Paul Robeson

Tomato

Zone 10a Save Garden

🌱 90d to harvest Indeterminate

Sink your senses into Paul Robeson’s velvety, smoky-sweet aroma and the rich, mahogany-red flesh that deepens to an almost wine-d…

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Nov 28th
Last Frost	Jan 16th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Mar 13th
Harvest Begins	Jun 11th
Harvest Ends	Dec 19th

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

Recommended Companions

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Flat Leaf Plain Parsley

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James' Scarlet Intermediate Carrot

Flat Leaf Splendor Parsley

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.

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.

Sowing Tips

Transplant Conditions

Wait until soil reaches 60°F and nights stay above 50°F before moving outdoors. Harden off for 10 days first.

Expert Note

‘Paul Robeson’ is a longer-season, heat-loving heirloom—transplant only once nights are reliably warm and give steady moisture to prevent cracking.