Routinely topping blind taste tests at tomato festivals across the world, Paul Robeson is celebrated by heirloom connoisseurs and chefs who demand extraordinary culinary depth.

• Distinctive Smoky, Sweet & Earthy Profile: Sliced fresh, the dark maroon flesh delivers a remarkable balance of natural sweetness and bright acid, underscored by an earthy, savory, wood-smoke richness that sets it apart from all standard red tomatoes.
• Stunning Dusky Color Palette: The 7- to 10-ounce medium-sized slicing tomatoes showcase gorgeous, dusky bronze-red skins accented by deep olive-green shoulders and dark, jewel-toned seed gel.
• Cool-Climate & Short-Season Resilience: Bred in Russia, the indeterminate vines demonstrate outstanding setting ability in cooler evening temperatures and shorter growing windows, while continuing to produce dependably through hot summer stretches.
• Artisanal Kitchen Versatility: Unbeatable when thick-sliced with flaky sea salt and olive oil, layered onto gourmet sandwiches and burgers, showcased in multi-color Caprese salads, or simmered down into dark, savory rustic pasta sauces.

"There are great slicing tomatoes, and then there is Paul Robeson. The first time you taste a sun-warmed slice fresh off the vine, the unmistakable smoky-sweet depth completely redefines what a home-grown tomato can be. It honors its namesake with true distinction—bold, soulful, and unforgettable. Even in tricky seasons or cool, damp summers where other black heirlooms struggle, Paul Robeson sets gorgeous dark fruit without missing a beat."

• Starting Indoors & Germination: Start seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before your region's last predicted spring frost date. Sow 1/4 inch deep in sterile seed starting mix, keeping soil temperature between 75°F and 85°F (24°C–29°C) for rapid, uniform emergence.
• Transplanting & Spacing: Harden off seedlings carefully before transplanting outdoors after all danger of frost has passed and night temperatures consistently exceed 50°F (10°C). Space plants 24 to 36 inches apart in rows 3 to 4 feet apart.
• Staking & Pruning Support: As a vigorous indeterminate variety, vines grow 5 to 7 feet tall and require sturdy tomato cages, heavy-duty stakes, or a Florida weave system to support the heavy clusters of fruit and keep foliage clean.
• Harvesting: Pick when the bottom of the fruit ripens to a rich maroon or dusky brick-red, even while the top shoulders maintain an olive-green sheen. Harvest slightly firm to enjoy peak acidity and prevent over-ripening on the vine.