Smyrna starts ~ @SpyridonSmyrna

[SpyridonSmyrna]

Here is my first attempt at growing tobacco. I chose Smyrna because I like the history of that city ~ St. Boukolos or St. Polycarp, anyone?

Used a basic tray, starter mix, dome, and grow light—nothing fancy. Got sprouts in about 6 days, which surprised me. True leaves started popping out about a week later.


I wasn’t sure if I’d thin or transplant, but thanks to @GreenDragon's advice, I ended up picking the 18 strongest and potted them into a tray. Used chopsticks and a steady hand. Hopefully, they took the move without too much disruption.


Keeping them under a grow light in my living room. Just misting and watching. If I can get them to harden off without too much drama, I’ll call it a win.


No clue how the final leaf will turn out—but I’m in it.

 

[johnny108]

In order to avoid mold/damping off, you should start watering from the bottom, and stop the misting.
This will allow the top to dry out a bit, and force the seedlings to put out more roots for water.
I’ve tried tobacco in wick watering systems and self watering pots- it stunted them completely! After 2 weeks in each system, they didn’t grow at all, while the same seedlings that were bottom watered, and allowed to go a bit dry, doubled in size.

 

[SpyridonSmyrna]

In order to avoid mold/damping off, you should start watering from the bottom, and stop the misting.
This will allow the top to dry out a bit, and force the seedlings to put out more roots for water.
I’ve tried tobacco in wick watering systems and self watering pots- it stunted them completely! After 2 weeks in each system, they didn’t grow at all, while the same seedlings that were bottom watered, and allowed to go a bit dry, doubled in size.

Thanks for the tip—really appreciate you sharing your experience. I’ve been misting up to this point to ease the transplants in, but your point about bottom watering and letting the top dry out makes a lot of sense now that they’re past the fragile stage.

I’ll make the switch today and start bottom watering from now on. Curious to see how they respond over the next week.

Quick question though—just pour water into the bottom tray and let the pots soak for a bit? Or is there a method you recommend?

Appreciate the wisdom—keep it coming.

 

[ProZachJ]

When the tray feels light, put some water in the bottom, not enough to have standing water after the media takes it up. Wait... repeat...

 

[SpyridonSmyrna]

Just a quick update ~ Starting to harden them~ bit by bit each day… nothing much else to add. Looking forward to putting them in the ground.