As you can read in the linked article on budworm life cycle: http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/field/tobacco_budworm.htm, the eggs are laid by the moth on a living plant. They then go to elementary school, and are required to attend 5 to 7 grades (instars) as humble larvae (caterpillars), before graduating. This all happens in a matter of a few weeks (while still on living plants).
In order to turn into a moth, the larva drops to the ground, where it pupates for 22 days (or over-winters) in the soil. [So you're not transmitting budworm eggs in your tobacco seed.] When pupation is done (either during the same summer, or when temps warm in the following spring), a new moth emerges from the soil to spread joy.
Bob
In order to turn into a moth, the larva drops to the ground, where it pupates for 22 days (or over-winters) in the soil. [So you're not transmitting budworm eggs in your tobacco seed.] When pupation is done (either during the same summer, or when temps warm in the following spring), a new moth emerges from the soil to spread joy.
Bob