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Solanum lycopersicum 'Cherokee Purple'
Cherokee Purple Tomato
Heirloom cultivar; believed passed down through the Cherokee Nation; the species S. lycopersicum is native to western South AmericaOverview
Solanum lycopersicum 'Cherokee Purple' is Cherokee Purple tomato, an indeterminate heirloom growing 72-96 inches (180-240 cm / 6-8 feet) tall on stakes or cages. Large beefsteak-type fruit 8-12 ounces (225-340 g) with dusky rose-purple to dark brownish-red skin and deep red-purple flesh — the dark color is from anthocyanin pigments overlaying the red lycopene. Matures in 75-90 days from transplant. Bright yellow flowers in clusters. In the nightshade family (Solanaceae). An heirloom (open-pollinated): seeds can be saved and will produce true to type. Believed passed down through the Cherokee Nation — made widely available in 1990 by Craig LeHoullier. No hybrid disease resistance: susceptible to Fusarium wilt, late blight (Phytophthora infestans), and cracking. The fruit cracks readily in heavy rain or inconsistent watering. Indeterminate growth — requires staking or caging. Start indoors 6 weeks before last frost. All green parts contain solanine — toxic to pets and humans if consumed in quantity. Ripe fruit is non-toxic. One of the most widely grown heirloom tomatoes. Full sun (6+ hours). Tender annual. Growth rate is fast.
Native Range
Heirloom cultivar believed passed down through the Cherokee Nation. The species S. lycopersicum is native to western South America (Peru, Ecuador).Suggested Uses
Grown in vegetable gardens and large containers (20 gallons / 76 L minimum). Heirloom — save seeds. The purple beefsteak fruit. No hybrid disease resistance. Susceptible to cracking. Green parts toxic. Tender annual.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height6' - 8'
Width/Spread3' - 4'
Reaches mature size in approximately 1 years
Bloom Information
Summer to fall (June-October). Bright yellow flowers continuously on indeterminate vines. Self-pollinating. Fruit 75-90 days from transplant.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Bright yellow, 5-petaled, in small clustersFoliage Description
Medium to dark green, pinnately compound with serrated leaflets, aromaticGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Full sun (6+ hours). Rich moist well-drained soil pH 6.0-7.0. Start indoors 6 weeks before last frost. Stake or cage (indeterminate — 6-8 feet). No hybrid disease resistance — susceptible to blight, wilt, and cracking. Consistent watering reduces cracking. Green parts toxic. Tender annual.Pruning
Remove suckers weekly. Remove lower leaves below the first fruit truss. Top the main stem 4-6 weeks before frost. Stake or cage required. Large containers require 20 gallons (76 L) minimum.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
summerfall
Maintenance Level
highContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 20 gallons
⚠️ Toxicity Warning
Toxic to petsPlanting Guide
Planting Methods & Timing
Planting Method
transplant
Indoor Start
6 weeks before last frost
Direct Sow Timing
Not recommended — transplant only
Days to Maturity
75–90 days
Plant Spacing
24 inches