Anyone grow Tobacco?

[Stacey Steve]

Although not very PC I know but does anyone grow their own tobacco?

One of girl child's friends, her dad smokes uncured tobacco that he buys. It looks like chopped dried leaf. It smells a bit like a good compost heap when it's burning, almost a sweet smell but definely vegatable in nature.

I know that it can and is grown in the UK but but is there a Benson or Hedges on here?

[jackie j]

I thought it was Illegal to grow your own baccy.

[di]

I would imagine it's illegal to grow if you're then going to sell it...but for your own consumption I can't see why???...unless it's of the Wacky variety of course!!
There was a thread a few months back...think in vegging out or New shoots...sorry can't remember what it's called but might be worth a search!

[Stacey Steve]

The UK Customs gave this answer recently about home grown tobacco for personal use

"You may wish to point out to your customers that duty only becomes due once the tobacco can be smoked i.e. when the cured tobacco leaves have been shredded. There is no duty on tobacco seeds, which are quite legal to buy, or on the tobacco plants themselves."

So I assume if the leaves have not gone through the curing process then it should be OK

[kirsty b]

My OH had a go last year, but swiftly lost interest. The plants got huge, about 4-5 ft tall. They can be grown here, in an unheated greenhouse/polytunnel. He was only going to to do it for his own consumption though, to save himself some money.
Ebay sell seeds as well and young plantlets, and googling it will brin up masses of info.

[StephenH]

Give up smoking (vile habit), and grow healthy food!

[Stacey Steve]

Thanks for the advice SH, I'll remain "vile" for as long as I like thanks and I do grow healthy food.

[Matt.]

Do a search as this was discussed a while back. I think some of the grapes were interetsed. Its totally legal.

There are other forums on the net where you can find out more and buy the seeds. There are loads of different types of leaf and the idea is that you grow several types to get the right blend.

The difficulty is the curing process. It has to be warm and humid but self contained. I saw some examples of folk using old fridges. It takes weeks to do and can stink so you'd have to set it up in a garage or shed ideally. This is what put me off.

As for the tax I don't think you need to be worried! If you don't tell 'em neither will I

Good luck and let us know if you go ahead.