Growing Cherokee Purple Tomatoes: A Guide

Absolutely! Here’s a comprehensive article about the Cherokee Purple Tomato plant, with list items converted to headings.

The Cherokee Purple Tomato Plant: A Gardener’s Delight

The Cherokee Purple tomato is an heirloom variety renowned for its unique color and rich, complex flavor. This tomato has a fascinating history and is a favorite among gardeners and culinary enthusiasts alike.

History and Origin

Origins with the Cherokee Tribe

The Cherokee Purple tomato is believed to have originated from the Cherokee Native American tribe.

It’s said that the seeds were passed down through generations, eventually reaching a Tennessee family.

In the early 1990s, Craig LeHoullier, a tomato enthusiast, received seeds of this unique tomato and named it “Cherokee Purple.”

Its introduction to the wider gardening community through seed exchanges solidified its popularity.

Characteristics and Appearance

Distinctive Coloration

The Cherokee Purple tomato is known for its dusky pink to purplish-red skin, often with greenish-brown shoulders.

The interior flesh is a deep, rich red, giving it a striking appearance when sliced.

This unique coloration is due to a combination of pigments and the tomato’s thin skin.

Fruit Size and Shape

These tomatoes are typically large, beefsteak-type fruits, often weighing between 10 to 16 ounces.

They have a slightly flattened, round shape.

They often have some ribbing on the fruit.

Flavor Profile

The Cherokee Purple is celebrated for its complex, sweet, and slightly smoky flavor.

It has a rich, earthy taste that sets it apart from other tomato varieties.

The flesh is juicy and dense.

Cultivation and Growing Tips

Planting and Soil Requirements

Cherokee Purple tomatoes are indeterminate, meaning they continue to grow and produce fruit throughout the season.

They thrive in well-drained, fertile soil.

Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date.

Transplant seedlings outdoors when the soil has warmed and the risk of frost has passed.

Amend the soil with compost before planting.

Sunlight and Watering

These tomatoes require at least 6-8 hours of sunlight per day.

Water regularly, especially during hot, dry periods.

Avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases.

Support and Pruning

Due to their indeterminate growth and heavy fruit production, Cherokee Purple plants require strong support, such as stakes or cages.

Pruning can help improve air circulation and encourage fruit development.

Removing suckers is recommended.

Pest and Disease Management

Be vigilant for common tomato pests, such as aphids, tomato hornworms, and whiteflies.

Practice crop rotation and use disease-resistant varieties to minimize the risk of diseases like blight.

Using mulch around the plant can help prevent soil born disease.

Culinary Uses

Fresh Eating

Cherokee Purple tomatoes are exceptional when eaten fresh, sliced in salads or sandwiches.

Their rich flavor makes them a perfect addition to BLTs.

Cooking and Sauces

They can also be used in cooking, adding depth and complexity to sauces, soups, and stews.

Their unique color adds visual appeal to culinary creations.

Heirloom Value

Because they are heirloom tomatoes, they are great for people who like to save seeds for future growing seasons.

Key Considerations

Maturity

Cherokee Purple tomatoes typically take 80-90 days to mature.

Harvest when the fruit feels slightly soft and the color has deepened.

Heirloom Variety

As an heirloom variety, Cherokee Purple tomatoes are open-pollinated, meaning you can save the seeds and grow them again.

Where to find them.

Seeds and plants can be found at local nurseries, garden centers, and online seed retailers.

The Cherokee Purple tomato is a testament to the rich history and diversity of heirloom tomatoes. Its unique flavor and captivating appearance make it a must-grow for any tomato enthusiast.