Tobacco cultivation in Missouri is entirely possible, supported by the state’s agricultural history and favorable environmental conditions. The crop was once a major part of the state’s agricultural economy, particularly along the Missouri River. While commercial production has significantly declined since the federal tobacco program buyout in the early 2000s, the climate and soil remain viable for growing the plant. This viability extends to small-scale and personal cultivation, provided the grower understands the necessary legal and horticultural requirements.
Legal Requirements for Growing Tobacco
Growing tobacco for personal use is not prohibited by state or federal law, but the distinction between cultivation and commercial processing is important. The federal government, through the Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB), does not require a license or permit simply to grow the tobacco plant in a garden or field. This lack of regulation applies specifically to the raw, unprocessed leaf grown for the personal consumption of the grower or their family.
Strict federal regulation begins when the grower intends to process, sell, or barter the tobacco, as this activity subjects the product to federal excise taxes. Any intent to sell the cured leaf, even in small quantities, shifts the operation to a commercial enterprise under the Internal Revenue Code. Selling processed tobacco, such as cigarettes or cigars, requires compliance with extensive federal laws governing manufacturers and dealers of tobacco products.
Missouri state law primarily focuses on the sale and distribution of tobacco products, not the act of cultivation itself. State statutes address issues like the sale of tobacco to minors and the display of required signage. Growers who intend to sell cured tobacco must also adhere to state sales tax laws and may need a sales tax license. Growing the crop solely for personal use avoids the complex regulations and taxation requirements associated with commercial distribution.
Missouri’s Climate and Soil Suitability
Missouri offers environmental conditions well-suited for tobacco, specifically the Burley variety (Nicotiana tabacum). This type of tobacco was historically the primary crop grown in the state, thriving in the region’s climate. The growing season requires a long frost-free period, ideally lasting between 90 and 120 days from the time the young plants are transplanted to the field until the final harvest.
The state’s typical summer temperatures, ranging between 68°F and 86°F (20°C and 30°C), provide the warmth necessary for rapid leaf development. High summer humidity is also beneficial, aiding the natural air-curing process after the leaves are harvested.
Appropriate soil conditions are frequently found along the Missouri River Valley, where the dark, rich earth is often a fertile, well-draining silt loam or clay loam. These heavier, well-drained soils are preferred for Burley tobacco, as they contribute to the plant’s texture and nicotine content. Although tobacco needs consistent moisture, the soil must not be prone to waterlogging, which can severely damage the root system.
Essential Steps for Tobacco Cultivation
The cultivation process begins indoors, typically in February or early March, approximately eight to ten weeks before the last expected spring frost. The minute seeds are started in a protected environment, such as seed trays or a greenhouse, to produce robust seedlings. Maintaining warmth and humidity is necessary during this early stage to promote germination and early growth.
Transplanting the seedlings to the prepared field should occur in late May or early June, once the danger of frost has passed and the soil temperature has stabilized above 65°F. The field must be tilled to create a loose seedbed and often requires a low-chlorine fertilizer application, as tobacco is a nutrient-hungry crop. Plants are typically spaced about two feet apart within rows, which are three to four feet apart, to ensure adequate sunlight and air circulation.
Throughout the summer, the plants require consistent care, including weeding and the removal of suckers. Suckers are side shoots that divert energy from the main leaves. Around August or September, 90 to 130 days after transplanting, the plants reach maturity and are ready for harvest.
For Burley tobacco, the common practice is whole-plant cutting, where the entire stalk is severed at the base and hung. The final step is air-curing, which transforms the green leaves into the brown, usable product. The stalks are hung in a well-ventilated barn or shed, protected from rain and direct sunlight. Over a period of four to eight weeks, the leaves slowly dry and change color, a process requiring consistent temperature and humidity.