Cool weather growing advice

[oeno]

Hi all,

So I live in a cool area of California, yes the sunny state can be cool. We have about 345 frost free days, its a long growing season but our average high is 75, June to September. Hell its a hot day if it its 80. For us the warmest part of the day is between 12-1, then the wind kicks up and cools everything down. Nigh temps will be in the low in 50s. They say if you can grow tomatoes you can grow tobacco. Well were I am going to grow the tobacco we have a hard time getting fruit set with the tomatoes. Oh first frost is not till the end of November. So these are my challenges. I am going to try to grow any ways.

Plan is to order some plants from BigBonner. Also I am thinking of trying Isleta Pueblo. Its description says it can handle cool weather. So any advice or suggestion is welcomed.

Cheers,
Oeno

 

[SmokesAhoy]

If you can grow tomato LEAVES you can grow tobacco don't worry about the fruit set.

You'll be fine.

 

[BarG]

I will give you some good advice! Laugh at me if yo want. Start a raised bed out doors with a light cover? You may or may not be dissapointed? What have you got to lose! I think you wil be impressed!

Tell me location,Kali? cali?

 

[oeno]

Ok thanks, it will be interesting to see the out come.

 

[BarG]

Heh Heh oeno. Welcome man!

 

[oeno]

I have to grow in pots.

 

[SmokesAhoy]

Tobacco is probably one of the most hardy plants there is. There is a guy almost in the arctic growing it, you're in Ca, don't worry about it lol

 

[BarG]

I have to grow in pots.

Oh shoot! I take it all back.

 

[DGBAMA]

As long as you can get your plants in a full sun location, growing should not be a problem. Air curing after harvest may be challenging though. I grew up near Sacramento and spent many summers on the coast; anywhere from Monterey/Carmel north to FtBragg/Mendocino.

 

[oeno]

My worry was that it does not get hot and the cold nights. So my worries are for nothing, cool.

Thanks,
Oeno

 

[DGBAMA]

I have to grow in pots.

Your temp range may make your situation one of the rare ones where black buckets/pots would be beneficial...........draw more heat into the soil around the roots.

 

[BarG]

You'l be fine dude!

 

[SmokesAhoy]

You might find your tobacco finer, smoother and more delicate than the guys growing in hot places. I have a similar summer to what you wrote and I swear my leaf is the tastiest I have tried.

 

[oeno]

Yeah curing will be challenging. It will be dry during the day and cold and damp at night with temps below 70. SO this year is practice and learning. This way I will learn where I need to adjust things.

 

[johnlee1933]

Welcome. You mentioned wind. If you can find a sheltered sunny spot, maybe against a light colored, south or west facing wall, I think you'll be fine. I'd try for 5 gallon buckets if they are available. Holes in the bottom of the buckets is a must. Tobacco doesn't like wet feet. Go easy on the water in general. Tobacco likes reflectively dry, slightly acid soil.

 

[DGBAMA]

My watering theory will be if they are wilty in the afternoon let them be; if they are wilty in the morning then time to water.

 

[oeno]

The black pot is a good idea. Wind wont be to bad and sun will not be a problem. The pots will be on sandy soil so they'll get the reflective part. Will potting soil work for the pots. Also I will be in control of the water since mother nature will not be giving any during the season.

 

[BarG]

how much does each bucket weigh! It reminds me of a growing method without stable ground....
Thats an inside joke since I'm using composted horse manure for fertilizer this year!

 

[DGBAMA]

cheaper "topsoil" bags will do well. Potting mix is fine but overkill. I have read a couple people here have had good luck by simply putting the bag of topsoil on the ground, cutting an X in the middle of the bag, and putting plant in the middle. Let the bag be the "pot".

 

[oeno]

Do not know, haven't planted any thing yet. But I think they will be bloody heavy.