Tomato, Cherokee Purple

Description

Tomato ‘Cherokee Purple’

Cherokee Purple Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is a beloved heirloom variety prized for its rich, smoky-sweet flavor, unique color, and historical significance. This indeterminate variety produces large, beefsteak-style fruits with a distinctive deep purple-brown hue and green shoulders, making it a standout in any garden or on the plate. Originating from Tennessee, Cherokee Purple is believed to have been cultivated by the Cherokee people, adding cultural and historical value to its reputation.

The fruits, which can weigh 10–12 ounces or more, are juicy and meaty, making them ideal for slicing, sandwiches, and fresh eating. Cherokee Purple’s intense flavor and natural beauty make it a favorite among home gardeners and culinary enthusiasts alike. Vigorous and prolific, this variety thrives in sunny locations with well-draining soil, rewarding gardeners with a generous harvest of gourmet-quality tomatoes.

Features and Characteristics

1. Unique Color and Appearance: Produces large, flattened globe-shaped fruits with a deep purple-red hue, green shoulders, and a smooth, glossy surface.
2. Outstanding Flavor: Known for its rich, sweet, and smoky taste, Cherokee Purple is one of the most flavorful tomatoes available.
3. Large Fruits: Each fruit can weigh 10–16 ounces, perfect for slicing and showcasing in gourmet dishes.
4. Indeterminate Growth: Vigorous vines continue producing fruit throughout the growing season until frost.
5. Heirloom Variety: Open-pollinated and perfect for seed-saving, this variety has been passed down through generations.

Uses for Cherokee Purple Tomatoes

• Fresh Eating: Slice for sandwiches, caprese salads, or as a topping for burgers.
• Cooking: Roast, grill, or sauté to enhance the natural sweetness and smoky undertones.
• Preserving: Perfect for canning, freezing, or making sauces, chutneys, and salsas.
• Juices and Garnishes: Add vibrant color and flavor to tomato juice, cocktails, or as a garnish for dishes.

How to Grow Cherokee Purple Tomatoes

1. Starting Seeds Indoors

• Timing: Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last expected frost date.
• Planting Depth: Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep in a quality seed-starting mix.
• Light and Temperature: Provide 12–16 hours of bright light daily and maintain a temperature of 70–75°F (21–24°C) for optimal germination.
• Transplanting Seedlings: Once seedlings develop two sets of true leaves, transplant them into larger pots to promote strong root systems.

2. Transplanting Outdoors

• Timing: Transplant seedlings outdoors after the last frost, once nighttime temperatures stay above 50°F (10°C).
• Site Selection: Choose a sunny spot with at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
• Soil Preparation: Enrich soil with compost or well-rotted manure and ensure good drainage. The ideal pH is slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–6.8).
• Spacing: Space plants 24–36 inches apart in rows 36–48 inches apart to allow for good air circulation.

3. Watering

• Consistent Moisture: Water deeply and regularly, aiming for 1–2 inches of water per week.
• Avoid Overwatering: Let the top inch of soil dry between waterings to prevent root rot and diseases.
• Mulching: Apply a 2–3 inch layer of organic mulch around plants to retain soil moisture, regulate temperature, and minimize weeds.

4. Fertilization

• Initial Feeding: Before planting, mix a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) into the soil.
• Ongoing Fertilization: Once fruits set, switch to a fertilizer higher in phosphorus and potassium (e.g., 5-10-10) to support fruit development. Feed every 2–3 weeks during the growing season.

5. Support and Pruning

• Support: Use sturdy stakes, cages, or trellises to support the tall, vigorous vines and keep fruits off the ground.
• Pruning: Remove lower leaves to improve airflow and reduce disease risk. Pinch off suckers (small shoots between the main stem and branches) to focus the plant’s energy on fruit production.

6. Pollination

• Self-Pollinating: Cherokee Purple is self-pollinating but benefits from gentle shaking or good airflow to improve fruit set.

Harvesting Cherokee Purple Tomatoes

1. Ripeness: Harvest when fruits are fully colored with a deep purple-red hue and slightly soft to the touch. The green shoulders may remain even when ripe.
2. Frequency: Check plants regularly during peak season to pick fruits at their prime.
3. Handling: Gently twist or snip tomatoes from the vine to avoid damaging the plant.
4. Storage: Store ripe tomatoes at room temperature and use within a few days for the best flavor. Refrigerate only if necessary.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

1. Blossom-End Rot: A calcium deficiency or inconsistent watering can cause dark, sunken spots on the bottom of fruits. Maintain consistent moisture and amend soil with calcium if needed.
2. Cracking: Rapid changes in watering or heavy rain can cause fruits to crack. Mulch to retain even soil moisture and avoid overwatering.
3. Pests: Monitor for tomato hornworms, aphids, and whiteflies. Use organic solutions like neem oil or insecticidal soap to control infestations.
4. Diseases: Cherokee Purple is susceptible to fungal diseases like blight. Remove affected leaves, improve airflow, and use organic fungicides as needed.

Seasonal Care Tips

• Spring: Start seeds indoors, prepare garden beds, and transplant seedlings after the last frost. Protect young plants from unexpected cold snaps.
• Summer: Water consistently, fertilize as needed, and provide support as plants grow. Harvest fruits regularly as they ripen.
• Autumn: Harvest remaining green tomatoes before frost and allow them to ripen indoors. Remove plants and clean the garden to prevent overwintering pests and diseases.
• Winter: Save seeds from your best fruits for the next growing season or source new seeds to expand your collection.

Culinary Uses for Cherokee Purple Tomatoes

1. Fresh Eating: Showcase their flavor and color in caprese salads, BLTs, or bruschetta.
2. Cooking: Roast, grill, or sauté to deepen their smoky sweetness for sauces and soups.
3. Preserving: Can, freeze, or dehydrate for year-round enjoyment.
4. Juices and Salsas: Add to fresh juices, salsas, or chutneys for a unique flavor twist.

Design and Styling Ideas for Gardens

1. Heirloom Showcase: Pair Cherokee Purple with other heirloom varieties for a colorful and flavorful tomato garden.
2. Companion Planting: Grow with basil, marigolds, or nasturtiums to deter pests and enhance growth.
3. Raised Beds: Use raised beds to improve drainage and make maintenance easier.
4. Container Gardening: Plant in large, sturdy containers for patios or balconies.

Why Choose Cherokee Purple Tomatoes?

Cherokee Purple Tomatoes combine unparalleled flavor, historical significance, and stunning appearance, making them a favorite among gardeners and food enthusiasts alike. Their smoky-sweet taste, large size, and heirloom pedigree ensure a premium eating experience, whether fresh or cooked. Vigorous and productive, Cherokee Purple thrives in well-tended gardens, delivering gourmet-quality fruits with minimal effort.

Plant Cherokee Purple Tomatoes this season and enjoy the satisfaction of growing your own heirloom treasures. Experience their rich history and unforgettable flavor in every bite!