Cherokee Purple: growing tips for the heirloom tomato

The ‘Cherokee Purple’ tomato variety is characterised by its dark-coloured fruits. Here are our top tips on planting ‘Cherokee Purple’ in the garden.

‘Cherokee Purple’ is a favourite of many tomato enthusiasts. And no wonder! It has a delicious, aromatic-tangy taste and an intriguing colour. Read on for everything you need to know about ‘Cherokee Purple’ beefsteak tomato.

‘Cherokee Purple’ variety: profile

Origin and history of the tomato

The ‘Cherokee Purple’ is a very old variety that was first cultivated by the Cherokee Indians near Tennessee before the 20th century. Despite its age, this variety is still in demand among tomato lovers and foodies across the world. It reached Europe some time ago and has been preserved and cultivated ever since.

Characteristics and taste

The ‘Cherokee Purple’ heirloom tomato variety is a slow-growing beef tomato that usually grows up to 150 cm tall and has a good yield, despite having few leaves and plenty of flowers.

The fruits, which can weigh up to 400 g, take a relatively long time to ripen; you will need to wait until mid-August before you can start harvesting them. But when they are ready, they are a delight! Round, mostly ribbed and about the size of a hand, when ripe, ‘Cherokee Purple’ fruit turn purple to red-brown, while the tops remain olive-dark green. The tomatoes taste fruity, aromatic, sweet and tangy.

This is an heirloom variety, which means that you can save your tomato seeds and they will be ready for sowing next year.

‘Cherokee Purple’ tomato: care and growing tips

Like many beefsteak tomatoes, the ‘Cherokee Purple’ tomato needs to be warm and dry. If there is too much rain and moisture in the air, the thin-skinned fruits will burst and rot. As such, a greenhouse is the ideal location for this tomato variety.

Plant your ‘Cherokee Purple’ from the beginning of May using specially adapted soil, such as our Plantura Organic Tomato & Vegetable Compost. This compost contains all the nutrients your young Cherokee purple plant needs to thrive. After planting, be sure to provide your plant with a growth support, such as a sturdy stake. Aside from this, ‘Cherokee Purple’ is fairly low maintenance.

As a rule of thumb, grow your beef tomatoes with no more than two shoots, as the heavy fruits need the strong support of a main shoot. Fruits that are too heavy for thinner side shoots will break off and damage the shoot. As such, when pruning ‘Cherokee Purple’ tomato plants, remove all its side shoots.

From June onwards, ‘Cherokee Purple’ fruit will begin to form. During this time, the plant will need a lot of nutrition. Therefore, it is a good idea to use a long-lasting fertiliser, such as our Plantura Tomato Food. It will work its way through the surface of the soil and slowly decompose over two months, providing long-term nutrients to the plant. Once these two months are over, apply the food again. With enough fertilisation, ‘Cherokee Purple’ bears abundant yields of large, tasty beef tomatoes until October!

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‘Cherokee Purple’ tomato harvest and use

‘Cherokee Purple’ tomatoes are perfect sliced in a sandwich or burger (this is also the best way to bring out its tangy-sweet taste!). But if you have enough fruit, they are also fantastic in soups and sauces. You could even make them into a ketchup.

Dark tomato varieties have an enticingly sweet, aromatic and tangy taste. Learn all there is to know about growing and harvesting the dark cocktail tomato ‘Black Cherry‘.