How Tall Was Paul Robison's Tomato Plant?

When it comes to gardening, there are few things more satisfying than growing a healthy and robust tomato plant. For Paul Robison, one particular tomato plant back in 1986 would end up making headlines for its incredible height.

The Background

Paul Robison was no stranger to gardening. In fact, he had been growing tomatoes for over 15 years in his backyard in Edmond, Oklahoma. That year, he decided to take things to the next level and compete in the Oklahoma State Fair's tomato-growing contest.

Robison had a particular type of tomato in mind: the "Big Zac," a hybrid created by Minnie Zaccaria of New Jersey. This tomato is known for its large size, weighing in at over three pounds in some cases. Robison knew that if he could grow a Big Zac plant to its full potential, he would have a strong chance of winning the contest.

The Growth of the Plant

Robison planted his Big Zac tomato plant in late April and took great care to ensure it was properly nourished and watered. As the weeks passed, he noticed that the plant was growing taller and taller at an impressive rate. By mid-summer, it had surpassed six feet in height.

As the plant continued to grow, Robison had to get creative in order to support it. He constructed a wooden trellis that rose over ten feet in the air to provide the plant with enough space to continue growing. The trellis was anchored firmly into the ground, and metal posts were added for additional support.

The Heights It Reached

Despite Robison's efforts, the tomato plant continued to grow at an awe-inspiring rate. By early September, it had reached a staggering height of 28 feet, making it the tallest tomato plant in the world at the time. It had also produced over 200 Big Zac tomatoes, some of which weighed in at over four pounds each.

The news of Robison's plant quickly spread around the country, and he was soon featured in newspapers and on television shows across the United States. He was even invited to appear on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, where he spoke about his gardening techniques and showed off his towering tomato plant.

The Aftermath

Robison's tomato plant officially won the Oklahoma State Fair's tomato-growing contest that year, cementing its status as a gardening marvel. Robison himself was incredibly proud of the plant and the attention it received, stating that "it's just something that makes you tickle down inside to know you've done something that nobody else has done."

Today, the record for the world's tallest tomato plant has been broken several times, with some plants reaching over 40 feet in height. However, Paul Robison's Big Zac plant will always hold a special place in the hearts of gardeners around the world, as a reminder of just how incredible nature can be when given the care and attention it deserves.