Cherokee Purple Tomato
Best heirloom choice for home gardeners seeking rich, sweet tomato harvests.
Experience the rich history and exceptional flavor of the Cherokee Purple Tomato, a beloved 19th-century heirloom. Originally cultivated by the Cherokee tribe, this variety produces heavy yields of large, beefsteak-style tomatoes. Fruits showcase a unique dusky rose to purple hue, often with green shoulders, and weigh 12-16 ounces. Renowned for its sweet, candy-like aftertaste, this indeterminate plant matures in about 80 days. These certified organic seeds offer a rewarding gardening experience and superior taste for any home gardener.
$2.70
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
3136
/ 5867
#3136 in Seeds & Seed Tape
Price vs Category Average
-75%
Below average
Botanical Name
Solanum lycopersicum
/ Solanum lycopersicum
Who it's for
- Sandwich enthusiasts needing meaty, substantial slices for burgers
- Gourmet cooks seeking exceptional flavor for fresh summer meals
- Home gardeners wanting visually striking produce for culinary displays
Who should skip it
- Busy gardeners preferring low-maintenance, disease-resistant plant varieties
- Gardeners in regions with unpredictable or heavy rainfall
- Impatient growers looking for high-volume, early-season harvests
Performance breakdown
Flavor Profile
Complex, sweet, and candy-like notes define this legendary heirloom variety.
Yield Potential
Heavy production of massive beefsteak fruits ensures a bountiful summer harvest.
Growth Habit
Indeterminate vines require sturdy staking to support continuous, season-long fruit production.
Germination Reliability
Certified organic seeds offer consistent sprouting when soil temperatures remain optimal.
Culinary Versatility
Perfect for slicing, fresh salads, or elevating simple sandwiches with color.
Gardening Difficulty
Requires attentive care and consistent watering to prevent common heirloom cracking.
Key Specs
Botanical Name
Solanum lycopersicum
Maturity
80 Days
Seed Count
25 seeds per packet
Fruit Size
6 inches, 12 to 16-ounces
Plant Habit
Indeterminate
Germination Time
7-14 days
Optimal Germination Temperature
70-85ºF
Certified Organic
true
Features
- Exceptional heirloom flavor
- Large, beefsteak-style fruits
- Unique purple and rose coloring
- Sweet, candy-like aftertaste
- Certified organic seeds
- Indeterminate growth for continuous harvest
- Heavy yields
- 80 days to maturity
What customers say
Consumers consistently celebrate the exceptional quality and flavor profile of the Cherokee Purple Tomato seeds. The primary focus is on the reliable germination rate and the resulting fruit's rich, smoky sweetness, often described as unmatched by other varieties. Gardeners find these seeds offer tremendous value, delivering a high yield of large, vigorous heirloom tomatoes. This variety is a perennial favorite, confirming its status as a must grow for those prioritizing authentic, superior taste in their home garden.
Know before you buy
Indeterminate means the plant will continue to grow, flower, and produce fruit throughout the entire growing season until the first frost. You will need to provide sturdy staking or a trellis to support the vines as they continue to climb.
Under optimal conditions, with soil temperatures between 70 and 85ºF, you can expect germination to occur within 7 to 14 days.
Yes, these are certified organic seeds, meaning they are produced without the use of synthetic fertilizers or pesticides, making them a great choice for organic home gardens.
Cherokee Purple tomatoes are large beefsteak-style fruits that typically weigh between 12 and 16 ounces and reach about 6 inches in diameter.
These seeds should be planted in the spring once the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed up sufficiently to support germination.
This variety is highly regarded for its complex, rich flavor that finishes with a distinct, sweet, candy-like aftertaste.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$3