When will I know my Virginias as ready for harvest?

[FALaholic]

I projected to be ready for harvest by now. Had one Virginia go to seed almost a month ago. Not all seed pods have turned brown, and it still has flowers. Another, produced pods about two weeks ago. Three were topped last week. Should I wait till I see color change in the lower leaves to begin to harvest?

 

[jekylnz]

They usually change colour to a lighter green. .21 or 3 weeks after topping is the standard rule....just start with the bottom. .
Someone else may be able to add more light on the subject?

Are any of the lower leaves turning yellow? Or have yellow tips?

 

[FALaholic]

Are any of the lower leaves turning yellow? Or have yellow tips?

Nope, all are a rich dark green, even though I cut fert over a month ago.

 

[Jitterbugdude]

I've harvested leaves before flowering and at 1 week intervals after flowering. Harvest a batch now and another batch a week or 2 later. Takes notes. Next year you'll have a better feel fo how YOU like your tobacco.

 

[skychaser]

What variety of Virginian is it?

Back when I actually used fertilizer, I cut it off about 8 weeks before harvest. If there is still a lot of nitrogen available in the soil they will stay green a lot longer than they should. And they will have to hang longer to age and be smokable.

 

[Knucklehead]

Back when I actually used fertilizer, I cut it off about 8 weeks before harvest.

What do you use now instead of fertilizer?

FAL, the more yellow ripe they are before you harvest, the easier they will cure. They will also have a stronger taste and more nic kick. The upcoming weather and your curing arrangements may be the deciding factor.

 

[FALaholic]

I've harvested leaves before flowering and at 1 week intervals after flowering. Harvest a batch now and another batch a week or 2 later. Takes notes. Next year you'll have a better feel fo how YOU like your tobacco.

Thanks JBD. I did try taking some of my toppings and throwing them in the toaster. At 95oF, they cured green, and brittle enough to crumble into dust. I guess because the toaster isn't sealed, all the humidity is escaping and allowing them to dry green. So I take it the toaster method is not possible?

 

[FALaholic]

What variety of Virginian is it?

Back when I actually used fertilizer, I cut it off about 8 weeks before harvest. If there is still a lot of nitrogen available in the soil they will stay green a lot longer than they should. And they will have to hang longer to age and be smokable.

Couldn't tell ya. Got the seed from someone another member, local to me. Wasn't lieing when he told me that the seeds are from generations grown in Fla. By the looks, they are doing real well down here. Unfortunately he doesn't know the specific strain.

 

[FALaholic]

FAL, the more yellow ripe they are before you harvest, the easier they will cure. They will also have a stronger taste and more nic kick. The upcoming weather and your curing arrangements may be the deciding factor.

Thats good to know, because I plan on using this batch for a pipe blend. The local stuff that I get, smooth as silk, feels like it has no nic. Plan on using some of my Burleys in the blend as well. Some of the Burley mud lugs; cured on the stalk, smoke real nice, but again, feels like its got no nic.

 

[jekylnz]

My Virginias last year didn't really ripen much either. .I just started at the bottom at the 21 days after topping. .They were still all green as but still coloured up ok..may have taken a bit longer..but still did..was weak nic. Though