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Havana 142 is a Connecticut Broadleaf tobacco cultivar prized for its large, dark leaves that develop into premium cigar wrappers. Ready to harvest in just 50 to 60 days, this heirloom variety produces leaves 12 to 16 inches wide, making it one of the fastest-maturing tobacco crops for home growers. Standing about 4 feet tall, it thrives in full sun to partial shade and represents a living link to America's tobacco-growing heritage.
Partial Sun
Moderate
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48in H x ?in W
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Moderate
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Havana 142 produces remarkably wide leaves, 12 to 16 inches across, in a compressed growing window of 7 to 8 weeks. The dark air-cured character of these leaves gives them the depth and flexibility cigar makers have valued for generations. For a tobacco variety, the speed to harvest is exceptional, allowing gardeners in shorter seasons to successfully mature a full crop.
Havana 142 is cultivated specifically for cigar wrapping. The large, supple leaves are harvested at peak maturity, air-cured to develop their characteristic dark color and flexibility, and then carefully sorted and graded by cigar manufacturers. These wrapper leaves provide both the visual appeal and structural integrity that premium cigars require.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Sow seeds indoors in flats, trays, or small pots filled with fine seedling mix, approximately 3 inches deep, 6 to 8 weeks before your intended transplant date. Keep soil consistently moist and provide bright light once seedlings emerge. This timing allows seedlings to develop sturdy growth before moving outdoors.
Transplant seedlings outdoors after the last frost date has passed and soil has warmed. Harden off seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over 7 to 10 days. Space plants 36 inches apart with 60 inches between rows to accommodate their wide leaf spread.
Harvest Havana 142 at 50 to 60 days after transplanting. The leaves are ready when they have reached their full 12 to 16 inch width and have developed the characteristic dark color associated with air-cured wrapper tobacco. Pick leaves individually from the bottom of the plant upward as they mature, or harvest entire plants when the majority of leaves have reached optimal size. Air dry the harvested leaves in a warm, well-ventilated space to develop their final color and flexibility for cigar wrapping.
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“Connecticut Broadleaf tobaccos emerged as a distinct agricultural tradition in Connecticut's river valleys during the 19th century, where growers discovered that the region's climate and soil produced leaves of exceptional quality for cigar wrapping. Havana 142 carries forward this legacy as a heirloom variety, preserving the knowledge and seed lines of master tobacco farmers who refined these cultivars over decades. The variety's name reflects the Havana tobacco influence on American cigar-wrapper development, blending Cuban genetics with Connecticut growing expertise to create a strain suited to northeastern gardens.”