Paul Robeson
Single source · Reviewed Sep 9, 2026
Values marked like this (estimated) are model estimates, not confirmed from a source.
Heirloom beefsteak from Russia. Russian dark heirloom that wins blind tastings: smoky, earthy, almost wine-like. Ready in about 80 days from transplant.
- Heirloom
- 80 (estimated) days to maturity (from transplant)
- Indeterminate
- Large fruit
- Moderate (estimated)
At a glance
- Fruit type
- Beefsteak 7–12 oz (200–340 g) · Flattened globe (estimated)
- Leaf type
- Regular leaf
- Plant height
- 5–7 ft (150–210 cm) (estimated) Tall
- Spacing
- 24 × 35 in (60 × 90 cm) (estimated)
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Position
- Handles open positions
- Growing sites
- Greenhouse · Polytunnel · Open ground
- Container growing
- Not suited to pots
- Skin
-
- Black
- Interior
-
- Red
- Green
Plant size and habit
Tall · Indeterminate
5–7 ft (150–210 cm) (estimated) · Regular leaf
Paul Robeson is an indeterminate plant that keeps growing and setting fruit until frost; it needs a stake, cage, or trellis for the whole season. Expect a plant of 5–7 ft (150–210 cm).
Flavor
“Russian dark heirloom that wins blind tastings: smoky, earthy, almost wine-like.”
Growing calendar
- Sow indoors
- Transplant out
- Harvest
Timing shown for temperate climates; sow indoors 6–8 weeks before your last frost date.
Disease resistance
No documented disease resistances — protect this variety with good airflow and crop rotation.
Uses & tags
- Fresh & salads
- Slicing
- Heirloom classic
- High flavor
Origin
This Russian heirloom was made available by Marina Danilenko, a Moscow seedswoman. It is named for Paul Robeson, the American singer, actor, and civil rights activist, whose sympathies with Communism made him popular with the Soviet government during the Cold War.
Sources
Where to buy seeds
All photos
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Paul Robeson tomatoes ripening on the vine under cover -
A truss of Paul Robeson tomatoes -
Paul Robeson tomato plant in a garden bed with ripe fruit on the vine -
A ripe Paul Robeson tomato held in a gardener's hand -
Freshly picked Paul Robeson tomatoes -
Paul Robeson tomato sliced in the kitchen
Questions
How long does Paul Robeson take to mature?
Paul Robeson is ready in about 80 days from transplant.
Does Paul Robeson need staking?
Paul Robeson is an indeterminate plant that keeps growing and setting fruit until frost; it needs a stake, cage, or trellis for the whole season. Expect a plant of 5–7 ft (150–210 cm).
Can Paul Robeson be grown in a container?
Paul Robeson is better suited to open ground or a greenhouse bed than a container.
Is Paul Robeson resistant to disease?
No disease resistance is documented for Paul Robeson.
See also
Other beefsteak varieties people put next to this one.
Grows like this one
Indeterminate, mid-late, full sun. Same support, same calendar.
