Paul Robeson is a dark heirloom slicer with deep purple-red-brown color and a smoky, rich flavor that makes it one of the classic 'black' tomatoes. It is named for the singer and civil rights activist Paul Robeson, and is prized more for eating quality than for uniformity. It suits gardeners who want a flavorful heirloom for slicing and salads and do not mind typical heirloom disease management.
At a Glance
Days to Maturity
70–85 days
Sun
8+ hours
full sun 8-10 hours
Spacing
24–36 "
Seed Start
6–8 weeks
before transplant
Container
Not Ideal
15+ gallon pot
Height
5–8 ft
Zone Planting Guide
Growing Guide
Germination
Germination Time5–10 days
Optimal Temp80°F
Seed Depth0.25"
Transplanting
Min Soil Temp60°F
Harden Off7 days
Watering
Weekly Water1.5–2 "
NeedsConsistent
MethodDrip
Soil
pH Range6.2–6.8
Soil TypeDeep, fertile, well-drained loam or rich raised-bed soil with strong organic matter content.
SupportStake — Strong cages or a stake-and-tie system keep vines off the soil and improve airflow.
Resilience
Heat: ModerateCold: LowDrought: Low
Common Problems
fruit-cracking
Cause: Rain or heavy watering after a dry period swells fruit faster than the skin can stretch.
Prevention: Keep moisture even and harvest promptly once fruit colors.
early-blight
Cause: Warm, humid weather and soil splash spread foliar disease.
Prevention: Mulch, prune lower leaves, rotate plantings, and improve airflow.
blossom-end-rot
Cause: Calcium uptake fails when moisture is inconsistent or roots are stressed.
Prevention: Water evenly and avoid overloading young container plants with fruit.
Planting dates for Paul Robeson tomatoes vary by USDA hardiness zone. Select your zone below for frost dates, start-indoors timing, and a full monthly planting calendar.
