Where to buy seeds
Some links are affiliate links — Verdantly may earn a commission at no cost to you. Learn more.
Costa Rica Tobacco is a primitive, unclassified heirloom variety from Central America that brings cold tolerance and distinctive character to the tobacco grower's garden. This open-pollinated strain reaches 36 to 60 inches tall and produces shiny, medium-green leaves with a growth habit reminiscent of Turkish tobacco types. From transplant to harvest takes 50 to 90 days, and its proven deer resistance makes it a practical choice for gardens where wildlife pressure is a concern. Whether you're growing for ornamental appeal or traditional use, this variety delivers reliable performance even in cooler conditions.
Full Sun
Moderate
?-?
60in H x ?in W
—
High
Hover over chart points for details
Costa Rica Tobacco stands out for its cold hardiness among tobacco varieties, handling light frost without backing down. The shiny, medium-green foliage creates an attractive upright plant that reaches a manageable height, and its open-pollinated nature means you can save seed from year to year. The strain's connection to Turkish tobacco types signals a robust, straightforward growing experience for anyone curious about heirloom tobacco cultivation.
This tobacco variety is grown for traditional leaf use, following centuries-old cultivation practices. Gardeners cultivate it both for personal use and seed preservation, as its open-pollinated nature allows growers to maintain the variety across seasons. The plant also serves ornamental purposes in gardens, where its distinctive foliage and upright habit add visual interest.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Start seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before your last spring frost date. Tobacco seeds are tiny and benefit from light to germinate; press them gently into moist seed-starting mix without covering. Maintain soil temperatures around 70 to 75°F for reliable germination. Keep seedlings under bright light and provide good air circulation to prevent damping off.
Harden off seedlings gradually over 7 to 10 days before moving them outdoors. Transplant after your last frost date when soil has warmed and night temperatures stay above 50°F. Space plants 24 inches apart in rows spaced 36 inches apart. Water well after transplanting to establish roots.
Harvest leaves when they reach full size and the plant begins flowering, typically 50 to 90 days after transplanting. Pick leaves from the bottom of the plant first as they mature, working upward. Leaves are ready when they feel slightly waxy and have developed their full color and texture. Handle harvested leaves carefully to avoid bruising, and dry them according to traditional tobacco curing methods.
Enter your ZIP code to see a personalized growing calendar for this plant.
“Costa Rica Tobacco, also known as Costa Rica 589 or Iztepeque, carries the hallmark of a primitive heirloom variety with deep roots in Central American agriculture. The variety's development appears tied to traditional tobacco growing regions, and its classification as unclassified reflects its status as a landrace strain that evolved through generations of farmer selection rather than deliberate breeding programs. Its kinship to Turkish tobacco types like Black Sea Samsun suggests a shared heritage within global tobacco cultivation traditions, preserving traits valued by growers across continents and generations.”