Cherokee Purple Tomato Seeds
Best heirloom variety for home gardeners seeking flavorful, reliable harvests.
This Tennessee heirloom, sometimes called a black tomato, reputably originated from the Native Cherokee Indians before 1890. The unique color of the dark, dusky purple fruits carries through the flesh to the stem end. The large, highly flavorful fruits of the Cherokee Purple Tomato are smooth with slightly ridged shoulders. This is a disease-resistant, indeterminate variety.
$3.95
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Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
4806
/ 6513
#4806 in Seeds & Seed Tape
Price vs Category Average
-63%
Below average
Genus
Solanum
/ Solanum
Who it's for
- Home cooks and gardeners seeking a truly exceptional, rich-tasting tomato.
- Enthusiasts of heritage varieties and those valuing historical garden connections.
- Gardeners prioritizing reputable suppliers for authentic, high-quality heirloom seeds.
Who should skip it
- Gardeners in short-season climates or those desiring quick harvest times.
- Novice gardeners or those preferring low-maintenance, compact plant varieties.
- Commercial growers or home gardeners prioritizing perfect uniformity and maximum yield.
Performance breakdown
Flavor Profile
Renowned for a complex, smoky sweetness unmatched by standard supermarket varieties.
Heirloom Authenticity
Deep historical roots provide genuine cultural and culinary significance for gardeners.
Disease Resilience
Robust indeterminate growth habit helps withstand common garden pathogens throughout the season.
Yield Potential
Vigorous vines produce a steady supply of large, heavy fruits.
Ease of Cultivation
Requires consistent staking and pruning to manage its substantial five-foot height.
Seed Viability
High-quality heirloom genetics ensure reliable germination within the two-week window.
Key Specs
Genus
Solanum
Species
lycopersicum cv.
Exposure
Full Sun
Planting Method
Transplant
Planting Depth
1/4"
Days to Emerge
5 - 14
Plant Spacing
24 - 36" apart
Habit
approx 5' H
Know before you buy
Indeterminate tomatoes continue to grow, flower, and produce fruit throughout the entire growing season until the first frost. Because these plants can reach about 5 feet in height, you will need to provide sturdy stakes or cages to support their continuous growth.
Plant your seeds at a depth of 1/4 inch. For the best results, start them indoors as transplants before moving them outside once the danger of frost has passed.
To ensure proper airflow and healthy development, space your tomato plants 24 to 36 inches apart. This spacing helps prevent foliage diseases and allows the plants enough room to reach their full height.
These tomatoes require full sun to thrive and produce their signature flavorful, dusky purple fruit. Aim for a location in your garden that receives at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily.
Under optimal conditions, you can expect your seeds to emerge within 5 to 14 days. Keep the soil consistently moist and warm during this germination period to encourage faster sprouting.
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