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HEIRLOOM Distinctly sweet and with an incredible depth often described as ‘smooth smokiness’, Paul Robeson Tomato is named for the pivotal opera singer and civil rights activist. The dark red-bronze skin with green shoulders is unique among tomatoes and indeed these 7 to 12-ounce meaty fruits have a passionate cult following, just like their namesake, which we are proud to be a part of.
Paul Robeson is one of our most popular varieties and we couldn’t be happier that flavor, as well as social justice, are back on the menu! We also love that Paul Robeson is so abundant on modest 4-foot plants, so if you garden in a small space, don’t hold back.
Planting Method: Transplant Only
When to sow: 6-8 weeks before last frost
Seed Depth: 1/8 inch Days to Germination: 7-10 at 80°F (27°C)
Sowing and seedling care: Don’t start too early! Sow indoors 2 seeds/cell or soil block, & thin to 1. We recommend sowing on a heat mat at 80°F to emergence, 75°F after. Good light is essential: Younger, less stressed seedlings are healthier and more abundant than older, more stressed seedlings. Pot up to 3-4” pots when first true leaves, submerging 3/4 of the stem below soil.
When to transplant: Harden off & transplant outdoors after frost, again burying stem.
Strong 3′ trellis optional but helpful. Water soil, not leaves. Prune lowest stem “suckers” as they emerge.
Transplant Spacing: 2.5 feet Sun Needs: Full
Days to Harvest: 78
Harvest: Semi-determinate.
Jackie Marchand –
A fantastic tasting tomato! Fruit is very large and they’re not the prettiest looking tomatoes as they stay partly green when ripe. But the flavor makes up for everything. Best for slicing and eating fresh. Sweet and not too acidic. It’s also resisted disease well. My plot in a community garden is very susceptible to disease in Rochester NY.
KJ –
I’ve purchased nearly every variety of tomatoes from Fruition, and this has been the hardest to keep alive. Last year every plant died from either fungal wilt or spotted wilt virus. I’ve tried everything but nothing seemed to work. They do look tasty, though. 3/5 for wanting to try.
Rusty –
One of my go-to favorites every year. In Cypress, TX this plant will easily grow over 6′ tall and is a reliable producer. Flavor is as advertised, fantastic…and thin skinned too!