Southern Dolly (Flue Cured) Tobacco

Southern Dolly is a hybrid, flue-cured tobacco variety that was bred in North Carolina. Southern Dolly is rich in natural tannins which can create its distinct slightly sweet and mild flavor and aroma. A high-yield, medium to late maturing variety with excellent holding ability, with an orange-colored cure. Nicotiana tabacum. Pelleted. 66 days to maturity.

Flue-cured tobacco tends to exhibit less mold than other types of tobacco; the term "flue-curred" tobacco refers to the type of curing barn used to dry, or cure, the tobacco leaves. Flue-curing barns contained a chimney-like flue with an externally-fed tinder box that allows the tobacco to dry out slowly without exposure to smoke. Tobacco Seeds are small and do best when transplanted, as the germination time can be longer than most Seeds. Germination typically takes 14- 21 days and requires a soil temperature of 65 degrees.

The seed should be placed on top of the seed compost, do not cover it with soil. Plants should be started 4-6 weeks before the intended outdoor planting date. Tobacco grows very well in our heavy-duty seed starting trays. In addition to needing warm soil temps, you can also use a germination heat mat to help in the germination process. Your soil pH should between 5.8 and 6.0. Be sure to keep the soil moist while Seeds are in the germination stage. Tobacco seedlings are usually ready to be transplanted once they reach 7-8" tall. Transplant tobacco seedlings in the evening to prevent the plants from drying out and make sure you water thoroughly after transplanting. Water daily until established.

Tobacco should be grown in full sun and in well-drained soils. Poorly drained soils can result in poor growth, disease, and even death of the tobacco plant. Lack of sun can result in spindly plants, poor growth, and thin leaves. Once suckers and blooms appear on the plant, you can remove them to encourage growth in the tobacco leaves.

Typically, tobacco plants can be harvested by pulling the individual leaves of the plant or cutting down the entire plant. Once harvested, the curing process should begin. Curing can be done by air-drying and hung in a dark, well-ventilated area. Tobacco can be used as a medicinal herb whereas the leaves are used as an antiseptic. It produces cured lead that is medium to heavy bodied and tan to reddish-tan in color under normal curing conditions.

Shirey Dark Tobacco Planting Information

Planting Method: transplant

When to Plant: after last frost

Planting Depth: 1/8"

Seed Spacing: 24"

Row Spacing: 3-4′

Days to Maturity: 66

Disease Resistance: Granville wilt (Bacterial wilt), Black Shank (race 0 & race 1)