PAUL ROBESON

(Solanum lycopersicum). This famously tasty, brick-red tomato from Russia has a cult-like following among seed collectors and tomato connoisseurs, who simply cannot get enough of its distinctive, smoky-sweet flavor. Moscow seedswoman Marina Danilenko shared it with Seed Savers Exchange founder Kent Whealy in the 1990s, when he was working to connect with breeders and seed savers in the former Soviet Union and eastern Europe. Danilenko also contributed about 170 other Russian tomato varieties to Seed Savers' collection. It is named in honor of famous opera singer Paul Robeson, star of the 1936 film Showboat. Robeson was an influential African American activist, artist, actor, and athlete of the early to mid 20th century. His support of pro-Soviet policies made him an icon in Russia but a target of the American government at home.

• Indeterminate
• 90 days to maturity
• 6-8 hours of full sun
• Sprouts in 7-14 days
• Seed Depth: 1/8"
• Plant Spacing: 24"
• Ideal Temperature: 75-95 F
• Frost Hardy: No