 days.

When should I sow Jaffna tobacco?

Sow indoors or in a warm place so that seedlings can be set out after the last frost. The listing gives maturity as about 55 to 60 days after transplanting, so a warm season of at least that length is needed, and the plant is described as suited to tropical climates.

How tall does Jaffna tobacco grow?

The listing gives a height of about 2 m (6.5 ft), with large leaves averaging roughly 75 cm by 45 cm. Plan on 50 to 60 cm (20 to 24 in) between plants in full sun and well-drained soil of pH 5.5 to 6.5.