Yes it is legal to grow tobacco in New Zealand for your own personal use.
It is not legal to sell, barter or give away plants or leaves; green or processed. It is legal to sell seeds.
It is not legal to sell, barter or give away plants or leaves; green or processed. It is legal to sell seeds.
The Right Time To Grow Tobacco
1. New Zealand Growing Season
Spring is the time to get those tobacco seeds ready to germinate. Germination is done inside so early September is when to get started if you have a sunny window sill to sit them on. The latest I would germinate seeds is late November so you still have 4 months of warm weather outside for the plants to achieve their best. You can grow in winter but you will need protection from cold winds and frosts. Also at least 50% sun during the day. The tobacco plants will be stunted and not reach their full potential until warmer weather. So I have found that winter crops are not worth the effort. Better just to grow twice as many plants in spring. New Zealand has such a varied climate considering how small our landmass is. My tobacco growing is done in the Auckland climate. |
2. Southern hemisphere
This website is about growing conditions in New Zealand. For those of you in the Southern hemisphere, reverse the seasons I mention. But remember humidity and altitude can make a difference to any of us.
This website is about growing conditions in New Zealand. For those of you in the Southern hemisphere, reverse the seasons I mention. But remember humidity and altitude can make a difference to any of us.
3. Seeds
The tobacco seeds are dark in colour and smaller than a poppy seed. They can last up to 3 years if kept in a cool dark place in a sealed plastic bag with excess air removed. One teaspoon of seed can go a long way. You can buy seeds from the Trademe website or find the NZ tobacco groups on Facebook and some members may have some seeds you can buy. It is illegal to import or export seeds to and from NZ. You can read more about saving seeds from your existing plants in the ‘plants’ page on this website. |
4. Variety of tobacco.
The two most popular varieties of tobacco seeds commonly found in New Zealand are Virginia Gold and Burley. Burley is a stronger tasting tobacco than the Virginia Gold.
The two most popular varieties of tobacco seeds commonly found in New Zealand are Virginia Gold and Burley. Burley is a stronger tasting tobacco than the Virginia Gold.