Cherokee Purple Tomato
Solanum lycopersicum 'Cherokee Purple'
Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Fruit Vegetable
Height
72 inches
Width
24 inches
Light
Full Sun
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Moderate
Lifespan
Tender perennial, grown as an annual
Native To
Central America
Toxicity
Ripe fruit is non-toxic; leaves, stems, and unripe fruit are toxic.
The Story
Plant Bio
Cherokee Purple is an heirloom tomato known for its rich flavor and unique purplish color. This variety is prized for its sweet, complex flavor and is often used for fresh eating.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
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Planting
How to Grow
- Select a sunny location with well-draining soil for planting.
- Tuck seeds ¼ inch deep into moist soil after the last frost date.
- Keep soil consistently moist and provide support as plants grow.
- Mist seedlings regularly to maintain humidity and promote germination.
- Transplant seedlings outdoors when they are 6-8 inches tall and danger of frost has passed.
- Fertilize every 2-3 weeks with a balanced fertilizer to promote healthy growth.
Pro Tip
Use stakes or cages early to support the plant and prevent disease.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water deeply at the base to avoid fungal diseases 🌱
- Prune suckers to improve airflow and fruit production
- Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds
Don't
- Avoid overhead watering which can promote blight ❌
- Don’t crowd plants; allow space for air circulation
- Refrain from over-fertilizing with nitrogen, which encourages foliage over fruit
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Harvest | ||||||||||||
| Pest Check | ||||||||||||
| Pinch | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Stake |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Cherokee Purple Tomato questions
What zones can Cherokee Purple Tomato grow in?
Cherokee Purple Tomato is hardy in USDA Zone 10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Cherokee Purple Tomato deer resistant?
Not reliably. Deer may browse Cherokee Purple Tomato, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
When does Cherokee Purple Tomato bloom?
Cherokee Purple Tomato typically blooms in mid-summer through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Cherokee Purple Tomato need full sun?
Cherokee Purple Tomato does best in full sun (6+ hours).
More Solanum to compare
Martino's Roma Tomato
Solanum lycopersicum 'Martino's Roma'
Yukon Gold Potato
Solanum tuberosum 'Yukon Gold'
Sweet Tomato
Solanum lycopersicum 'Sweet'
Napa Rose Tomato
Solanum lycopersicum 'Napa Rose'
Red Currant Tomato
Solanum lycopersicum 'Red Currant'
Gold Medal Tomato
Solanum lycopersicum 'Gold Medal'
Keep exploring
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Hardy in your zone?
Grow Cherokee Purple Tomato with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
