Cherokee Purple Tomato

Be sure to check out our Tomato Growing Guide for tips & tricks on being successful in growing tomatoes at home.

Cherokee Purple Tomato is an heirloom variety that originated in Tennessee with the Cherokee Native Americans. This giant beefsteak tomato produces elegant fruits that are 5" in diameter. Large fruits are a dark red, almost purple color with some green coloration towards the stem. Cherokee Purple Tomato is an indeterminate variety, which means they will continue producing throughout the warmer months. Prune bottom lateral stems to improve airflow through plants and reduce the possibility of plant diseases. These tomatoes have a rich, full flavor that is tangy and sweet. At full ripeness, they make an excellent tomato sandwich or addition to your favorite sub.

Tomatoes are in the nightshade family along with peppers and eggplant. Plants in the nightshade family are susceptible to blossom end rot, which is a result of a calcium deficiency. To prevent or alleviate this problem, apply pelleted gypsum at the base of the plant at bloom set. Tomatoes do best when transplanted, as the germination time can be longer than most vegetable seed. They grow very well in our heavy-duty seed starting trays. Plants should be started 4-6 weeks before the intended outdoor planting date. If conditions outside are favorable, transplants may be planted directly from our 162-cell trays. Tomatoes can produce heavy fruits and will require some form of support to keep the plant upright. We recommend using the Florida Weave trellising technique that involves using stakes and twine along the row. This ensures that plants and fruits stay off the ground, reducing the possibility of disease and keeping fruits clean.

Cherokee Purple Tomato Planting Information

Planting Method: transplant

When to Plant: after last frost

Planting Depth: 1/4"

Seed Spacing: 2'

Row Spacing: 3-4'

Days to Maturity: 70

Disease Resistance: None