Solanum lycopersicum 'Cherokee Purple', Cherokee Purple Tomato
Annuals

Solanum lycopersicum 'Cherokee Purple'

Cherokee Purple Tomato

SolanaceaeSouth America

At a Glance

Typeannual
Habitupright, vining
Foliagedeciduous
Height6-8 feet
Width3-4 feet

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

9a - 11b
Zone 9a
Zone 9b
Zone 10a
Zone 10b
Zone 11a
Zone 11b
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancetender

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators
Fragrant (light)
Container Friendly
Maintenancehigh

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

Solanum lycopersicum 'Cherokee Purple' can be identified by its characteristic large, flattened tomato fruits that display a unique dusky purple to purple-black coloration with distinctive green shoulders when ripe. The fruits have a ribbed, slightly irregular beefsteak shape and can reach 4-5 inches in diameter. The plant grows as a tall, indeterminate vine with typical tomato foliage featuring compound leaves with serrated edges and the distinctive tomato plant aroma when crushed. Yellow five-petaled flowers appear in clusters, and the overall plant structure is vigorous and upright, requiring staking or caging due to its height and heavy fruit load.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

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

Colors

Flower Colors

yellow

Foliage Colors

green

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
SummerFall
summer through early fall

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

yellow

Foliage Description

medium green

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 - 6.8(Neutral)
357912
Drainage
average

Water & Climate

Water Needs

moderate to high

Frost Tolerance

tender

Time to Maturity

80-90 days from transplant

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

high

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 10 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

The ripe fruits of Solanum lycopersicum 'Cherokee Purple' are completely safe for human consumption and highly nutritious, rich in vitamins C and K, potassium, and antioxidants. However, like all tomato plants, the green parts including leaves, stems, and unripe green fruits contain solanine and other glycoalkaloids that can be toxic to humans and pets if consumed in significant quantities. The foliage and green plant parts should never be eaten and may cause gastrointestinal upset, nausea, or more serious symptoms if ingested, particularly dangerous for children and pets.

Planting Guide

Planting Methods & Timing

Planting Method

transplant

Indoor Start

6 weeks before last frost

Direct Sow Timing

not recommended

Days to Maturity

80–90 days

Plant Spacing

24 inches

Companion Planting

Good Companions

basil
parsley
marigolds
peppers
carrots

Avoid Planting With

fennel
brassicas
corn
dill