Funny this thread is (why the heck do I write like Yoda talks? ) I stumbled across a guy in Germany who grows his own tobacco. It seems possible to grow it in the UK, also. I found a website for seeds and will give that a try.
If you're thinking of growing tobacco for smoking in the UK, you need to be aware that HMRC might become interested - even if it is only intended for your own personal use. Various articles on internet about it. I also believe it is illegal to sell or otherwise supply the seeds.
On the other hand growing ornamental nicotiana is fine
The tea from Cornwall is lovely - had some at Smugglers tearooms overlooking the river Fal a couple of years ago.
Heaven is ... sitting in the garden with a G&T and a cat while watching the sun go down
Really, Topbird? Then why is there a business offering seeds? And shouldn't the same rule apply for tea and coffee (if it was possible to grow the latter over here)?
The difference between tobacco and tea is the amount of excise duty the government collects from tobacco and cigarettes and the customs controls in place for tobacco products.
I think if you just grow the plant and don't cure the leaves there is no problem but, if you cure the leaves for smoking, it becomes more of an issue. This is one link I found discussing the issue. I'm certainly not an expert in this field but it is worth checking out if you want to make sure you stay legal
I'm sure you're not WK - it was only intended as a friendly heads up so you don't go telling everybody your plans down the pub (unless you're like me and distill your own!)
Only joking - that's illegal too!!
Heaven is ... sitting in the garden with a G&T and a cat while watching the sun go down
Tea plants (Camelia Sinensis var sinensis) are available here http://plants4presents.co.uk/GiftOptions.aspx?gif=137&sit=1 (don't know if the cheapest but where I got mine and it's doing fine). Can be used for green or black tea apparently (never tried to make the latter) once you get a rush of new leaves that you can pick.
They are hardy down to -10C so in the south at least should be fine in the ground (though they are acid loving and won't do well in higher pH soils in which case they can grow in pots) and if you are willing to be patient you can propagate more from one plant.
Wild Tea (Camelia Sinensis var assamica - where Assam tea comes from) is another option but more of a challenge as it won't tolerate frost.
Hi I have also been trying to grow ornamental tobacco (Nicotiana sylvestris) for the last year. Last year all my seedlings grow and then died and I only got one seedling then that got knocked over. This year I sowed the seeds about a month ago and now have little seedlings coming up. I am growing it purely out of interest as Nicotiana sylvestris is a very tall interesting good looking plant. it can be smoked just like the common tobacco plant (Nicotiana tabacum) as well.
When I looked at tobacco growing for personal use (smoking) I couldn't find any problems with it all I found was that you couldn't sell it or give it to anyone and that would be with just nicotiana tabacum I assume.
My understanding is that Duty will be due to Customs & Excise when the tobacco is ready to be smoked, even if it's for personal use. It can take up to 3 years to properly dry tobacco leaves so that they are ready to age, and then at least one to ten years to age it properly before it is ready to shred and smoke so it'll be a while before you have to pay the Duty.
Probably just as well - Nicotiana is one of the biggest killers in the Plant Kingdom.
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
Posts
Funny this thread is (why the heck do I write like Yoda talks?
) I stumbled across a guy in Germany who grows his own tobacco. It seems possible to grow it in the UK, also. I found a website for seeds and will give that a try.
If you're thinking of growing tobacco for smoking in the UK, you need to be aware that HMRC might become interested - even if it is only intended for your own personal use. Various articles on internet about it. I also believe it is illegal to sell or otherwise supply the seeds.
On the other hand growing ornamental nicotiana is fine
The tea from Cornwall is lovely - had some at Smugglers tearooms overlooking the river Fal a couple of years ago.
Really, Topbird? Then why is there a business offering seeds? And shouldn't the same rule apply for tea and coffee (if it was possible to grow the latter over here)?
http://www.tobaccoseed.co.uk/Burley_Original1.html
The difference between tobacco and tea is the amount of excise duty the government collects from tobacco and cigarettes and the customs controls in place for tobacco products.
I think if you just grow the plant and don't cure the leaves there is no problem but, if you cure the leaves for smoking, it becomes more of an issue. This is one link I found discussing the issue. I'm certainly not an expert in this field but it is worth checking out if you want to make sure you stay legal
http://www.dailystar.co.uk/news/latest-news/333088/Government-tax-on-tobacco-plants
As if I had that in plan, Topbird
Seriously...I wouldn't dream of evading tax. My name is Willokitten, not HSBC 
or Corporate Tax Evader 
I'm sure you're not WK - it was only intended as a friendly heads up so you don't go telling everybody your plans down the pub
(unless you're like me and distill your own!)
Only joking - that's illegal too!!
Tea plants (Camelia Sinensis var sinensis) are available here http://plants4presents.co.uk/GiftOptions.aspx?gif=137&sit=1 (don't know if the cheapest but where I got mine and it's doing fine). Can be used for green or black tea apparently (never tried to make the latter) once you get a rush of new leaves that you can pick.
They are hardy down to -10C so in the south at least should be fine in the ground (though they are acid loving and won't do well in higher pH soils in which case they can grow in pots) and if you are willing to be patient you can propagate more from one plant.
Wild Tea (Camelia Sinensis var assamica - where Assam tea comes from) is another option but more of a challenge as it won't tolerate frost.
Hi I have also been trying to grow ornamental tobacco (Nicotiana sylvestris) for the last year. Last year all my seedlings grow and then died and I only got one seedling then that got knocked over. This year I sowed the seeds about a month ago and now have little seedlings coming up. I am growing it purely out of interest as Nicotiana sylvestris is a very tall interesting good looking plant. it can be smoked just like the common tobacco plant (Nicotiana tabacum) as well.
When I looked at tobacco growing for personal use (smoking) I couldn't find any problems with it all I found was that you couldn't sell it or give it to anyone and that would be with just nicotiana tabacum I assume.
And also thanks Greg Wells for the website.
My understanding is that Duty will be due to Customs & Excise when the tobacco is ready to be smoked, even if it's for personal use. It can take up to 3 years to properly dry tobacco leaves so that they are ready to age, and then at least one to ten years to age it properly before it is ready to shred and smoke so it'll be a while before you have to pay the Duty.
Probably just as well - Nicotiana is one of the biggest killers in the Plant Kingdom.
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
Thanks for all the advice
. You made me giggle, Topbird. Let's just hope they never realise that vodka is made from potatoes 
p.s: Just for info. I am planning to make bug spray with it