White Flower Farm
Tomato 'Paul Robeson'
Best heirloom tomato for gardeners seeking rich, complex flavor profiles.
Discover the rich, complex flavor of the 'Paul Robeson' Tomato, a prized Russian heirloom. This indeterminate variety yields handsome, dark maroon fruits with a unique, non-overly sweet taste, maturing about 75 days after transplanting. Grown from non-GMO seed, these vigorous plants produce medium-sized, juicy fruits perfect for your kitchen garden. Shipped as stocky seedlings in 1-pint pots for robust root development, they thrive in full sun with rich, well-drained soil. Enjoy a rewarding harvest with this favorite for its exceptional taste and yield potential.
$8.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
1695
/ 3083
#1695 in Landscaping & Garden Plants
Price vs Category Average
-71%
Below average
Cultivar
Paul Robeson
/ Paul Robeson
Who it's for
- Gourmet gardeners seeking complex, smoky flavor profiles
- Home cooks wanting visually striking ingredients for fresh salads
- Sandwich lovers needing perfectly sized, substantial slicing tomatoes
Who should skip it
- Gardeners in regions with short, cool growing seasons
- Beginners looking for low-maintenance, disease-resistant plant varieties
- Urban growers lacking space for heavy-duty staking systems
Performance breakdown
Flavor Complexity
A deep, smoky profile that sets the standard for heirloom tomatoes.
Establishment Success
Stocky seedlings in pint pots ensure a robust, healthy start.
Yield Potential
Indeterminate vines provide a steady, reliable harvest throughout the summer season.
Growth Versatility
Thrives equally well in traditional garden beds or large patio containers.
Climate Adaptability
Wide hardiness range makes this variety accessible to most home gardeners.
Maintenance Ease
Requires consistent staking and pruning to manage its vigorous vining habit.
Key Specs
Cultivar
Paul Robeson
Lifespan
Annual
Mature Height
8 feet
Mature Spread
3 feet
USDA Hardiness Zones
3 to 10
Planting Spacing
24 inches
Fruit Ripening Time
About 75 days
Shipping Pot Size
1 pint
Features
- Heirloom Russian variety
- Complex, unique flavor profile
- Dark maroon fruit color
- Indeterminate growth habit
- Grown from non-GMO seed
- Suitable for containers
- Matures in about 75 days
- Shipped as strong seedlings
What customers say
The core appeal of the Paul Robeson tomato centers on its exceptional, complex flavor. Gardeners consistently praise its unique smoky sweetness perfectly balanced by bright acidity, often calling it the best tasting tomato they have grown. Its deep mahogany color and impressive size also enhance satisfaction. While the premium sourcing and heirloom susceptibility to cracking present minor challenges for some, the profound culinary experience drives high recommendations. Those prioritizing unparalleled taste find the effort and investment entirely worthwhile, confirming its status as a superior variety for flavor enthusiasts.
Know before you buy
Indeterminate means the plant will continue to grow, flower, and produce fruit throughout the entire growing season until the first frost. Because these vines can reach up to 8 feet tall, you will need to provide sturdy staking or a tall cage for support.
Yes, Paul Robeson tomatoes are suitable for containers, provided the pot is large enough to accommodate their vigorous root system. Ensure your container has excellent drainage and is placed in a spot that receives full sun.
These tomatoes typically mature about 75 days after transplanting into your garden. Keep in mind that weather conditions and sunlight exposure can slightly influence the exact timing of your harvest.
The Paul Robeson is famous for a complex, earthy, and slightly smoky flavor that is distinct from typical sweet supermarket tomatoes. It is widely considered one of the best-tasting heirloom varieties for slicing and fresh eating.
For optimal air circulation and healthy growth, space your seedlings at least 24 inches apart. This spacing helps prevent foliage diseases and ensures each plant has enough room to reach its mature spread of 3 feet.
These plants are versatile and can be grown as annuals in USDA Hardiness Zones 3 through 10. Since they require a full growing season, ensure they are planted after the danger of frost has passed in your specific region.
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$8