Tobacco – Burley 21 Seeds

Tobacco – Burley 21 Seeds

Burley 21 Tobacco seeds are an heirloom variety of Nicotiana tabacum, known for their historical significance and reliable performance. These seeds produce robust plants that grow to a height of 6-7 feet, making them a favorite among growers for over 200 years. The large, heavy leaves are traditionally used for cigarette and pipe tobacco blending.

Key Features:

• Disease Resistance: Developed with resistance to wildfire bacteria and tobacco mosaic virus.
• High Yield: Produces high-quality, high-yielding tobacco.
• Versatile: Suitable for a wide range of climates.
• Maturity: Approximately 65-70 days to maturity.

Planting Instructions:

• Indoor Start: Begin seeds indoors six weeks before the last frost.
• Soil: Prefers soil with a pH of 5.8 and well-drained conditions.
• Light: Requires light to germinate, so do not cover the seeds.
• Transplanting: Transplant seedlings after all frost dangers have passed.
• Watering: Water 1/2 inch weekly, avoiding overwatering.
• Fertilization: Use fertilizers suitable for tomatoes or peppers.

Harvesting:

• Timing: Harvest around 60 days after transplanting.
• Method: Cut down the entire plant or pull individual leaves.
• Curing: For flue-cured tobacco, hang leaves in a barn’s kiln; for sun-cured tobacco, dry leaves in the sun

Is It Legal to Grow Tobacco?

Yes, it is entirely legal to grow, harvest, and cure tobacco for personal use in the United States, just like any other fruit or vegetable in the home garden. However, if you intend to grow tobacco for commercial production and resale, you will need federal USDA licensing and permits, similar to other agricultural corporations.

Selling personally harvested tobacco leaves at Farmers’ Markets or stores involves more regulations compared to selling fresh produce. Sellers or “marketers” of any untaxed tobacco products may face local, state, and federal penalties depending on the severity and location.

If you plan to grow cigar tobacco at home, it’s best not to sell any product without obtaining a license to do so as a fully-taxed professional.

Growing Tobacco

A wide selection of tobacco seeds is available for various uses. Tobacco seeds are extremely small and can be challenging to handle and germinate. However, once sprouted and established in the garden, tobacco plants will flourish with minimal attention until harvest.

Similar to tomatoes or sweet corn, tobacco is a heavy nitrogen feeder that benefits from organic fertilizer throughout the season. Once firmly rooted, tobacco requires minimal watering and only a light addition of fertilizer 4-6 weeks later. A full Tobacco Growing Guide is available for more detailed instructions.

Tobacco leaves are ready to harvest when they turn a pale golden yellow, which allows for an even and fast curing process. Leaves do not turn yellow all at once but begin to change color from the base of the plant as green chlorophyll breaks down. Aging allows nitrogen compounds in the leaf to break down, reducing the harshness of freshly cured tobacco and enhancing its true flavors.