Approximately 8 hours of sunlight should exist during the Tobacco growing season.  The strength of sunlight varies from one country to another based on distance to the Equator and also on visibility or cloud conditions.  For example, Ecuador is famous for its cloudiness and produces wonderful cigar wrappers known for their consistent “shade-grown” qualities: light color, consistency, and silkiness. 

Shade Grown:  This growing technique refers to Tobacco grown under Cheesecloth (or similar fabric).  The process shields out excessive sun and produces a lighter, silkier, and more consistent appearance that is highly valued as cigar wrapper.