The “Havana plant” refers to specific varieties of the tobacco plant, Nicotiana tabacum, historically cultivated in Cuba. These varieties are renowned globally for their central role in producing premium cigars, a tradition deeply rooted in Cuban agricultural history.
Understanding Havana Tobacco Varieties
Havana tobacco plants have distinct characteristics. Their leaves are large, oval-elongated, and possess an elastic, smooth texture, making them ideal for cigar binders and wrappers. When air-cured, these leaves transform from green to a rich light to dark brown. The flavor profile is often described as smooth, tart, and rich, with aromatic depth, sometimes exhibiting notes of nuttiness and subtle sweetness.
Specific Havana strains, such as ‘Havana 142’ and ‘Havana 608’, are recognized for their unique attributes. ‘Havana 142’, originally developed in Wisconsin, is a columnar plant that grows to about 4 feet tall and matures in about 55 days, producing light brown leaves suitable for binders, cigarettes, and chewing tobacco. ‘Havana 608’ produces broad leaves well-suited for cigar wrappers.
Cultivating Havana Tobacco Plants
Cultivating Havana tobacco plants requires attention to specific environmental and care requirements. These plants thrive in full sunlight, needing at least six to eight hours of direct sun daily. They prefer well-drained, fertile soil, with a slightly acidic to neutral pH range between 5.8 and 7.5. Consistent soil moisture is important, so regular watering is necessary to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to thin and flaky leaves.
Fertilization is important for tobacco cultivation, as these plants have specific nutrient needs. Tobacco plants are heavy feeders, and a balanced fertilizer, similar to those used for tomatoes or peppers, can be beneficial. Nitrogen is important for leaf development; a deficiency can lead to stunted growth and yellowing of older leaves. However, excessive nitrogen can negatively impact leaf quality.
Pest and disease management are concerns for tobacco growers. Tobacco hornworms (Manduca sexta) are a common pest, identifiable by their large green bodies with diagonal white stripes and an orange-red horn. These caterpillars can cause significant defoliation. Hand-picking these pests and dropping them into soapy water is an effective organic control method, and biological controls like parasitic wasps can also help.
Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) is a common disease characterized by mosaic patterns of light and dark green on leaves, leaf curling, and stunted growth. There is no cure for infected plants, so prevention is key. This includes using disease-free seeds, practicing good sanitation, avoiding handling plants after using tobacco products, and rotating crops. Some tobacco varieties also offer TMV resistance. Other diseases like blue mold, black shank, and fusarium wilt can cause symptoms such as yellow spots, wilting, and root rot, necessitating preventative measures like proper drainage, resistant varieties, and crop rotation.
Two cultivation techniques for tobacco are topping and suckering. Topping involves removing the flower bud and some uppermost leaves to redirect the plant’s energy from seed production to leaf development. This results in larger, heavier, and more uniformly maturing leaves with increased nicotine content and improved smoking characteristics. Topping is done when the flower begins to appear.
After topping, new shoots called “suckers” emerge from the leaf axils. These suckers compete with the main leaves for nutrients, reducing overall leaf quality and yield. Suckers must be removed regularly, either by hand or by applying a suckercide. This ensures the plant’s energy focuses on producing high-quality main leaves.
Harvesting and Curing Tobacco Leaves
Harvesting tobacco leaves at the correct maturity is important for quality. Leaves mature progressively from the bottom of the plant upwards. Indicators of maturity include a lighter green color and the tip of the leaf beginning to bend. The most common harvesting method for Havana tobacco is “priming,” which involves pulling individual leaves as they ripen. This process occurs in multiple stages over several weeks, with two to three leaves harvested per week, starting with the lower leaves.
Once harvested, tobacco leaves undergo curing, a process that removes excess moisture and develops their distinct flavors and aromas. For Havana tobacco, air-curing is the predominant method. Leaves are hung in well-ventilated barns, often with palm roofs to regulate humidity and temperature, allowing them to dry naturally over four to twelve weeks.
The air-curing process involves several stages: wilting, yellowing, coloring, and drying. During this period, leaves lose up to 80% of their water content. Chlorophyll degrades, causing the leaves to turn yellow and then brown, while sugars, proteins, and starches undergo chemical changes. This slow oxidation process reduces sugar content and develops the characteristic smooth, bold flavor and higher nicotine levels associated with air-cured tobacco. Curing is complete when the central rib of the leaf is dry and no longer contains moisture.
Addressing Common Plant Problems
Even with careful cultivation, tobacco plants can show signs of stress. Yellowing leaves can indicate nutrient deficiencies, particularly nitrogen, where older leaves show pale green to yellow coloration and stunted growth. Over or under-watering can also cause yellowing or browning. If the soil is consistently too wet, roots may struggle to absorb nutrients, leading to yellowing. Conversely, drought stress can cause leaves to wilt and brown.
Stunted growth or poor vigor may point to viral infections, such as tobacco mosaic virus, which can halt plant growth. Severe nematode or soilborne fungal infestations can also damage roots, leading to stunted development. Wilting, characterized by drooping leaves, can result from inadequate watering, extreme temperatures, or poor soil health. It can also be a symptom of vascular wilts caused by pathogens like Fusarium and Verticillium species.
Troubleshooting these issues often begins with assessing the growing environment. Checking soil moisture levels, ensuring proper drainage, and monitoring nutrient application can resolve many problems. If nutrient deficiencies are suspected, a soil test can provide precise recommendations for fertilization. For suspected diseases, removing affected plants and practicing good sanitation helps prevent spread. Consistent care and close observation allow for early detection and intervention, promoting healthier tobacco crops.