We are pleased to include the Xanthi tobacco variety from the Kokopelli association in the Alchimiaweb catalogue. It is a variety native to the Greek city of Xanthi. It is characterised above all for being considered one of the most aromatic tobacco varieties that exist and its low nicotine content.
The plant develops up to 9-150cm tall, with 20-40cm in diameter leaves, somewhat smaller than other tobacco varieties.
Xanthi tobacco is known for its characteristic aroma and flavour, soft, floral, and spicy. It is often used for the manufacture of pipe tobacco, rolling tobacco, and cigarettes. It has a much lower nicotine content than other tobacco varieties, such as Hopi Tobacco.
Xanthi Tobacco cultivation
Xanthi Tobacco cultivation is like that of other tobacco varieties. The seeds are commonly germinated after the last frost in the nursery, burying the seeds at a shallow depth. The optimal germination temperature is about 15-20°C, and they take about 6-10 days to germinate.
Seedlings are transplanted 40cm apart in rows at 60cm distance.
The cultivation spot should be sunny, and if possible, with some environmental humidity. Tobacco is a plant that consumes a large amount of nutrients; thus it should be planted in a soil rich in fertilisers and well drained. It has medium-high irrigation needs.
Tobacco flowers are rich in nectar, which attracts large numbers of butterflies. However, if you want to harvest the leaves, the flowers should be removed, and the plant will produce larger leaves.
The harvesting is usually done when the two lower leaves dry up. If one wants the tobacco to smoke, the leaf must be dried and fermented in piles for several weeks to improve flavour and aroma.
