Tomato Paul Robeson Vegetable Seeds

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Russian heirloom producing dusky mahogany-red tomatoes with a rich, slightly smoky flavour.
Juicy beefsteak fruit ideal for fresh salads, sandwiches and homemade sauces.
Indeterminate climbing vines requiring sturdy staking or trellising.

Tomato Paul Robeson Vegetable Seeds

A Russian heirloom producing dusky mahogany-red tomatoes with a rich, complex flavour often described as slightly smoky. Paul Robeson is an excellent choice for fresh salads, sandwiches and tomato platters.

This open-pollinated beefsteak variety develops indeterminate vines that need sturdy support. Its rounded, slightly flattened fruit has juicy flesh with a balance of sweetness and acidity.

Grow in full sun with fertile, well-drained soil, consistent moisture and space for good airflow.

Seed and Plant Details

Botanical name

Solanum lycopersicum

Variety

Paul Robeson

Seed type

Open-pollinated Russian heirloom

Plant type

Warm-season vegetable; generally grown as an annual

Growth habit

Indeterminate climbing vines; staking or trellising required

Plant height

Approximately 1.5–2 m; varies with conditions and training

Fruit type

Medium to large, slightly flattened beefsteak tomatoes with dusky red-brown skin

Days to harvest

Approximately 75–90 days from transplanting; varies with conditions

Why Grow Paul Robeson Tomatoes?

Rich, complex flavour with a slightly smoky character.
Attractive dusky red-brown fruit for fresh tomato dishes.
Juicy beefsteak tomatoes suited to slicing and sandwiches.
Indeterminate vines allow an extended harvest in suitable conditions.
Open-pollinated heirloom variety for gardeners who enjoy traditional tomatoes.

Flavour and Kitchen Uses

Paul Robeson tomatoes combine sweetness, tanginess and a savoury depth. The smoky description refers to their flavour character, rather than any smoking process.

Enjoy ripe slices in sandwiches, serve with basil and olive oil, or combine with other coloured tomatoes for a fresh platter. They can also be roasted or cooked into a richly flavoured sauce.

How to Grow Paul Robeson Tomatoes

Raise seedlings in a protected position, then transplant into warm soil after frost risk has passed.

Prepare the seed trays. Fill clean trays or small pots with moist seed-raising mix and allow excess water to drain.
Sow the seeds. Sow approximately 5–6 mm deep, cover lightly and water gently. Pre-soaking is not normally required.
Maintain warmth and moisture. Keep the mix evenly moist without saturating it. Provide good light as soon as seedlings emerge.
Prepare for transplanting. Pot on as needed and gradually introduce seedlings to outdoor conditions before planting out.
Plant and support. Choose a sunny position with fertile, well-drained soil. Install sturdy stakes, cages or a trellis at planting time.
Water and feed. Water at soil level, maintain consistent moisture and apply a suitable tomato fertiliser according to its label.
Harvest ripe tomatoes. Pick when fruit develops its dusky mahogany-red colour and gives slightly under gentle pressure. Handle carefully to avoid bruising.

Growing tip: Judge ripeness by both colour and feel. Paul Robeson is a dark-fruited variety, so ripe tomatoes will not look like a standard bright red tomato.

When to Sow Paul Robeson Tomatoes in Australia

The following is a general guide. Adjust timing for local frost dates, elevation and seasonal temperatures. Early sowings in cooler regions need protection and warmth.

Climate Zone	General Sowing Time	Growing Notes
Cool	August–October under cover	Raise seedlings with warmth. Transplant after frost when soil has warmed.
Temperate	August–November	Protect early sowings. Plant outdoors after frost risk has passed.
Subtropical	Late winter–spring; autumn where frost-free	Allow for local frost risk. Avoid establishing plants during extreme heat.
Tropical	April–July	Grow during the cooler, drier season and maintain good airflow.
Arid	August–November, depending on frost	Protect from frost and extreme heat. Use mulch and reliable irrigation.

Sowing Information

Sowing method

Raise seedlings; direct sowing is possible in reliably warm, frost-free conditions

Sowing depth

Approximately 5–6 mm

Germination

Approximately 5–10 days under suitable conditions

Soil temperature

Approximately 21–27°C for germination

Plant spacing

Approximately 60–90 cm between supported plants

Row spacing

Approximately 90 cm; increase where needed for access and airflow

Position

Full sun; protect from frost

Best Soil and Containers for Paul Robeson

Choose well-drained soil enriched with mature compost. Avoid waterlogged areas and maintain moisture through flowering and fruit development.

For container growing, use a large pot with drainage holes and quality potting mix. Provide strong support and check moisture frequently, particularly during hot or windy weather.

Tips for Growing Paul Robeson Tomatoes

Plant in full sun after frost risk has passed.
Support vines early and secure stems with soft ties.
Allow space between plants for airflow and harvesting.
Mulch established plants, keeping mulch clear of the stems.
Water at soil level and avoid large fluctuations in moisture.
Remove damaged or diseased foliage and check regularly for pests.
Pick ripe tomatoes promptly and handle gently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Paul Robeson a bush or climbing tomato?

It is an indeterminate climbing tomato. Provide a sturdy stake, cage or trellis.

What colour are ripe Paul Robeson tomatoes?

Ripe fruit develops a dusky mahogany-red to red-brown colour. Check for a slight give under gentle pressure as well as colour.

How long does Paul Robeson take to harvest?

Allow approximately 75–90 days from transplanting for the first ripe fruit. Timing varies with temperature, sunlight and plant health.

What does Paul Robeson taste like?

Its flavour is rich and complex, with sweetness, tanginess and a savoury character often described as slightly smoky.

Can I grow Paul Robeson in a container?

Yes. Use a large container with good drainage and strong support, and provide regular watering and feeding.

Will it keep producing after the first harvest?

Healthy indeterminate vines can continue flowering and fruiting while growing conditions remain suitable.

Can Paul Robeson tolerate frost?

No. Although it can perform well in cooler tomato-growing regions, it remains frost-sensitive.

Product Specifications

Variety: Paul Robeson.
Botanical name: Solanum lycopersicum.
Type: Open-pollinated Russian heirloom.
Non-GMO; not chemically treated.
Seeds per gram: Approximately 250–400; varies by seed lot.
Fruit: Medium to large, slightly flattened beefsteak tomatoes with dusky mahogany-red skin and juicy flesh.
Growth habit: Indeterminate climbing vines; sturdy support required.
Plant height: Approximately 1.5–2 m, depending on conditions and training.
Days to harvest: Approximately 75–90 days from transplanting.
Sowing method: Raise seedlings or direct sow in warm, frost-free conditions.
Sowing depth: Approximately 5–6 mm.
Germination: Approximately 5–10 days under suitable conditions.
Soil temperature: Approximately 21–27°C for germination.
Plant spacing: Approximately 60–90 cm.
Row spacing: Approximately 90 cm; allow additional room for access and airflow.
Position: Full sun; protect from frost.
Soil: Fertile, moist and well drained.
Life cycle: Grown as an annual.

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