Solanum lycopersicum ‘Cherokee Purple’
Overview
Uses: Fresh eating, slicing for sandwiches, salads, and heirloom vegetable gardens.
Benefits: Large heirloom tomatoes with deep purple skin and rich red interior. Meaty texture, balanced sweetness, and extended harvest from an indeterminate growth habit.
USDA Hardiness Zones: Annual
Sun: Full Sun
Life Cycle: Annual
Growth Habit: Climbing, Spreading — indeterminate vines that require support.
Bloom Color: Yellow
Mature Height: 4–6' (with staking)
Mature Width: ~24"
Bloom Season: Summer to Early Fall
Growth Rate: Fast
Summary
Cherokee Purple is a classic heirloom tomato known for its rich color and full-bodied flavor.
The fruits develop deep dusky-purple skin with a deep red interior and a smooth, meaty texture. Slightly sweet with balanced acidity, it’s especially well-suited for slicing and fresh eating.
As an indeterminate variety, Cherokee Purple continues producing throughout the growing season, offering steady harvests from midsummer into early fall when grown in full sun with proper support.
Care
Cherokee Purple Tomato Plant Care
Plant outdoors after danger of frost has passed and nighttime temperatures consistently remain above 50–55°F. Choose a full-sun location with rich, well-drained soil.
Space plants about 24 inches apart to promote airflow. Water regularly at the base, keeping soil evenly moist but not waterlogged.
Support vines with staking or caging early in the season to keep fruit off the ground and improve air circulation.
Feed during active growth with a slow release fertilizer. Transition to a balanced or phosphorus-forward feeding once flowering begins to support fruit production.
Harvest when fruits reach their characteristic deep purple-red tone and yield slightly to gentle pressure.
Size
What Size is the Cherokee Purple Tomato Plant for Sale Online?
Our Cherokee Purple tomato plants ship in a greenhouse-grade grow pot and are well-rooted and actively growing at time of shipment. For specific sizing details, please contact us.
How Large Does Cherokee Purple Tomato Grow?
When supported with staking or a cage, plants typically reach 4–6 feet tall and about 24 inches wide. As an indeterminate variety, vines continue growing and setting fruit through the season.
Additional Information
Is Cherokee Purple a determinate or indeterminate tomato?
Cherokee Purple is an indeterminate (cordon-type) tomato. This means it continues growing and producing fruit throughout the season rather than setting a single concentrated crop.
Is this considered an heirloom tomato?
Yes. Cherokee Purple is a widely recognized heirloom variety valued for its flavor, color, and traditional garden performance.
Where can I explore more tomato varieties?
You can browse additional varieties in our Tomato Plants collection.
What other edible plants pair well with tomatoes?
Tomatoes are often grown alongside peppers and herbs in summer gardens. Explore more options in our Annual Vegetable Plants collection.
