Tobacco in Zone 7a & 7b

Nicotiana tabacum

When to plant tobacco in zone 7b

Zones 7a and 7b share the same average frost dates in our data, so this page covers both.

Method: Start indoors: Start indoors from seed, then transplant outside. Tobacco needs a head start most zones can't give it by direct-sowing alone.

Start indoorsFeb 13–Feb 20
Direct sow / transplant outsideApr 24–May 1
Estimated harvestAug 22–Aug 29 (~120 days after transplanting)

Spacing: about 4 square feet per plant (square-foot-gardening spacing). Mature height: 3-10 ft.

Nicotiana tabacum is the commercial tobacco species, and growing it at home raises three separate issues worth knowing.

How tobacco fits zone 7's season

Zone 7b's frost-free window runs about 198 days, from April 10 to October 25. Tobacco needs about 120 days from transplant to first harvest.

Good companions

No standout companions recorded yet for Tobacco.

Where to buy 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)

← Back to the full zone 7b calendar · Full companion planting guide · Full plant profile · Plan your beds in the Garden Designer →

Growing Tobacco in USDA zone 7b

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Growing Tobacco in USDA zone 7b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a harvest.

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