Tennessee Burley Tobacco Seeds (Nicotiana tabacum) Robust air-cured leaf with rich body used in pipe and chewing blends

Minimum: 50+ seeds

Rich, Bold, and Built for Full-Body Flavor

For growers who want a powerful, full-bodied tobacco with deep heritage and unmistakable character, Tennessee Burley is a classic choice. This robust air-cured variety produces thick, flavorful leaves perfect for pipe blends, chewing tobacco, and hearty homemade smokes. It’s the backbone of many traditional American tobacco mixes and remains a top pick for gardeners who take pride in curing their own rich, full-flavored leaf.

Big Leaves, Big Flavor, Big Results

Tennessee Burley Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) grows tall and sturdy, often reaching 6 to 8 feet with large, slightly puckered leaves that air-cure to a deep golden brown. The texture is heavier than flue-cured types, and the taste carries a rich, nutty undertone with plenty of body. This is the variety you grow when you want bold flavor and thick leaf structure for blending or chewing.

It performs beautifully in a wide range of climates and is a reliable grower for beginners and experienced hands alike. In the garden, it stands tall with a strong central stalk, wide leaf span, and pale pink flowers that appear late in the season. Maturing in about 70 to 90 days, it offers an extended window for harvesting and processing.

Versatile, Traditional, and Worth the Wait

• Air-Cured Tobacco: Ideal for pipe blends, roll-your-own smokes, or traditional chewing tobacco

• High Yield: Produces a generous supply of broad, heavy leaves

• Garden Presence: Impressive height and leafy structure add drama to any grow space

• Cultural Uses: Valued in traditional Southern and Appalachian tobacco farming for its reliable strength

• Pollinator Friendly: Blooms attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds in late summer

A Piece of American Tobacco History

Burley tobacco originated in the mid-1800s in Kentucky and Tennessee and quickly became one of the most planted varieties in the U.S. Its low sugar content and absorbent nature made it perfect for blending and flavoring, especially in pipe and chewing blends. Tennessee Burley holds on to that heritage with every leaf, grown by those who value craftsmanship, tradition, and a tobacco that delivers real substance.

Planting Advice for the Best Results

Start your seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost date. Burley seeds are fine and need light to germinate, so press them gently into moist soil without covering. Maintain warm temperatures and bright light until sprouted. Transplant once soil temperatures are stable and all danger of frost has passed.

• Spacing: 20 to 24 inches apart to accommodate the plant’s broad growth

• Sun: Needs full sun exposure all day

• Soil: Loose, well-drained, nutrient-rich soil is ideal

• Watering: Moderate, with deep watering during dry periods

• Harvesting: Begin when leaves turn yellow and start to droop slightly; harvest by priming individual leaves or cutting the whole stalk for air-curing

Hang leaves in a shaded, ventilated space to cure slowly. Full curing takes several weeks but results in a smooth, rich leaf ready for blending or aging.

Why Grow Tennessee Burley Tobacco?

Because it’s more than a plant, it’s a connection to generations of growers who knew how to turn sun and soil into something bold, useful, and deeply satisfying. Whether you’re crafting pipe tobacco, learning traditional chewing blends, or simply want a big, beautiful crop with a purpose, Tennessee Burley delivers.

Quantities are limited each season. Add Tennessee Burley to your garden now and harvest a tobacco with real weight, flavor, and story.