Where to buy seeds
Some links are affiliate links — Verdantly may earn a commission at no cost to you. Learn more.
Balikesir Tobacco is an heirloom Turkish variety that grows into an impressively tall plant, reaching 36 to 60 inches with one of the broadest leaf profiles among Oriental tobacco strains. From transplant to maturity takes just 60 to 65 days, and its expansive, fragrant leaves make it a striking addition to any garden. Open-pollinated and non-GMO, this annual thrives in full sun across fields, containers, raised beds, and greenhouses, while its natural deer resistance means you won't need to worry about browsing damage.
Full Sun
Moderate
?-?
60in H x ?in W
—
High
Hover over chart points for details
The sheer presence of Balikesir Tobacco sets it apart: a towering plant with remarkably broad leaves that catch the eye from across the garden. Its Turkish heritage and status as a true heirloom mean you're growing something with real regional character and agricultural history. The fragrant foliage and deer-resistant nature make it low-maintenance despite its commanding height, while the quick 60 to 65 day timeline from transplant means you can have mature plants ready relatively fast.
As a tobacco variety, Balikesir is grown for its leaves, which represent the primary harvest. Tobacco cultivation for personal, artisanal, or horticultural study remains its primary use.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Start Balikesir Tobacco seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before your last spring frost. Sow seeds shallowly on moist seed-starting mix at warm temperatures (around 70°F or slightly higher), as the seeds need light to germinate. Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, and provide bright light once seedlings emerge.
Transplant seedlings into the garden after your last frost date once they have developed 4 to 6 true leaves and soil has warmed. Harden off seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over 7 to 10 days before planting. Space transplants 24 inches apart within rows, with rows spaced 36 inches apart.
Harvest tobacco leaves when they reach full size and show slight yellowing, typically 60 to 65 days after transplanting. Pick leaves progressively from the base of the plant upward as they mature, rather than harvesting the entire plant at once. Leaves are ready when they feel slightly tacky and have lost their deep green color in favor of a lighter, golden-green shade.
Balikesir Tobacco's upright growth habit generally requires minimal pruning. Remove any damaged or diseased lower leaves as they appear to improve air circulation and reduce disease risk. Allow the main stem to develop fully to maximize leaf production and plant stature.
Enter your ZIP code to see a personalized growing calendar for this plant.
“Balikesir Tobacco comes from Turkey, specifically associated with the Balikesir region, where it developed as part of the rich Oriental tobacco-growing tradition. This open-pollinated, heirloom variety represents generations of seed saving and cultivation within Turkish agriculture, preserving the characteristics that made it valued by local growers. Its journey to contemporary seed catalogs reflects the broader effort to maintain genetic diversity in tobacco varieties and honor the agricultural heritage of tobacco-growing regions.”