How To Plant Cherokee Purple Tomato

There's just something special about biting into a juicy, homegrown tomato, isn't there? But not all tomatoes are created equal. If you're looking for an heirloom variety bursting with flavor and a beautiful dusky rose color, the Cherokee Purple tomato is a must-try. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about how to plant Cherokee Purple tomatoes, from starting seeds to harvesting your delicious bounty.

Understanding the Cherokee Purple Tomato

Before diving into the planting process, let's appreciate what makes the Cherokee Purple tomato so unique. This heirloom variety hails from Tennessee, with a history tracing back to Cherokee Native Americans. Its flavor is often described as complex, sweet, and slightly smoky, making it a favorite among tomato connoisseurs. Unlike the uniform red color of many supermarket tomatoes, the Cherokee Purple boasts a distinctive dark pink to purple hue, sometimes with green shoulders. The size can range from medium to large, typically weighing between 8-12 ounces, though some can grow even larger.

Here's a quick rundown of Cherokee Purple Tomato facts:

1. Type: Heirloom, indeterminate
2. Days to Maturity: 75-85 days
3. Fruit Size: Medium to Large (8-12 oz+)
4. Flavor: Sweet, complex, slightly smoky
5. Color: Dusky rose to purple

Starting Your Cherokee Purple Tomato Plants

You have two primary options for acquiring your Cherokee Purple tomato plants: starting from seed indoors or purchasing transplants from a local nursery. Starting from seed gives you more control over the entire process and a wider selection of varieties. Buying transplants offers convenience, but be sure to choose healthy, robust plants from a reputable source.

Starting Cherokee Purple Tomatoes from Seed

Starting seeds indoors requires some planning and attention to detail, but it's a rewarding experience. You'll need the following supplies:

1. Tomato seeds (Cherokee Purple variety)
2. Seed starting trays or pots
3. Seed starting mix (sterile, fine-textured)
4. Grow lights
5. Heat mat (optional but recommended)
6. Spray bottle

Follow these steps:

1. Timing is Key: Start your seeds 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost in your area. Check your local frost dates to determine the best time.
2. Sowing the Seeds: Moisten the seed starting mix and fill your trays or pots. Sow the seeds about ¼ inch deep. Gently cover with more mix and lightly water with a spray bottle.
3. Provide Warmth and Light: Place the trays on a heat mat (if using) and under grow lights. The ideal temperature for germination is around 75-85°F. Keep the lights on for 14-16 hours per day.
4. Maintain Moisture: Keep the soil consistently moist, but not soggy. Use a spray bottle to avoid overwatering.
5. Thin Seedlings: Once the seedlings have developed their first true leaves (the second set of leaves), thin them to one plant per cell or pot. Choose the strongest seedling and carefully snip off the others at the soil line.
6. Harden Off Seedlings: Before transplanting outdoors, you need to "harden off" the seedlings. This process gradually acclimates them to outdoor conditions. For about a week, expose the seedlings to increasing amounts of sunlight and wind. Start with an hour or two of exposure and gradually increase the time each day.

Choosing and Inspecting Cherokee Purple Tomato Transplants

If you opt to buy transplants, select healthy-looking plants from a reputable nursery. Look for the following:

1. Sturdy stems: Avoid plants with thin, leggy stems.
2. Healthy leaves: The leaves should be green and vibrant, without any yellowing, browning, or spots.
3. Strong root system: Gently remove the plant from its container to inspect the roots. They should be white and plentiful, not circling the pot excessively.
4. Avoid flowering plants: While it may be tempting to choose a plant that already has flowers, it's better to select a plant that is not yet flowering. The plant can focus its energy on establishing its root system after transplanting.

Reject any plants that show signs of disease or pests.

How to Plant Cherokee Purple Tomato Plants in the Garden

Now comes the exciting part: transplanting your Cherokee Purple tomato plants into the garden! This step is crucial for ensuring a successful harvest. Here's what you need to do:

Preparing the Planting Site

Cherokee Purple tomatoes need at least 6-8 hours of sunlight per day to thrive. Choose a location in your garden that receives full sun. The soil should be well-drained and rich in organic matter. Before planting, amend the soil with compost, aged manure, or other organic amendments. The ideal soil p H for tomatoes is between 6.0 and

6.8.

To prepare the planting hole, dig a hole that is twice as wide and as deep as the root ball of the transplant. This will give the roots plenty of room to spread out.

The Planting Process

1. Carefully Remove the Transplant: Gently remove the tomato plant from its container. If the roots are circling the pot, gently loosen them with your fingers.
2. Plant Deep: Plant the tomato plant deeper than it was in the container. Burying part of the stem encourages the plant to develop more roots, leading to a stronger, more productive plant. You can remove the lower leaves before planting to prevent them from rotting in the soil.
3. Add Amendments: Consider adding a handful of bone meal or a tomato fertilizer to the planting hole to provide essential nutrients.
4. Backfill and Water: Backfill the hole with soil, gently firming it around the plant. Water thoroughly to settle the soil.
5. Mulch: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Organic mulches like straw, shredded leaves, or wood chips are excellent choices.

Staking or Caging Your Cherokee Purple Tomatoes

Cherokee Purple tomatoes are indeterminate, meaning they will continue to grow and produce fruit throughout the growing season. They can reach heights of 6-8 feet, so providing support is essential. Staking or caging will prevent the plants from sprawling on the ground and improve air circulation, reducing the risk of disease.

1. Staking: Drive a sturdy stake into the ground near the plant, a few inches away from the stem. As the plant grows, tie the stem to the stake using soft twine or plant ties.
2. Caging: Place a tomato cage around the plant at the time of planting. Make sure the cage is tall and sturdy enough to support the plant as it grows.

Choose the support method that best suits your garden and your personal preference. Properly supporting your tomato plants will lead to a healthier and more productive harvest.

Caring for Your Cherokee Purple Tomato Plants

Once your Cherokee Purple tomato plants are in the ground, consistent care is crucial for a bountiful harvest.

Watering and Fertilizing

Water deeply and regularly, especially during hot, dry weather. Aim to keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which can promote disease. A good rule of thumb is to water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.

Fertilize regularly with a balanced tomato fertilizer, following the instructions on the product label. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth and reduced fruit production. Side-dress the plants with compost or aged manure every few weeks to provide a steady supply of nutrients.

Pruning Cherokee Purple Tomatoes

Pruning tomato plants can improve air circulation, reduce disease, and encourage fruit production. For indeterminate varieties like Cherokee Purple, it is best to prune the suckers. Suckers are the small shoots that grow in the "V" between the main stem and the branches. Pinch off these suckers when they are small (1-2 inches long). Pruning suckers directs the plant's energy into fruit production.

Remove any yellowing or diseased leaves to prevent the spread of disease.

Pest and Disease Control

Keep an eye out for common tomato pests, such as aphids, tomato hornworms, and whiteflies. Inspect your plants regularly and take action promptly if you spot any pests. Handpicking pests, using insecticidal soap, or applying neem oil are effective control methods.

Tomatoes are susceptible to various diseases, including early blight, late blight, and blossom end rot. To prevent disease, provide good air circulation, avoid overhead watering, and mulch around the base of the plants. If you notice signs of disease, remove affected leaves and treat the plants with a fungicide if necessary.

Harvesting Your Cherokee Purple Tomatoes

The moment you've been waiting for! Cherokee Purple tomatoes are typically ready to harvest 75-85 days after transplanting. The fruit will be a dusky rose to purple color, with a slight green shoulder. The tomato should feel slightly soft to the touch. Gently twist the tomato off the vine, leaving a small piece of the stem attached.

The perfect stage to harvest your Cherokee Purple tomatoes is when they show a deep, rich color but are still slightly firm. Avoid harvesting when the fruits are fully soft, as they might be overripe.

Enjoy the fruits (or vegetables!) of your labor! Cherokee Purple tomatoes are delicious eaten fresh, sliced on sandwiches, or used in salads and sauces. Their unique flavor and color make them a standout addition to any culinary creation.

With a little bit of knowledge and effort, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of delicious Cherokee Purple tomatoes from your own garden. Happy gardening!