Cherokee Purple Heirloom Tomato Seeds

Cherokee Purple Tomato Seeds

Grow one of America’s most celebrated heirloom tomatoes with Cherokee Purple Tomato Seeds. Famous for their dusky rose-purple color, rich old-fashioned flavor, and meaty texture, Cherokee Purple tomatoes are a favorite among home gardeners, chefs, and tomato lovers who want unforgettable taste straight from the vine.

History of Cherokee Purple Tomatoes

Cherokee Purple is a treasured heirloom tomato believed to have been preserved through generations and shared from Tennessee gardeners in the late 20th century. Many believe the variety has roots connected to the Cherokee people, adding to its legacy and popularity. Today, it remains one of the most sought-after heirloom tomatoes for flavor and beauty.

Plant Profile

• Days to Maturity: 75–90 days
• Fruit Size: 10–16 ounces, often larger
• Plant Size: 5–7 feet tall with support
• Plant Type: Indeterminate (produces all season)
• Growth Habit: Vigorous vines with steady harvests until frost

Flavor Profile

Cherokee Purple tomatoes are known for their rich, sweet, smoky flavor with low acidity and deep savory notes. Many gardeners consider them one of the best-tasting tomatoes ever grown.

Growth Type & Harvest Yields

As an indeterminate variety, Cherokee Purple keeps producing fruit throughout the growing season. Expect multiple harvests of large slicing tomatoes when plants are properly staked and fed.

• Excellent mid-to-late season producer
• Heavy yields in warm weather
• Long harvest window until frost

Disease Resistance

Like many heirlooms, Cherokee Purple is prized for flavor rather than hybrid disease resistance, but healthy plants perform very well with proper care.

Best prevention practices:

• Rotate crops yearly
• Mulch soil to reduce splashback
• Water at soil level
• Provide airflow with pruning and spacing
• Use cages or stakes

Growing Tips & Planting Dimensions

• Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before last frost
• Transplant after danger of frost passes
• Plant in full sun (6+ hours daily)
• Use rich, well-drained soil
• Bury stems deep for stronger roots

Spacing:

• 24–36 inches between plants
• 36–48 inches between rows

Support Needed: Cage, trellis, or stake recommended.

When to Start Indoors

Check your USDA planting zone and frost dates using planthardiness.ars.usda.gov.

General guide:

• Zones 3–5: Start indoors 8 weeks before last frost
• Zones 6–7: Start indoors 6–8 weeks before last frost
• Zones 8–10: Start indoors 4–6 weeks before planting out

Good Companion Plants & Mutual Benefits

• Basil – May improve flavor and repel pests
• Marigolds – Helps deter nematodes and insects
• Onions – Space-saving companion with pest benefits
• Carrots – Loosen soil beneath plants
• Parsley – Attracts beneficial insects
• Nasturtiums – Trap crop for aphids

How to Enjoy Cherokee Purple Tomatoes

• Thick slices for sandwiches and burgers
• Fresh caprese salads
• Gourmet tomato platters
• Bruschetta and salsa
• Roasted with olive oil
• Fresh garden snacking with salt

Why Gardeners Love Cherokee Purple

• Legendary heirloom flavor
• Beautiful dusky purple-red fruit
• Large meaty slicers
• Productive vines all season
• A conversation piece at harvest time
• One of the most recommended heirloom tomatoes

Harvest Tips

• Harvest when fruit develops full purple-red color with slight softness
• Pick before overripe for best texture
• Allow countertop ripening if needed
• Harvest often to encourage continued production

Order Today

Bring home one of the most famous heirloom tomatoes ever grown. Plant Cherokee Purple Tomato Seeds this season for rich flavor, stunning color, and unforgettable harvests.

Order today and enjoy premium garden tomatoes from your own backyard.