Tobacco Virginia 647 Seeds

Virginia 647 is a variety of Nicotiana tabacum, the cultivated tobacco plant, listed here as seed for gardeners and plant collectors. The card describes a tall, upright plant of about 5 to 6 feet (1.5 to 1.8 meters) with long, narrow, smooth leaves that are slightly oily to the touch, and delicate pink flowers that open in late summer. It is a good subject if you like to follow a single plant through a full season, from a tiny seedling to a flowering plant of more than a meter and a half.

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

Plant facts

• Species: Nicotiana tabacum.
• Variety name: Virginia 647.
• Height: up to about 5 to 6 feet (1.5 to 1.8 meters).
• Leaves: long and narrow, smooth, slightly oily.
• Flowers: delicate pink, in late summer.
• Site: full sun, warm climate, well-drained and fertile soil.

A plant this tall needs space and a position planned before transplanting. Choose a sunny bed with some shelter from strong wind, since stems of 1.5 to 1.8 meters can lean or snap in an exposed spot.

Sowing Virginia 647

Sow indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost in your area, and put the seeds on top of the soil. They need light to germinate, so press them in lightly and do not cover them.

• Light: keep the tray in bright light; the seeds are not buried.
• Temperature: about 75 degrees F (24 degrees C).
• Moisture: keep the surface moist but not soaked.
• Timing: seedlings usually appear within 7 to 14 days.

The seed is very fine, almost like dust, so mix it with a little dry sand or sow it thinly and mist the surface rather than watering from above. A clear lid over the tray holds moisture steady until the first true leaves appear. When seedlings are big enough to handle, move them into separate pots so each root system can develop before planting out.

Planting out and spacing

Move seedlings outdoors only after the last frost has passed, and harden them off over several days so they get used to direct sun and wind. Set plants 2 to 3 feet apart in full sun, in well-drained, fertile soil.

After planting, water regularly and feed occasionally while the plants grow. The variety likes warm weather, so in cooler climates wait for settled warmth instead of planting out early. Keep weeds down around the stems, and add a stake if the site is windy.

FAQ

What are the sowing conditions for Virginia 647?

Sow on the soil surface and press the seeds in lightly without covering them, because they need light to germinate. Keep the soil moist at about 24 degrees C (75 degrees F).

When should I sow Virginia 647?

Sow indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost. Seedlings usually emerge in 7 to 14 days, and the young plants go outside after the last frost.

How tall does Virginia 647 grow?

The plant reaches about 5 to 6 feet (1.5 to 1.8 meters), with long, narrow leaves and pink flowers in late summer. Leave 2 to 3 feet between plants.