Last Updated on 1 year ago by Michelle
Cherokee Purple tomatoes are one of the most beloved heirloom varieties you can grow. These stunning tomatoes have a rich, complex flavor that’s both sweet and smoky—perfect for slicing fresh. Cherokee Purple tomatoes are typically grown and harvested during the summer, making them a highlight of the season for gardeners and tomato lovers alike.
They’re actually pretty easy to grow and keep cranking out big, flavorful fruit all season until frost stops the show.
What sets Cherokee purple tomatoes apart isn’t just their deep purple color with green shoulders. These indeterminate plants can shoot up to 4-6 feet and just keep producing all season.
The fruit can be huge, sometimes tipping the scales at over a pound. In terms of fruit size, Cherokee Purple tomatoes are often larger than many other heirloom and hybrid varieties, especially when grown in optimal summer conditions. The flavor, though, is what really makes them stand out from the crowd. If you’ve ever tasted a Cherokee Purple tomato, you know its rich, juicy, and complex flavor is unlike any other, making it a favorite among tomato enthusiasts.
Growing Cherokee purple tomatoes from seeds or transplants is pretty rewarding. If you want to grow tomatoes that combine impressive fruit size, unique color, and outstanding flavor, Cherokee Purple is a top choice compared to other types. Whether you’re a tomato rookie or you’ve been gardening for years, these heirlooms will give you a harvest you’ll probably brag about.
There’s a real sense of wonder when you harvest or eat a perfectly ripe Cherokee Purple tomato, thanks to its exceptional taste and striking appearance.
Key Takeaways
- Cherokee purple tomatoes are easy-to-grow heirlooms, producing large, flavorful fruit with a unique sweet and smoky taste.
- These indeterminate plants grow 4-6 feet tall and keep producing tomatoes until frost.
- You can grow Cherokee purple tomatoes from seeds started indoors or from transplants, so they’re great for gardeners at any level.
Understanding Cherokee Purple Tomatoes
Cherokee purple tomatoes really stand out among heirloom varieties. Their dusky look and layered flavor make them a classic. Compared to other well-known heirlooms like Brandywine, which is famous for its large pink fruit and sweet, rich flavor, and Black Krim, known for its dark color and bold, tangy taste, Cherokee Purple offers a unique combination of color and depth of flavor. Related varieties include Cherokee Chocolate, which has a deeper, chocolate-colored skin and a slightly richer flavor, and Cherokee Green, a green-fleshed heirloom that appeals to fans of tangy, fresh-tasting tomatoes.
This tomato brings together a rich backstory, good looks, and flavor that’s hard to beat.
Origins and History
The Cherokee purple tomato traces its roots back to Tennessee. Folks passed this heirloom down for generations before it got any fame.
Craig LeHoullier, a tomato enthusiast, helped spread the word about this variety. A neighbor gave him seeds, saying they came from the Cherokee tribe.
No one’s totally sure about the Cherokee connection, but the name stuck. Most likely, the tomato originated somewhere in the southeastern U.S. in the 1800s.
It finally became available to gardeners in the 1990s. Since then, it’s turned into one of the country’s most popular heirlooms.
People love it for the unusual look and the flavor. These days, you can find Cherokee Purple seeds at most seed shops and garden centers, or whereever you find garden seeds.
Heirloom vs. Hybrid Varieties
Cherokee purple tomatoes are true heirlooms—not hybrids. So you can save seeds from your tomatoes and plant them again next year.
Heirlooms like Cherokee purple have been passed along for at least half a century. They stay true to type when you save and replant the seeds.
Key differences:
| Heirloom Tomatoes | Hybrid Tomatoes |
|---|---|
| Seeds can be saved | Seeds don’t breed true |
| Unique flavors | More uniform appearance |
| Variable appearance | Disease resistance bred in |
| Open-pollinated | Cross-pollinated varieties |
Heirlooms usually offer more interesting flavors than hybrids. Cherokee purple really proves that—its rich, sweet taste puts grocery store tomatoes to shame.
They might not be as tough against tomato diseases as modern hybrids. Still, the flavor makes them a favorite in the garden.
Unique Flavor and Appearance
The Cherokee purple has a dusky pink skin with streaks of green and purple, often showing brown hues when fully ripe. It’s a full-bodied tomato with a dense, juicy texture.
What you’ll notice:
- Flattened, beefsteak shape
- Pink and purple skin with green shoulders, sometimes tinged with brown
- Deep red flesh inside
- Big fruits, often 8-12 ounces
The flavor nails that balance of sweet and acidic. People call it rich and complex, and honestly, it’s perfect for slicing fresh.
The flesh turns a deep red when ripe. It’s dense and meaty, so you get a nice bite on sandwiches or salads.
As the fruit ripens, the purple color really comes through, and you may notice brown tones on the outer surface. Don’t wait for the green shoulders to vanish—they’re just part of the deal with this variety.
They’re flavorful additions to any garden and easily beat a lot of other tomatoes in taste.
Starting Cherokee Purple Tomatoes from Seeds and Transplants
You can start Cherokee Purple tomatoes from seeds indoors or purchase seedlings from a nursery. When starting from seeds or buying young plants, you may possibly find it difficult to identify true Cherokee Purple seedlings or evaluate their early growth. Starting seeds gives you more control, but transplants are super convenient if you’re short on time.
Choosing Seeds or Seedlings
When you’re ready to grow Cherokee purple tomatoes, you’ve got two main routes. Seeds are the best deal, and you get to pick from more options, along with heirlooms like this.
Order Cherokee purple seeds from specialty catalogs, or save your own from last year. If you store them right, seeds stay good for a couple years, so you can start whenever you like.
Cherokee purple seedlings are popping up more often at nurseries and garden centers now. Sometimes even big box stores have them in spring. Transplants cost a bit more but save you those 6-8 weeks of indoor growing.
Seed perks:
- Cheaper per plant
- Way more variety
- Full control over growing
- Start on your own schedule
Transplant perks:
- No need for indoor setup
- Quicker to get in the ground
- Lower risk of seedling failure
- Great for beginners
Indoor Seed Starting
Start Cherokee purple seeds about 8 weeks before your last frost date. They grow slow for the first few weeks, even in good potting mix.
Use seed starting mix in small pots or trays. Plant seeds about 1/4 inch deep and keep the soil moist—not soaked. They like it warm, around 70-80°F, to sprout well.
Put the pots under grow lights or in a sunny window. Seeds usually pop up in 7-14 days. Keep lights just a couple inches above the seedlings for 12-16 hours a day.
Timeline:
- Week 1-2: Seeds sprout, first leaves show up
- Week 3-4: True leaves develop (slowly)
- Week 5-6: Plants speed up, might need bigger pots
- Week 7-8: Start hardening off
It’s better to water from below to avoid damping off. Once you see 2-3 sets of true leaves, feed them with diluted liquid fertilizer.
Transplanting Seedlings
Whether you grew them from seed or bought them, transplanting Cherokee purple tomatoes the right way makes a huge difference. Harden off seedlings for about a week before moving them outside.
Start by putting the plants out for a couple hours in the shade. Each day, give them more time and a bit more sun. This helps them adjust so they don’t get shocked when you plant them in the garden.
Wait until after your last frost date and when the soil’s at least 60°F to plant outside. These tomatoes really want warmth to get going and show off that deep purple fruit.
Transplant steps:
- Dig holes 2-3 inches deeper than the root ball
- Space plants 36-48 inches apart
- Bury stems up to the first set of leaves
- Water well after planting
- Put in cages or stakes right away
Pick a sunny spot with rich, well-drained soil. Cherokee purple plants can get up to 9 feet tall, so they’ll need solid support from the start.
Water deeply but not too often—this helps their roots grow deep and strong.
Planting and Site Preparation
Cherokee purple tomatoes need full sun and well-prepped soil to hit peak flavor. Weather conditions, such as temperature and rainfall, can greatly impact the success of planting Cherokee Purple tomatoes, so choose your planting time and site carefully. Give them good spacing and the right planting depth so they can build strong roots for a productive season.
Selecting the Best Location
Cherokee purple tomatoes love full sun and well-drained soil. Aim for a spot that gets at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight every day.
Good airflow helps keep diseases away. Don’t plant them in low spots where water collects or cold air settles after rain.
Try to avoid windy areas—these plants can get tall and don’t appreciate being battered by gusts.
If you can, put them near peppers or herbs that like the same conditions. Skip spots where tomatoes had disease issues last year.
Easy access to water is a plus. These heirlooms will need regular drinks all season.
Soil Preparation and Amendment
Cherokee purple tomatoes want rich, well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.8. Test your soil before planting to check what it needs.
Mix in 2-3 inches of compost or aged manure to boost nutrients and structure. Work it into the top 8-10 inches of soil.
Top amendments:
- Compost for nutrients and drainage
- Bone meal for phosphorus
- Aged manure for nitrogen
- Perlite if drainage is an issue
Work the soil when it’s just barely moist. If you squeeze a handful and it crumbles, you’re good to go.
If your garden soil is heavy clay, build raised beds to help drainage and avoid root rot.
Spacing and Planting Depth
Plant Cherokee purple seeds ¼ inch deep in starter mix. Space the seeds about 2 inches apart in trays.
For transplants, dig holes a bit deeper than the root ball. Bury the stem deep—cover about two-thirds of the plant, including some lower leaves.
Space the plants 24-30 inches apart. Cherokee purple tomatoes grow big, so give them room.
Planting depth quick guide:
- Seeds: ¼ inch deep
- Transplants: Bury up to first true leaves
- Root ball: 1-2 inches below soil surface
After planting, water gently to settle the soil around the roots. Try not to splash the leaves to help prevent diseases.
Stick stakes or cages in right away. That way, you won’t mess up the roots later when the vines get heavy with fruit.
Caring for Cherokee Purple Tomato Plants
Cherokee purple tomatoes thrive when you give them steady watering, good fertilizer, and a bit of pruning. Consistent care, including proper watering and feeding throughout the growing season, is essential for optimal fruit development. If you want that deep, complex flavor, you’ll need to keep up with these basics all season.
Watering and Mulching
These tomatoes need about 1-2 inches of water each week. Water deeply once or twice weekly—skip the daily sprinkles.
Always water at the base. Wet leaves? That just invites tomato diseases, and no one wants that.
Mulching Benefits:
- Keeps soil moist longer
- Prevents weeds from competing with your plants
- Maintains steady ground temperature
- Reduces water evaporation
Spread 2-3 inches of organic mulch around each plant. Just don’t pile it against the stems—leave a couple inches of space to avoid rot.
Straw, grass clippings, or shredded leaves all work well. Not sure if your plants need water? Stick your finger in the soil about 2 inches deep—if it feels dry, it’s time to water.
Fertilizing Schedule
Cherokee purple plants eat a lot and need regular nutrients for those big, tasty tomatoes. Use compost-rich soil before planting seeds or seedlings.
Monthly Fertilizing Plan:
- Month 1-2: High nitrogen fertilizer (10-5-5) every 2 weeks
- Month 3+: Lower nitrogen, higher potassium (5-10-10) every 2-3 weeks
Once flowering starts, switch to a low-nitrogen fertilizer. Too much nitrogen at this stage just slows ripening and waters down the flavor.
Sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons of fertilizer around the base of each plant. Water well after feeding to help the nutrients soak in.
Each month, side-dress with compost to keep the plants growing strong and the fruit coming in steady.
Pruning Techniques
Prune your Cherokee purple tomatoes so they focus energy on fruit, not just leaves. Start when the plants reach about 12-18 inches tall.
Remove these parts weekly:
- Suckers between main stems and branches
- Lower leaves touching the ground
- Yellow or diseased leaves
- Branches with no flowers or fruit
Pinch off suckers while they’re still small and soft. For thicker stems, grab clean pruning shears—don’t just yank them.
Pruning Timeline:
- Early season: Take off bottom leaves and tiny suckers
- Mid-season: Thin out crowded branches for better airflow
- Late season: Top the plant so it finishes ripening the fruit it already has
Never go overboard—don’t remove more than a quarter of the plant at once. Too much pruning can really stress your Cherokee purple and hurt your harvest.
Supporting and Managing Growth
Cherokee purple tomatoes shoot up fast and need solid support structures. Allowing the fruit to ripen fully on the vine enhances both the flavor and quality of Cherokee Purple tomatoes. If you want them to reach their full size, get a jump on pest prevention early, too.
Staking and Caging
These plants can hit 6 feet tall, so don’t wait—stake or cage them when you first plant them out.
Put cages or stakes in at planting time to avoid messing up the roots later. Pick cages at least 5 feet tall, made from something sturdy like galvanized steel.
If you’re staking, use 6-foot wood or metal stakes, and drive them a foot deep. Tie up the stems loosely with soft strips—old t-shirts work, or grab some tomato ties.
Support your Cherokee purple plants by:
- Setting up support early in the season
- Tying stems gently—no strangling!
- Removing suckers between stems and branches
- Checking your ties every week as the plant grows
Pruning suckers helps push more energy into fruit, not just leaves. Better airflow means fewer disease headaches, too.
Pest and Disease Prevention
Cherokee purple tomatoes can attract pests and diseases like any tomato. Blight, wilt, and mosaic virus are the usual suspects.
Pick healthy transplants and use well-draining soil right from the start. Give your plants enough space so air can move between them.
Key prevention strategies include:
- Watering at soil level to keep leaves dry
- Mulching to stop soil from splashing up
- Rotating crops to different spots each year
- Pulling out any diseased leaves or branches right away
Keep an eye out for hornworms, aphids, and whiteflies. Flip over leaves and check for eggs or bugs every week if you can.
If you’ve had disease issues before, try organic fungicides as a preventative. Copper-based sprays can help with bacterial or fungal problems if you use them before symptoms show up.
Harvesting and Enjoying Your Cherokee Purple Tomatoes
These tomatoes are ready when they turn a deep purple-pink and give just a little when you press them. Cherokee purples have a rich, almost smoky flavor that’s perfect for eating fresh or tossing into recipes.
When and How to Harvest
Your Cherokee purple tomatoes usually ripen 80-90 days after transplanting. Here’s what to look for:
Visual Indicators:
- Deep pink or purple color, maybe a bit of green near the stem
- Dusky purple shade over most of the fruit
- Slight softening at the shoulders
The fruit should feel firm but not hard. If it has a sweet, earthy smell at the stem, you’re good to go.
Harvest at least twice a week so you don’t lose any to overripening. Gently twist and pull the tomato off, or snip it with clean shears if that feels easier.
Weight matters—heavier tomatoes usually mean more flavor and ripeness. Don’t let them sit too long or they’ll get mushy and lose that classic Cherokee purple taste.
Handle them carefully. These big heirlooms can bruise if you’re rough with them, and nobody wants a squished tomato.
Best Uses and Storage
Cherokee purple tomatoes really shine when you use them fresh. Their complex, sweet flavor just begs for simple preparations.
These heirloom beauties work wonders for:
- Slicing onto sandwiches or burgers
- Layering into Caprese salads with fresh mozzarella
- Topping bruschetta
- Honestly, just eating straight off the plate
Their rich, slightly acidic taste brings something special to cooked dishes, too. I love tossing them into homemade tomato sauce or preserving them by canning when there’s a surplus.
Storage Tips:
Stash your Cherokee purple tomatoes in a cool, dry place—and keep them away from direct sunlight if you can. Letting them hang out at room temperature really brings out their best flavor.
Want them to last longer? Try these preservation tricks:
- Canning for enjoying them all year
- Freezing—whole or chopped, whatever works for you
- Drying to pack in that flavor
If you store them right, these tomatoes keep their quality for several days. That means you can enjoy their incredible taste all through the season.
Saving Seeds from Your Cherokee Purple Harvest
One of the best things about growing Cherokee purple tomatoes is that you can save seeds from your own harvest and keep this incredible heirloom tomato variety going year after year. It’s a simple process that lets you enjoy the same rich, sweet flavor season after season—and maybe even share a little Cherokee purple magic with friends or neighbors.
Here’s how to save seeds from your Cherokee purple tomato harvest:
- Pick a perfect tomato: Choose a fully ripe, healthy Cherokee purple tomato from your best plant. The riper the fruit, the better the seeds will be for next year’s planting.
- Scoop and soak: Cut the tomato open and scoop out the seeds along with the surrounding gel. Place everything in a small bowl or jar with a bit of water.
- Let it ferment: Set the bowl aside at room temperature for 2-3 days. The mixture will start to ferment—this helps break down the gel coating around each seed, which is important for good germination.
- Rinse and dry: After fermentation, pour off any floating bits and rinse the seeds thoroughly in a fine strainer. Spread them out on a paper towel or coffee filter to dry completely. Make sure they’re totally dry to prevent mold or rot.
- Store for next season: Once dry, store your Cherokee purple seeds in a labeled envelope or airtight container. Keep them in a cool, dry place until you’re ready to plant next spring.
Saving seeds from your Cherokee purple harvest is a rewarding way to keep this cherished heirloom tomato in your garden—and maybe even start a tradition of your own. Plus, you’ll always have a supply of seeds from a plant you know and love.
Troubleshooting Issues with Your Cherokee Purple Tomato Plant
Even the most experienced gardeners run into a few bumps when growing Cherokee purple tomatoes. These heirloom beauties are worth the effort, but they can be a little more sensitive than some modern tomato varieties. Here’s how to spot and solve the most common issues, so your Cherokee purple plants stay healthy and productive all season.
Common Problems and Solutions:
- Blossom End Rot: If you notice a black, sunken spot on the bottom of your tomatoes, you’re dealing with blossom end rot. This is usually caused by inconsistent watering or a calcium imbalance. Keep the soil evenly moist and avoid letting it dry out between waterings. Mulching around your plants can help maintain steady moisture levels.
- Blossom Drop: Sometimes, flowers fall off your Cherokee purple vines before they set fruit. This is often due to temperature swings—tomatoes like it between 65°F and 85°F. If you’re gardening in a hot or cool spell, try to provide some shade during the hottest part of the day or use row covers to keep things a bit warmer at night.
- Yellowing or Pale Green Leaves: If your Cherokee purple tomato plant’s leaves start turning pale green or yellow, it could be a sign of nutrient deficiency. A soil test can help you pinpoint what’s missing. Adjust your fertilizer routine to make sure your plants are getting the right balance of nutrients, especially nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
- Sunscald and Fungal Diseases: Cherokee purple tomatoes have dense foliage, but if the vines get too crowded or leaves are pruned too aggressively, fruit can get sunscald—white or yellow patches on the skin. Regular, gentle pruning and good support for your vines will help keep air moving and reduce the risk of fungal diseases like blight.
- General Productivity Issues: If your Cherokee purple tomatoes aren’t setting much fruit, check that your plants are getting enough sun, water, and nutrients. Sometimes, a little extra compost or a mid-season feed can make all the difference.
By keeping an eye out for these common issues and responding quickly, you’ll help your Cherokee purple tomato plants stay strong, green, and loaded with flavorful fruit right up until fall. With a little care, you’ll be rewarded with a productive harvest of some of the best-tasting tomatoes you’ve ever eaten.
