At a Glance
Overview
Solanum lycopersicum 'Cherokee Purple' is a distinctive heirloom tomato cultivar renowned for its large, flattened beefsteak-type fruits that display a remarkable dusky purple to purple-black coloration with characteristic green shoulders when ripe. This indeterminate variety produces vigorous vines that can reach 6-8 feet in height, featuring the typical compound leaves of tomatoes with serrated leaflets that emit the classic tomato plant aroma when brushed or crushed. The plant develops a strong central stem with lateral branching that requires substantial support due to the weight of the mature fruits. Small yellow five-petaled flowers appear in clusters along the vine, typical of the nightshade family, eventually developing into the prized large fruits that can weigh 10-16 ounces each and measure 4-5 inches in diameter. The fruits exhibit a distinctive ribbed, slightly irregular shape characteristic of heirloom beefsteak varieties, with deep red flesh that offers a complex, sweet-tart flavor profile considered superior to many modern hybrid varieties.
Native Range
Solanum lycopersicum is native to the western regions of South America, particularly the Andes mountains of Peru, Ecuador, and northern Chile, though 'Cherokee Purple' is a cultivar that was developed in the southeastern United States.Suggested Uses
Solanum lycopersicum 'Cherokee Purple' works exceptionally well in vegetable gardens, raised beds, and large containers for fresh eating and gourmet culinary applications. The outstanding flavor and unique appearance make it ideal for slicing fresh for sandwiches, burgers, and caprese salads, while its meaty texture and rich taste excel in cooking applications such as sauces, soups, and roasting. This prized heirloom variety is particularly valued by home gardeners, farmers market growers, and chefs for its superior taste and striking appearance compared to commercial varieties, making it an excellent choice for specialty growing and direct sales.How to Identify
Growing Conditions
Sun Requirements
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Water & Climate
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Solanum lycopersicum 'Cherokee Purple' requires consistent moisture throughout the growing season, with deep watering 1-2 times per week rather than frequent shallow watering to encourage deep root development. Provide sturdy support structures such as tall tomato cages or stakes early in the season, as the vigorous growth and heavy fruit production will require substantial support. Feed regularly with a balanced fertilizer early in the season, then switch to a lower nitrogen, higher phosphorus and potassium blend once flowering begins to promote fruit development over excessive foliage growth. Apply a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch around the base to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds, keeping mulch several inches away from the stem to prevent disease issues. Monitor regularly for common tomato pests like hornworms and diseases such as early and late blight, providing good air circulation between plants and avoiding overhead watering to minimize fungal problems.Pruning
Prune Solanum lycopersicum 'Cherokee Purple' by removing suckers that develop in the crotch between the main stem and branches to direct the plant's energy into fruit production and improve air circulation throughout the canopy. Remove the lower leaves that touch the ground or are within 6 inches of the soil to prevent soil-borne diseases from splashing onto the plant during watering or rain. As the growing season progresses, promptly remove any yellowing, diseased, or damaged leaves to maintain plant health. In late summer, approximately 4-6 weeks before the expected first frost, top the plant by removing the growing tip to redirect energy into ripening existing fruits rather than producing new flowers and fruits that won't have time to mature.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: 10 gallons