Izmir Ozbas is a compact Turkish heirloom tobacco that grows tall and narrow, reaching 36 to 60 inches with minimal branching, a blessing for gardeners tight on space. This open-pollinated, non-GMO cultivar matures in 70 to 79 days from transplant and produces aromatic, flavorful leaves prized for cigarette rolling. Hardy across zones 3 to 11 and resistant to deer, it thrives in full sun whether you're planting in a field, raised bed, container, or greenhouse.
Full Sun
Moderate
3-11
60in H x ?in W
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Moderate
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The defining trait of Izmir Ozbas is its tidy, columnar growth habit with little to no suckering, allowing it to stand tall without sprawling. Aromatic leaves develop quickly in 75 to 80 days, making it one of the faster-maturing tobacco varieties. Its compact form and deer resistance make it remarkably practical for home growers who want an heirloom tobacco without the fussiness of more sprawling types.
Izmir Ozbas tobacco leaves are primarily prepared for hand-rolling cigarettes, where the aromatic, flavorful character of the dried leaf is fully appreciated. Gardeners and small-scale producers value it for leaf quality and the speed at which it reaches harvestable maturity.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Start seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before your last spring frost. Tobacco seeds are tiny and should be surface-sown or barely covered with soil. Keep the soil consistently moist and maintain temperatures around 70 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit for reliable germination.
Harden off seedlings over 7 to 10 days before transplanting outdoors after the last frost date. Plant into warm soil and space 24 inches apart with rows 36 inches apart. Tobacco appreciates warm conditions, so wait until soil and nighttime temperatures have stabilized.
Begin harvesting 70 to 79 days after transplanting, once leaves reach full size and develop a slightly waxy appearance. Harvest leaves individually from the bottom of the plant as they mature, working upward over several weeks. Leaves are ready when they feel slightly sticky and have lost their bright green color, developing a more golden or tan tone. Pick in the morning after dew dries but before heat stress.
Izmir Ozbas requires minimal pruning due to its naturally upright, columnar growth with little suckering. Remove any lower leaves that touch the soil or appear diseased to improve air circulation and reduce pest and disease pressure.
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“Izmir Ozbas carries the legacy of Turkish tobacco cultivation, a region with centuries of expertise in growing and processing leaf crops. The variety name points to its origins in the Izmir region, and its preservation as an open-pollinated heirloom reflects the commitment of seed savers to maintain these distinct regional types. This cultivar represents a careful selection for the narrow, upright form that Turkish growers valued for efficient field management and consistent leaf quality.”