Paul Robeson

Family: Solanaceae Nightshade

Sink your senses into Paul Robeson’s velvety, smoky-sweet aroma and the rich, mahogany-red flesh that deepens to an almost wine-dark glow at full maturity.

This heirloom Beefsteak tomato forms large, irregularly ribbed fruits with a tender, juicy bite and a pleasantly complex, old-fashioned flavor—ideal for showcasing at its best. Grow it for bold slices, sumptuous sauces, and standout summer salads that celebrate its distinctive depth and color.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 90 DaysHabit: Indeterminate

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Ashburn (Zone 7a).

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Mar 2nd
Last Frost	Apr 20th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Jun 15th
Harvest Begins	Sep 13th
Harvest Ends	Oct 20th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	90
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Indeterminate
Support Needed	Stake
Planting Depth	Deep
Germination Temp (°F)	75
Min Soil Temp (°F)	60
Min Night Temp (°F)	50
Harden Off (days)	10

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

This heirloom Beefsteak earns its keep with dense, velvety flesh and a smoky-sweet profile that reads “slow-roasted” even when it’s fresh. Use it thick and direct—high heat to concentrate or a quick simmer to turn that mahogany color into a glossy sauce that clings.

Best Uses

thick slices on a hot-summer plate where the juice doesn’t get wasted
chef-style blistered tomato sauce—simmered just until it turns mahogany and coats pasta
summer salads that need sturdy wedges and a punchy dressing
sandwiches that benefit from a meaty slice (won’t turn to watery mush fast)

Flavor Profile

smoky-sweet aroma complex, old-fashioned tomato tang velvety flesh with tender, juicy bite slow, wine-dark sweetness at full maturity

Kitchen Pairings

garlic red onion olive oil aged cheddar balsamic vinegar olive tapenade

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease is most common on Solanum lycopersicum (Paul Robeson) and what should I do first?

Look for early blight (brown concentric spots on older leaves) and manage quickly by removing heavily spotted lower leaves and disposing of them—don’t compost. Keep foliage dry by watering at the soil line, improve airflow with proper spacing, and spray according to label directions with a registered fungicide if conditions stay wet or worsening after 7–10 days.

How often should I water Paul Robeson tomatoes during peak growth, and what soil moisture target should I maintain?

During the main growth and fruiting phase, water deeply about 1–2 times per week so the top 6–8 in (15–20 cm) of soil stays evenly moist but not soggy. Aim to keep soil consistently moist—don’t let it dry out completely and then flood, which can trigger blossom-end rot and fruit cracking.

How can I tell when Paul Robeson (Solanum lycopersicum) is ready to harvest?

Harvest when fruits are fully sized and have transitioned to their final deep color with a slight yield when gently squeezed. For best flavor, pick after the fruit has colored fully on the shoulders (no green rim) and check daily once they start ripening, since tomatoes can go from ripe to overripe quickly.