BristolBaccy Grow Log 2023

[BristolBaccy]

I learned a hard lesson in root systems last year, planting 'spares' - 3 to what I thought was a decent pot size - I got mini me's!

My wife liked them though when they flowered

Primary leaves are out on the rustica now, nice, strong growth

 

[skychaser]

Hehe, my wife was somehow happy yesterday and I was able to secure enough of garden for planting 100 pieces

A happy wife = a happy life.

 

[BristolBaccy]

Not much to report; Aztec rustica still way ahead of the pack, Prilep far behind - will probably need to set more seed just to get 6!

Spent the evening de-veining the last of my bulk order ready for shred & flake, then mixed it all up & vacuum-sealed it for storage & a bit of ageing.

This is 4lb, the bowl of scraps from each bag behind drying for flake.

 

[BristolBaccy]

Had to break out the first of my vacuum-sealed stripped leaf blend, as The Boss was running low (again). Somehow, I think another bulk order is needed, a year earlier than planned!

Here's the solid block of mixed leaf (~1Kg):

 

[BristolBaccy]

Just repotted all the plants into 15L containers.

For some reason the 'Aztec' rustica is already starting to flower! Barely 12" high - any ideas? Pinch out and carry on?

Only thing that comes to mind is stress causing it

 

[Redleaf]

I grew Aztec rustica a couple of years ago and noticed the same tendency to flower. The largest plants were flowering before spring temps allowed transplanting. Once in the garden they turned into small shrubs that bloomed intensely.

 

[BristolBaccy]

Ah, thanks - not my ham-fisted growing technique then

I'll pot them on - only growing them as curios (also have another rustica that's behaving itself) and my wife/bees will enjoy the flowers

 

[BristolBaccy]

Not much to report, have re-potted all my plants again into 5L pots and they're in the conservatory enjoying the Easter sun.

I've acquired a Missouri Meerschaum cob pipe, for when I'm too lazy (or too drunk) to roll, and as I had some de-stemmed Virginia leaf left over from last season, I thought I'd try my hand at something suitable for the pipe.

I have a 'meat press', used on the continent to makes salamis, etc from ground meats and it has a pretty good compression so I popped the leaf in, topped it right up with my rum/honey casing mix and will leave it to sit with minimal compression for 48 hours to allow the leaf to soak in the liquid.

My plan is then to maximise the compression for a few weeks then wrap & gently cook the resulting cake for 4-6 hours @ around 85C. Hopefully get a nice, dark Cavendish-style result that I can slice/rub for the pipe.

 

[BristolBaccy]

Example pic

 

[Old Gasman]

These little pasta presses are remarkably efficient,
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/33477217...qMpp9E5Sfm&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY