Alchimia is pleased to present Hopi Tobacco from kokopelli, a variety used by the Hopi tribe in their ceremonies. They consider it as a means to communicate with the spirits and to ask for blessings and protection.
It is a robust plant up to 1-1.5m tall, with rounded leaves of about 25cm that differentiate it from other tobacco varieties. It produces many yellow bell-shaped flowers. Due to its high nectar content, it tends to attract many butterflies throughout the summer.
It has a high nicotine content, which is why it is usually cultivated both for smoking and for use as an insecticide.
Hopi Tobacco Cultivation
Tobacco seeds are very small. Sowing can be done in a seedbed, pot or directly into the ground after the last frost, placing the seed a few mm from the surface. The minimum distance between plants is 60cm.
Tobacco likes environments with some humidity. It is not especially demanding to temperatures. The soil should be rich in nutrients and well drained. The ideal growing temperature is 25ºC, with an abundant watering during the first weeks.
This tobacco plant presents a vigorous growth and grows rapidly in a few weeks. The harvest is ready when the two lower leaves dry.
The leaves have to be dried and cured properly if one is interested in smoking the tobacco.
