Non GMO, Open Pollinated, Annual. 90 Days from Transplant, Start Indoors 4 - 6 Weeks Before Last Frost. Indeterminate
Planting Instructions:
Plant these seeds .25" deep and space the plants 18" apart. If square foot gardening, one plant per square. Use well draining, loose, slightly acidic (6.2 to 6.8) soil that will retain moisture but not become soggy. Too much nitrogen will give you beautiful foliage and less fruit. Tomatoes generally enjoy temperatures between 70 - 80 F with full sun, expect in zone 9 -11 where afternoon shade is preferable as the heat climbs above 80.
Care:
Tomatoes generally enjoy temperatures between 70 - 80 F with full sun, expect in zone 9 -11 where afternoon shade is preferable as the heat climbs above 80. This is an indeterminate tomato vine that will sprawl and requires a trellis or cage for support. Harvest continually to encourage more fruit. This is an indeterminate tomato vine that will sprawl and requires a trellis or cage for support. Harvest continually to encourage more fruit.
History:
The Cherokee Purple tomato is a popular heirloom variety with a fascinating, albeit somewhat mysterious, history. It's believed to have originated with the Cherokee people in the Tennessee Valley region before the 19th century. While its exact lineage is unclear, it's thought to have been passed down through generations before being introduced to the wider gardening community. Tomato collector Craig LeHoullier played a key role in its modern rediscovery and popularization.
LeHoullier named the tomato Cherokee Purple, honoring its potential Cherokee origin and its dusky purple color. He shared the seeds with seed exchanges and companies, leading to its widespread availability.
A beefsteak-like tomato crop grown for savory notes and alluring dark currant flesh and meat, Cherokee Purple tomato seeds are a truly unique American heirloom that has won the hearts like other colorful slicing favorites Pineapple, Black Krim, and Brandywine. Growers during the 1990's reintroduced this dated seed crop as it had been forgotten for nearly 100 years. Produces 12-16 oz tomatoes
