How To Plant Cherokee Purple Tomato

Have you ever bitten into a tomato and tasted pure, unadulterated sunshine? That's the experience of a Cherokee Purple. This heirloom beauty isn't just a pretty face; its complex, smoky-sweet flavor makes it a garden favorite. But how do you actually get this purple marvel growing in your own backyard? Let's dive into the world of planting Cherokee Purple tomatoes!

All About Cherokee Purple Tomatoes

Before we get our hands dirty, let's talk about what makes the Cherokee Purple tomato so special. This is more than just a regular tomato; it's a piece of history and a flavor explosion all rolled into one. Knowing about its origins and characteristics will help you give it the best possible start.

What Makes Cherokee Purple Unique?

Cherokee Purple tomatoes are an heirloom variety, meaning they've been passed down through generations. They originated in Tennessee, with the story being that they were cultivated by the Cherokee people. Their unique dusty rose color with dark shoulders is a visual treat, but the real magic is in the taste. Unlike some overly acidic tomatoes, Cherokee Purples offer a balanced sweetness with a rich, earthy flavor that some describe as smoky. They are also known for being large, often weighing over a pound each!

Here's a quick rundown of their key features:

1. Size: Large, often over 1 pound
1. Color: Dusky rose-purple with dark green shoulders
1. Taste: Sweet, smoky, and complex
1. Type: Heirloom, indeterminate
1. Days to Maturity: 75-85 days

Understanding that they are indeterminate is crucial. Indeterminate tomatoes continue to grow and produce fruit throughout the growing season, requiring staking or caging to support their sprawling vines. Unlike determinate varieties that grow to a certain size and then stop.

Ideal Growing Conditions for Cherokee Purple

Cherokee Purple tomatoes thrive in warm weather and require plenty of sunshine. They need at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day to produce a bountiful harvest. The ideal soil temperature for planting is between 60-90°F (15-32°C). They also prefer well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. Soil p H should be slightly acidic, around 6.0-6.8.

If you live in a cooler climate with a shorter growing season, starting your seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost is highly recommended. This gives your plants a head start and ensures you'll have plenty of ripe tomatoes before the first frost arrives. If you're in a warmer climate, you can direct sow seeds after the last frost, but starting indoors often leads to more consistent results.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Plant Cherokee Purple Tomato

Now for the fun part! Planting Cherokee Purple tomatoes isn't difficult, but following these steps will set you up for success.

1. Starting Seeds Indoors (Optional)

If you're starting your seeds indoors, you'll need a few supplies:

1. Seed starting trays or pots
1. Seed starting mix (a light, sterile soil mix)
1. Cherokee Purple tomato seeds
1. Grow lights (optional, but highly recommended)
1. Heat mat (optional, but can speed up germination)

Fill your seed starting trays or pots with seed starting mix, moisten the soil, and sow the seeds about ¼ inch deep. Cover the seeds lightly with soil and gently water them again. Place the trays or pots in a warm location, ideally around 70-75°F (21-24°C). If you're using a heat mat, place it under the trays. Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged.

Once the seedlings emerge (usually within 7-14 days), move them under grow lights or to a sunny windowsill. If using grow lights, keep them a few inches above the seedlings and adjust as they grow. Once the seedlings have developed their first set of true leaves (the leaves that look like tomato leaves, not just the seed leaves), you can transplant them into larger pots. This gives them more room to grow before they're ready to go outside.

2. Preparing Your Garden Bed

Whether you started your seeds indoors or are planting purchased seedlings, preparing your garden bed is crucial. Cherokee Purple tomatoes need nutrient-rich soil and plenty of space to grow.

Choose a location that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. Amend the soil with compost or other organic matter to improve drainage and fertility. A good rule of thumb is to add a 2-3 inch layer of compost to the top of the soil and work it in. You can also add a slow-release fertilizer specifically formulated for tomatoes. Follow the package instructions for application rates.

Space your plants at least 24-36 inches apart. This allows for good air circulation, which helps prevent diseases. If you're planting in rows, space the rows 3-4 feet apart. Before you plant, consider installing stakes or cages to support the plants as they grow. Remember, Cherokee Purple tomatoes are indeterminate and can get quite large.

3. Planting Your Cherokee Purple Tomato Seedlings

Now for the main event! Gently remove the seedlings from their pots, being careful not to damage the roots. Dig a hole that is slightly larger than the root ball. Place the seedling in the hole and backfill with soil, gently firming it around the base of the plant.

A helpful trick is to bury the stem of the tomato plant deeper than it was in the pot. Tomatoes can grow roots along their stems, which will create a stronger, healthier plant. Remove the lower leaves of the seedling, leaving only the top few leaves, and bury the stem up to the remaining leaves. This will encourage more root growth and result in a more robust plant.

Water the newly planted seedlings thoroughly. This helps settle the soil and provides the plants with much-needed moisture. Add a layer of mulch around the base of the plants to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Straw, shredded leaves, or wood chips are all good options for mulch.

Caring for Your Cherokee Purple Tomato Plants

Planting is just the beginning! To ensure a bountiful harvest of delicious Cherokee Purple tomatoes, you'll need to provide ongoing care throughout the growing season.

Watering and Fertilizing

Water deeply and regularly, especially during hot, dry weather. Aim to water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which can increase the risk of disease. A good rule of thumb is to water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Soaker hoses or drip irrigation are excellent ways to water tomatoes efficiently.

Fertilize your Cherokee Purple tomato plants every 2-3 weeks with a balanced fertilizer specifically formulated for tomatoes. Follow the package instructions for application rates. You can also supplement with organic fertilizers such as compost tea or fish emulsion.

Pruning and Staking

Pruning is important for maintaining plant health and encouraging fruit production. Remove suckers (the small shoots that grow in the angle between the stem and branches) to encourage the plant to focus its energy on producing fruit rather than foliage. Regularly inspect your plants for any signs of pests or diseases. Early detection and treatment are key to preventing problems from spreading.

As mentioned before, Cherokee Purple tomatoes are indeterminate and require staking or caging. Install stakes or cages early in the growing season to support the plants as they grow. This will prevent the plants from falling over and keep the fruit off the ground, which reduces the risk of rot.

Dealing with Pests and Diseases

Tomatoes can be susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases. Common pests include aphids, tomato hornworms, and whiteflies. Common diseases include early blight, late blight, and blossom end rot.

Here are some tips for preventing and treating pests and diseases:

1. Inspect plants regularly: Look for signs of pests or diseases early on.
1. Use organic pest control methods: Insecticidal soap, neem oil, and diatomaceous earth can be effective against many common pests.
1. Practice crop rotation: Avoid planting tomatoes in the same location year after year.
1. Provide good air circulation: Space plants properly and prune to improve airflow.
1. Water at the base of the plant: Avoid wetting the foliage.
1. Remove diseased foliage: If you spot any diseased leaves, remove them immediately to prevent the disease from spreading.

Blossom end rot, a common problem with tomatoes, is caused by a calcium deficiency. To prevent blossom end rot, ensure that your soil is properly amended with calcium-rich materials such as bone meal or crushed eggshells. Consistent watering is also crucial, as fluctuations in moisture can contribute to calcium uptake problems.

Harvesting Your Cherokee Purple Tomatoes

After all your hard work, the best part is finally here: harvesting your Cherokee Purple tomatoes! Knowing when to pick them is key to enjoying their full flavor potential.

When to Harvest

Cherokee Purple tomatoes are typically ready to harvest about 75-85 days after transplanting. The color will change from green to a dusty rose-purple with dark green shoulders. The tomato should feel slightly soft to the touch, but not mushy. The best indicator of ripeness is often the color and feel. Ripe tomatoes will have a rich, deep color and give slightly when gently squeezed.

Gently twist or cut the tomato from the vine. Avoid pulling the tomato, as this can damage the plant. Store your freshly harvested Cherokee Purple tomatoes at room temperature, out of direct sunlight. Refrigerating them can affect their flavor and texture. Enjoy them fresh in salads, sandwiches, or sauces. They are also excellent for making tomato juice or salsa. There is nothing quite like a home grown Cherokee Purple!