Solanum lycopersicum 'Cherokee Purple'
Cherokee Purple Tomato
Heirloom cultivar reportedly from the Cherokee people of Tennessee; shared by Craig LeHoullier in 1990; the species S. lycopersicum is native to western South America
Overview
Solanum lycopersicum 'Cherokee Purple' is Cherokee Purple tomato, an indeterminate heirloom growing 72-96 inches (180-240 cm / 6-8 feet) on stakes or cages. Large flattened beefsteak-type fruit 10-16 ounces (280-450 g) with dusky purple to purple-black skin, persistent green shoulders, and deep red-purple flesh. The dark skin color is from anthocyanin pigments overlaying the red lycopene. The green shoulders remain when ripe — do not wait for them to color. Bright yellow flowers in clusters. In the nightshade family (Solanaceae). Heirloom (open-pollinated): reportedly from the Cherokee people of Tennessee; shared by Craig LeHoullier and introduced to the Seed Savers Exchange in 1990. Indeterminate: continues producing until frost. No hybrid disease resistance: susceptible to late blight (Phytophthora infestans), Fusarium wilt, cracking, and catfacing (misshapen fruit from poor pollination in cool weather). The fruit cracks in heavy rain and bruises in handling — not suited to commercial shipping. Start indoors 6 weeks before last frost. All green parts contain solanine — toxic to pets and humans in quantity. Ripe fruit is non-toxic. Full sun. Tender annual. Growth rate is fast.
Native Range
Heirloom cultivar reportedly from the Cherokee people of Tennessee. The species S. lycopersicum is native to western South America (Peru, Ecuador).Suggested Uses
Grown in vegetable gardens and containers of at least 10 gallons (38 L). The large dusky purple beefsteak fruit. Heirloom — save seeds. No disease resistance. Cracks in rain. Not for shipping. 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-September). Yellow flowers in clusters. Self-pollinating — but catfacing occurs in cool weather when pollination is incomplete. Fruit 80-90 days from transplant. Indeterminate: continuous production until frost.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Yellow, 5-petaled, in clustersFoliage Description
Medium green, pinnately compound with toothed leaflets, fine hairsGrowing 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 well-drained soil pH 6.0-6.8. Start indoors 6 weeks early. Indeterminate — stake or cage (6-8 feet / 180-240 cm). Remove suckers weekly. No disease resistance. Cracks in rain. Bruises in handling. Consistent watering. Green parts toxic. Tender annual.Pruning
Remove suckers weekly from leaf axils. Remove lower leaves below the first fruit truss. Top the main stem 4-6 weeks before frost. Harvest when dusky purple — the green shoulders persist when ripe.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