Tobacco in Zone 3a & 3b
Nicotiana tabacum
Yes, tobacco grows in zones 3a and 3b. Start seeds indoors Apr 4–Apr 11 and plant out Jun 13–Jun 20.
When to plant tobacco in zone 3b
Zones 3a and 3b share the same average frost dates, so this page covers both.
Method: Start indoors: Start indoors from seed, then transplant outside. It needs a head start most zones can't give it by direct-sowing alone.
| Start indoors | Apr 4–Apr 11 |
|---|---|
| Direct sow / transplant outside | Jun 13–Jun 20 |
| Estimated harvest | Oct 11–Oct 18 (~120 days after transplanting) |
Spacing: about 4 square feet per plant (square-foot-gardening spacing). Mature height: 3-10 ft.
Plant alongside it in zone 3b
These go outside within two weeks of tobacco in zone 3b, so one planting day can cover them.
- BasilJun 13–Jun 20
- BorageMay 30–Jun 6
- CuminJun 20–Jun 27
- HyssopJun 6–Jun 13
- Lemon BalmJun 6–Jun 13
- Shiso (Perilla)Jun 6–Jun 13
Nicotiana tabacum is the commercial tobacco species, and growing it at home raises three separate issues worth knowing.
How tobacco fits zone 3's season
Zone 3b's frost-free window runs about 98 days, from May 30 to September 5. Tobacco needs about 120 days from transplant to first harvest.
Tobacco planting windows in every zone
Zone 3b is highlighted. Useful for comparing against a neighbouring zone, or for a garden somewhere else.
| Zone | Start indoors | Sow or plant out | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3a & 3b (your zone) | Apr 4–Apr 11 | Jun 13–Jun 20 | Oct 11–Oct 18 |
| 4a & 4b | Mar 20–Mar 27 | May 29–Jun 5 | Sep 26–Oct 3 |
| 5a & 5b | Mar 15–Mar 22 | May 24–May 31 | Sep 21–Sep 28 |
| 6a & 6b | Feb 28–Mar 7 | May 9–May 16 | Sep 6–Sep 13 |
| 7a & 7b | Feb 13–Feb 20 | Apr 24–May 1 | Aug 22–Aug 29 |
| 8a & 8b | Jan 28–Feb 4 | Apr 8–Apr 15 | Aug 6–Aug 13 |
| 9a & 9b | Dec 21–Dec 28 | Mar 1–Mar 8 | Jun 29–Jul 6 |
| 10a & 10b | Dec 5–Dec 12 | Feb 13–Feb 20 | Jun 13–Jun 20 |
| 11a & 11b | Nov 6–Nov 13 | Jan 15–Jan 22 | May 15–May 22 |
Harvest dates are about 120 days after the sow or plant-out date, not after starting seeds indoors.
Good companions
No well-established companions for tobacco.
Where to buy tobacco seeds
True Leaf Market (each supplier's tobacco seeds)
See why we recommend these suppliers →
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See it growing
Search YouTube for "growing tobacco" videos → (a live search, not a hand-picked video; results vary and aren't vetted by us)
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Growing Tobacco in USDA zone 3b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a harvest.
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