Paul Robeson Organic Tomato

Nature & Nurture Seeds

Solanum lycopersicum

$4.99

Pkt(≈25 seeds)
VALUE SIZE: 1/2 g (≈ 125 seeds)
Certified Organic
75 days. A “black” (really more of a dark reddish brown with dark green shoulders) beefsteak tomato that produces 10 oz fruits with a distinctive smoky sweetness. This variety won our 2016 taste test trial of purple and black heirloom varieties. Erica has fallen head over heels for this tomato. Originating in Russia, it was named in honor of African-American bass singer and social justice activist Paul Robeson, who was revered in Russia. Introduced to the U.S. seed market by Marina Danilenko of Moscow. Indeterminate.

Start tomato seeds inside at least 6 weeks before last frost (around 4/1). Ideal temperature for germination is 85° (use a heating mat). Days to germination: 5-14. Once leaves appear, grow plants at 72°. Plant seedlings outside late May into fertile garden soil (with lots of compost or decomposed manure) at a spacing of 18” apart. Stake tomato plants. Tomatoes are susceptible to several fungal diseases (including Early and Late Blight and Verticillium Wilt). To prevent blight, keep foliage dry by 1) Pruning tomato plants to allow for good air circulation 2) Water with drip irrigation/soaker hoses. Crop rotation is also key to preventing tomato diseases. Ideally, plant tomato plants in a spot that has not had any Solanaceae crops (tomato, peppers, eggplant, potatoes) growing there for 4 years. Frequent watering will help to minimize cracking of tomatoes.