Solanum lycopersicum 'Cherokee Purple', Cherokee Purple Tomato
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Vegetables

Solanum lycopersicum 'Cherokee Purple'

Cherokee Purple Tomato

SolanaceaeSouth America

At a Glance

Typeannual
Habitindeterminate vining
Foliagedeciduous
Height6-8 feet
Width3-4 feet
Maturity1 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

4a - 10b
Zone 4a
Zone 4b
Zone 5a
Zone 5b
Zone 6a
Zone 6b
Zone 7a
Zone 7b
Zone 8a
Zone 8b
Zone 9a
Zone 9b
Zone 10a
Zone 10b
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancetender

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators
Attracts Butterflies
Deer Resistant
Container Friendly
Maintenancehigh

Overview

Solanum lycopersicum 'Cherokee Purple' is an exceptional heirloom indeterminate tomato cultivar renowned for its outstanding flavor complexity and striking appearance. This vigorous annual produces large, flattened beefsteak-type fruits that typically weigh 8-12 ounces, with some specimens reaching up to one pound. The tomatoes display a remarkable dusky purple-red coloration with characteristic dark shoulders that fade from deep brownish-purple near the stem end to rich burgundy-red throughout the flesh, creating an unmistakable appearance among tomato varieties. The dense, meaty interior offers an extraordinary flavor profile that masterfully balances intense sweetness with rich, smoky undertones and well-integrated acidity, making it a prized selection among gourmet gardeners and professional chefs. The robust indeterminate vines can reach impressive heights of 6-8 feet throughout the growing season, developing typical compound tomato leaves with serrated leaflets and a slightly pubescent texture, while producing clusters of bright yellow star-shaped flowers that develop into the signature dark-hued fruits.

Native Range

Solanum lycopersicum originates from the western regions of South America, particularly the Andean highlands of Peru, Ecuador, and northern Chile, where wild ancestors continue to thrive in their natural habitat. The species was initially domesticated by indigenous peoples throughout Mexico and Central America before Spanish conquistadors introduced it to European cultivation during the 16th century. The specific 'Cherokee Purple' cultivar is believed to have been developed and carefully preserved by Cherokee peoples in the southeastern United States, representing generations of selective breeding for superior flavor characteristics and distinctive purple coloration.

Suggested Uses

Solanum lycopersicum 'Cherokee Purple' excels in dedicated vegetable gardens, raised bed systems, and large containers with adequate support structures and sufficient space for vigorous growth. This cultivar is primarily valued for fresh eating applications, particularly slicing for gourmet sandwiches, burgers, and caprese salads where its unique coloration and exceptional flavor complexity can be properly showcased. The distinctive taste profile makes it ideal for upscale culinary applications, artisanal cooking projects, and specialty preserving endeavors. Plant in sunny locations within cottage gardens or ornamental kitchen gardens where the attractive purple fruits serve dual purposes as both productive crops and decorative landscape elements.

How to Identify

Solanum lycopersicum 'Cherokee Purple' can be readily identified by its distinctive large, flattened globe-shaped fruits displaying characteristic dusky purple-red coloration with prominent dark shoulders and greenish undertones near the stem attachment. The beefsteak-type tomatoes are notably heavier and more deeply ribbed than standard slicing varieties, often showing subtle color variations from deep brownish-purple to rich burgundy-red. The vigorous indeterminate growth habit produces tall, sprawling vines requiring substantial support structures, with typical compound tomato foliage featuring serrated leaflets and slightly fuzzy texture. Bright yellow star-shaped flowers appear in terminal racemes, followed by the unmistakable dark-colored fruits that develop their signature purple hues as they approach full ripeness.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height6' - 8'
Width/Spread3' - 4'

Reaches mature size in approximately 1 years

Colors

Flower Colors

yellow

Foliage Colors

green

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
SummerFall
Continuously flowers from mid-summer through fall, typically beginning 6-8 weeks after transplanting and producing successive flower clusters throughout the growing season until terminated by frost in cooler climates

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

bright yellow

Foliage Description

medium to dark green with serrated compound leaflets

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 7.0(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loam
Drainage
well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

moderate to high

Frost Tolerance

tender

Time to Maturity

75-90 days

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Solanum lycopersicum 'Cherokee Purple' requires optimal growing conditions and attentive care to produce its exceptional fruits. Plant in well-draining, fertile soil enriched with generous amounts of compost or well-aged manure, maintaining consistent soil moisture through deep, regular watering at the base of plants to avoid wetting foliage and reducing disease pressure. Apply balanced fertilizer at transplanting, then switch to lower-nitrogen, higher-phosphorus and potassium formulations once flowering begins to promote strong fruit development over excessive vegetative growth. Install heavy-duty support structures such as sturdy tomato cages or strong wooden stakes immediately after planting, as indeterminate vines will continue growing and producing throughout the entire season. Apply thick organic mulch around plants to retain soil moisture, suppress competitive weeds, and prevent soil-borne pathogens from splashing onto lower leaves during watering or rain events.

Pruning

Prune Solanum lycopersicum 'Cherokee Purple' by consistently removing suckers that develop in the junction between main stems and leaf branches, focusing particularly on those below the first flower cluster to direct plant energy into fruit production rather than excessive vegetative growth. Remove lower leaves that touch or nearly touch the ground to improve air circulation and prevent soil-borne diseases from infecting the plant. Throughout the growing season, promptly remove any yellowing, damaged, or diseased foliage to maintain overall plant health and reduce disease pressure. Consider topping plants by removing the growing tip approximately 4-6 weeks before expected first frost to encourage ripening of existing fruits rather than continued new growth that won't have sufficient time to mature properly.

Pruning Schedule

summerfall

Maintenance Level

high

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 20 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Green parts of Solanum lycopersicum 'Cherokee Purple', including all foliage, stems, and unripe fruits, contain solanine and other glycoalkaloids that are toxic to humans and pets if consumed in significant quantities, potentially causing gastrointestinal distress, neurological symptoms, and other serious adverse effects. Fully ripe fruits are completely safe for consumption and are widely cultivated as nutritious food crops throughout the world. Keep pets and children away from plant foliage and green fruits, ensuring only fully ripe tomatoes are harvested for culinary use.

Planting Guide

Planting Methods & Timing

Planting Method

transplant

Indoor Start

6 weeks before last frost

Direct Sow Timing

not recommended for direct sowing in most climates due to long growing season requirements

Days to Maturity

75–90 days

Plant Spacing

24 inches

Companion Planting

Good Companions

basil
oregano
parsley
peppers
carrots
lettuce
spinach
marigolds
nasturtiums

Avoid Planting With

fennel
brassicas
corn
dill
walnut trees