How to Grow Burley 21 Tobacco
Wikimedia Commons
Burley 21 Tobacco
Nicotiana tabacum 'Burley 21'
vegetableBurley 21 is a flue-cured tobacco cultivar developed for commercial and home growing, known for its light color, mild flavor, and good leaf structure. It produces large, broad leaves suitable for cigarette and pipe tobacco production. This variety is prized for its consistent quality and disease resistance compared to earlier Burley strains.
When should you plant Burley 21 Tobacco in your zone?
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Example Burley 21 Tobacco timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Burley 21 Tobacco
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Burley 21 Tobacco
Around Aug 15≈ 120 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Burley 21 Tobacco dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 6-9; warm-season annual requiring 120+ frost-free days
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Seedling
6-8 weeksTiny, delicate seedlings with 2-4 true leaves emerge under grow lights or in a greenhouse. Plants are extremely fragile and susceptible to damping-off.
Maintain consistent moisture and excellent air circulation. Use sterile seed-starting mix. Avoid overwatering. Temperature 70-75°F optimal.
Transplant Hardening & Early Growth
2-3 weeksSeedlings develop 4-6 true leaves and begin to strengthen. Gradually expose to outdoor conditions over 7-10 days before field planting.
Harden off seedlings by increasing light and reducing humidity. Water moderately. Begin light feeding with dilute balanced fertilizer.
Vegetative Growth
6-8 weeksRapid leaf expansion with 10-20+ large, broad leaves forming. Plant becomes bushy and tall (3-5 feet). Leaf development is the primary focus.
Maintain consistent watering and fertilization with higher nitrogen early, then shift to balanced NPK. Remove lower leaves as plant matures. Monitor for pests weekly.
Flowering & Topping
2-3 weeksTerminal flower cluster begins to emerge; buds form at the top of the main stem.
Remove flower buds (top the plant) when the first flowers appear to redirect energy to leaf development. Topping improves leaf quality and size.
Leaf Maturation & Harvest
4-6 weeksLeaves reach full size and develop color; leaf surface becomes slightly wrinkled and texture changes. Leaves are ready for harvest.
Begin harvesting lower, mature leaves when they turn light tan-green. Harvest every 7-10 days as leaves mature from bottom to top. Cure harvested leaves.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Hand-pick large caterpillars; use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) for smaller larvae; encourage parasitic wasps
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Scout regularly; apply Bt or spinosad spray; remove infested flower buds
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Use row covers on young plants; apply neem oil or spinosad if heavy infestation; encourage beneficial insects
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Spray with strong water stream; use neem oil or insecticidal soap; encourage ladybugs and lacewings
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Remove and destroy affected leaves; maintain plant vigor; use reflective mulch to confuse insects
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Ensure good air circulation; avoid overhead watering; apply sulfur or potassium bicarbonate fungicide if severe
Uses
Pipe & Cigarette Tobacco
CulinaryBurley 21 is a premier tobacco cultivar for producing mild, light-colored pipe and cigarette tobacco. The leaves cure to a distinctive light tan color and are prized for blending. [source]
Homemade Tobacco Products
HouseholdHome growers use Burley 21 to produce personal-use pipe tobacco, rolling tobacco, or chewing tobacco. Proper curing and storage are essential for quality and safety. [source]
Natural Pest Control Spray
HouseholdHistorically, tobacco leaves have been used to create infusions for pest control in gardens. The alkaloid nicotine acts as a natural insecticide when properly extracted. [source]
Ornamental & Educational Growing
CraftIn regions where legal, Burley 21 is grown as an educational or heritage crop, offering insight into historical agricultural practices and plant development. [source]
Harvest Tips
Begin harvesting when lower leaves turn light tan-green, typically 4-6 weeks after topping. Harvest 3-4 leaves per plant every 7-10 days, working from bottom to top. Pick in the morning after dew dries. Leaves should snap cleanly when mature. For curing, hang leaves in a well-ventilated barn or shed at 70-80°F with good airflow for 4-6 weeks until completely dry and brittle. Proper curing develops flavor and reduces harshness.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Burley 21 was developed as an improved clone of earlier Burley cultivars, specifically selected for superior disease resistance and more consistent leaf quality
- 🌱 Tobacco is a heavy nitrogen feeder and actually depletes soil nitrogen significantly; crop rotation is essential if growing in the same location year after year
- 🌱 The name 'Burley' originates from a farmer in Kentucky who accidentally created a light-colored cured leaf variety in the 1860s by experimenting with harvest and curing methods
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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