How to Plant Tobacco Plants

Overview

Although commercial farmers produce vast amounts of tobacco for use in cigarettes, cigars and pipes, individual gardeners enjoy planting and growing tobacco for a variety of reasons. These ornamental plants produce attractive blossoms and foliage, enhancing many landscapes and yards. A member of the nightshade family, tobacco plants share many of the characteristics of related plants, such as tomatoes, peppers and eggplants.

Step 1

Locate a sunny area in your yard to grow your tobacco plants. Look for a level area that provides even drainage of soil. Avoid planting tobacco in low areas that accumulate runoff or experience periods of standing water. Do not plant tobacco plants in areas that were planted with tobacco in the past five years to prevent the continuation of insect infestations.

Step 2

Remove any existing vegetation in the planting site. Use a shovel to dig up any stubborn roots from weeds or other plants. Rake up leaves, stems and other debris. Provide a clean bed for your new tobacco plants.

Step 3

Test the soil in your chosen location to determine the pH level of your planting site. Tobacco plants prefer soil that contains a pH level around 5.8. Add limestone to raise the pH level in acidic soils. Create a more acidic environment in alkaline soils by incorporating organic materials, such as peat moss and pine needles. Follow the recommendations provided on your soil test results to amend poor soils.

Step 4

Dig holes in your prepared garden soil. Place your holes in rows, about 24 inches from one another. Place each row at least 42 to 48 inches from the next row. Dig each of your holes the same depth as the tobacco plant's root ball. Remove your tobacco plants from their small containers and place them gently in your dug holes. Replace extra space around each root ball with previously removed soil and tamp down lightly, removing air pockets from the soil.

Step 5

Water the soil near your plants' roots until slightly damp. Apply water regularly to provide a slightly damp soil for your tobacco plants to thrive. Increase the frequency of watering during droughts and very hot periods.