CHEROKEE PURPLE TOMATO STARTS

Cherokee Purple tomatoes are a favorite among gardeners in Pendleton for their distinctive dusty-rose color, exceptional sweetness, and rich history. Maturing in about 80 days and weighing approximately 12 ounces each, these heirloom tomatoes are often considered among the best-tasting varieties. Their purplish hue adds visual appeal, and the plants are highly productive when grown from organic seeds. This is an indeterminate variety.

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The Cherokee Purple tomato has a fascinating backstory. Craig LeHoullier, a Seed Savers Exchange member, received the seeds in the mail from J.D. Green of Tennessee. Green explained that his neighbor had acquired the seeds from Cherokee Indians who had cultivated this variety for generations. Impressed by the unique purple tomatoes, LeHoullier shared them with Southern Exposure Seed Exchange and Johnny’s Seeds, leading to their commercial debut in 1991. Along with Brandywine tomatoes, Cherokee Purple helped spark the revival of heirloom tomato varieties.

Transplanting Seedlings:

1. Timing: Transplant Cherokee Purple Tomato seedlings in Pendleton Oregon when soil temperatures consistently reach 60°F, and all danger of frost has passed. Tomatoes need warm, stable conditions to thrive.
2. Preparation: Choose a sunny location with rich, well-draining soil. Amend the soil with compost or aged manure before transplanting to ensure the plants receive the nutrients necessary for robust growth.
3. Spacing: Space seedlings 24-36 inches apart, with rows 36-48 inches apart. This spacing allows for adequate airflow and helps prevent diseases.
4. Planting Depth: Remove the bottom leaves from each seedling and plant them deeper than they were growing in their pots, burying the stem up to the next set of leaves. This encourages a strong, expansive root system.
5. Watering: Water thoroughly after transplanting to help the roots establish. Keep the soil evenly moist throughout the season, watering deeply but avoiding waterlogged conditions.
6. Mulching: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch around the plants to conserve moisture, regulate soil temperature, and minimize weed competition.
7. Support: Install a sturdy trellis, cage, or stake at the time of planting to support the plant’s tall growth and to keep the fruit off the ground, reducing the risk of rot and pests.
8. Feeding: Fertilize every 2-3 weeks with a balanced or tomato-specific fertilizer to promote healthy foliage and abundant fruiting.

Growing: Indeterminate tomato varieties like Cherokee Purple thrive when provided with proper support, such as a trellis or cage, to protect the vines from pests and diseases caused by soil contact. Set up supports early, before the vines develop, and tie the plants as they grow for optimal development. Protect the plants from temperatures below 55°F, which can hinder production. Use a thick layer of mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds, and water deeply once a week, avoiding wetting the leaves. Prune “suckers,” or shoots that grow between the main stem and branches, to improve yield and plant health.

Harvesting: Cherokee Purple tomatoes are ripe when they develop green shoulders and their flesh yields slightly to gentle pressure. For the best flavor, harvest vine-ripened fruit, but use scissors to cut the stem if it resists detaching. Before the first frost, gather all tomatoes, including green ones, as unripe fruit will ripen indoors when stored in a warm, shaded area. Cherokee Purple tomatoes are celebrated for their marvelous sweetness and are perfect for fresh slicing, though they are less suited for sauces or canning. Their unique flavor makes them a standout choice for any tomato lover.