Many heirloom tomatoes get the accolade “best tasting” from their fans, and the Cherokee Purple Tomato is one of them. This 19th Century Heirloom was originally grown in Tennessee by Native Americans of the Cherokee tribe. These 6 inch, 12 to 16-ounce fruits come in shades of dusty rose to purple, sometimes with greenish shoulders. The Cherokee Purple Tomato is a beefsteak type, and is known for its sweet aftertaste, almost like candy. Heavy yields.

25 seeds

PLANTING

Solanum lycopersicum

Indeterminate

Germination:7-14 days

Germination Temperature:Optimum soil temperatures 70-85F.

Seed Sowing Depth:1/4 deep

StartingIndoors:6 weeks before the last frost. Provide 75-80F soil temperatures. Sow 2-3 seeds per cell/pot,thin to the strongest seedling, or use the 20 Row seedling flat, transplanting into individual pots whenseedlings get their 3rd set of leaves.Fertilize the seedlings every 7-10 days with a liquid or water-soluble fertilizer, diluted to of suggested measurement. Transplant out after the last frost. Space 24-36″ apart

Sowing Outdoors:Only in areas with very long growing seasons. Sow after the last frost.

Harvest:When fruit is red (or color of the variety planted) and firm.

Tips: The Cherokee Purple Tomato should be planted in fertile soil, amended with compost, mulch, and provide even moisture. Plant deeper than they were growing in the containers as it makes a stronger roots system. Apply a light compost tea every few weeks. Do not apply excessive nitrogen, which can promote excessive foliage and poor fruit set.