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Comstock Tobacco is a sturdy heirloom variety developed in Wisconsin during the late 1800s, prized for its reliable yields and elastic, durable leaves. This upright grower reaches 4.5 to 5 feet tall and produces around 20 to 22 harvestable leaves per plant in just 50 to 59 days from transplant. Hardy in zones 8 to 11 and naturally deer resistant, it's an open-pollinated, non-GMO cultivar that thrives in gardens, containers, raised beds, and greenhouses with minimal fuss.
Full Sun
Moderate
8-11
60in H x ?in W
—
High
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Comstock Tobacco delivers consistent, substantial harvests without demanding a lot of attention. The leaves are notably elastic and durable, characteristics that made this Wisconsin heirloom a dependable choice for generations. It grows vigorously to full size in under two months, making it refreshingly fast compared to many other tobacco varieties, while its natural resistance to deer pressure means you won't lose your crop to browsing.
Comstock Tobacco is grown primarily for its substantial leaf yield, historically used in tobacco production. The elastic and durable nature of its leaves made it well suited to both personal and commercial cultivation in earlier eras.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Start seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before your last spring frost. Sow seeds on the surface of moist seed starting mix without covering, as tobacco seeds require light to germinate. Keep soil warm around 70 to 75°F and maintain moisture until seedlings emerge in 7 to 14 days.
Harden off seedlings over 7 to 10 days by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions. Transplant outdoors once nighttime temperatures consistently stay above 50°F and all frost danger has passed. Space plants 24 inches apart in rows spaced 36 inches apart in a location with full sun.
Comstock Tobacco reaches harvestable maturity in 50 to 59 days from transplant. Harvest leaves individually once they feel elastic and durable to the touch and have reached full size. Pick from the bottom of the plant upward as leaves mature, allowing the plant to continue producing new foliage at the top.
No heavy pruning is required due to the plant's naturally upright growth habit. However, removing lower leaves as they mature will improve air circulation around the base and encourage the plant to channel energy into developing quality upper leaves.
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“Comstock Tobacco, often called Comstock Spanish, emerged from Wisconsin in the late 1800s as a practical solution for reliable tobacco cultivation in northern growing regions. The variety was developed during an era when home and regional tobacco farming was integral to rural life across the upper Midwest. Its survival and continued availability today speaks to its reputation among growers who valued consistent performance and substantial leaf yields, qualities that allowed it to persist through generations of seed savers and eventually reach modern gardeners through heirloom seed networks.”