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Seeds Solanaceae

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Tourne-sol

Purple tomato 'Cherokee Purple' organic

Name: Purple tomato 'Cherokee Purple' organic
Brand: Tourne-sol
SKU: SL233-a
Price: 4.49 CAD
Availability: OutOfStock

Solanum lycopersicum

‘Cherokee Purple’ is an indeterminate, open-pollinated heirloom known for large, flattened, pinkish-red fruit with dark shoulders and brick-red flesh. Tourne-Sol supplies 50 organic, open-pollinated seeds and lists approximately 75 days from transplanting. Start seed indoors six weeks before planting, then set plants in full sun after the last frost. A reinforced cage or trellis supports long vines and heavy fruit. Harvest when colour is well developed and the tomato becomes slightly yielding. Consistent soil moisture supports even fruit development. Its generous size supplies substantial slices for sandwiches, salads, and summer tastings. Label plants clearly so this cultivar remains distinct from neighbouring purple tomatoes.

Sold as 50 seeds

4 ⁴⁹$

Common namePurple tomato ‘Cherokee Purple’

FamilySolanaceae

GenusSolanum

Specieslycopersicum

CultivarCherokee Purple

TypeSeeds

Botanical nameSolanum lycopersicum

Reproducible seedsYes

Heirloom varietyYes

Purple tomato 'Cherokee Purple' organic (Solanum lycopersicum) is an open-pollinated heirloom with indeterminate growth. Tourne-Sol describes it as delicious, bearing large red fruit with dark shoulders. The packet contains 50 organic, open-pollinated seeds, with official maturity listed at approximately 75 days from transplanting. Cornell describes large, flattened, pinkish fruit with darker pink-purple shoulders and brick-red flesh. Rutgers lists fruit around 280 g and plants approximately 1.5 m tall, although actual dimensions vary with growing conditions. A sturdy support helps carry the weight of this large slicing tomato throughout the Canadian growing season.

Sow indoors 6 mm deep in fine starting mix approximately six weeks before planting. Maintain steady warmth until emergence, then move seedlings under intense light. Pot them on after true leaves appear and harden plants gradually for one week. Transplant outdoors only after the last frost, once nights and soil are suitably warm. Choose full sun and fertile, loose, freely drained soil, then space plants 60 to 75 cm apart. Immediately install a reinforced cage, sturdy stake, or trellis to support long vines and heavy fruit. Water seedlings before transplanting so each root ball remains intact.

Water deeply at soil level, keep moisture as consistent as possible, and mulch after the ground warms. Tie stems with soft loops and remove leaves touching the soil. Harvest when the pinkish-red colour is well developed, shoulders remain dark, and fruit yields slightly to gentle pressure. Juicy flesh and large size make it especially useful for slices, sandwiches, salads, and platters. Pick regularly to reduce cluster weight. Before the first frost, bring developed fruit indoors to finish ripening in a temperate, ventilated place. Check stored fruit daily and discard anything that begins deteriorating.

In the garden

Exposure: Full sun, at least 6 direct hours

Sowing guide

Sowing & germination

Sowing depth

6 mm (1/4 in)

Spacing / density

60 to 75 cm (24 to 30 in) between plants

Germination temperature

24 to 29°C (75 to 85°F)

Germination time

Approximately 5 to 10 days in warm starting mix

Sowing period

Indoors, 6 weeks before planting; transplant after the last frost

Propagation

Seed

Growing method

Sow one seed per cell 6 mm deep in sterile, light starting mix approximately six weeks before planting. Keep the medium moist but not saturated and maintain 24 to 29°C until emergence. Remove the dome as soon as seedlings appear, then provide bright light for 14 to 16 hours and slightly cooler temperatures. Pot seedlings individually after the first true leaves. If plants become pale, feed at low strength. Harden them for one week by gradually increasing sun and wind exposure. Transplant after the last frost into warmed soil, burying the stem up to the first healthy leaves. Space plants 75 to 90 cm apart. Install tall support at planting time, water at soil level, and mulch once the ground is warm. Guide stems weekly and harvest when fruit becomes evenly pinkish red with dark shoulders and the fruit yields slightly. Remove weeds while seedlings establish. Once plants begin flowering, gently shake the support at midday to encourage pollen release. Inspect leaf undersides and hand-pick the first caterpillars. Sanitize scissors after cutting suspicious plants and avoid working among wet foliage. From fruit set onward, follow tomato-fertilizer directions without exceeding the label. Maintain one main stem where space is limited, or several well-supported stems inside a large cage. Check ties after wind and loosen any loop that presses into expanding stems.

Soil and care

Soil & care

Care level

Intermediate; support and regular monitoring required

Watering

Water deeply at soil level when the upper few centimetres begin to dry. Maintain moisture as consistently as possible during flowering and fruit expansion; swings between drought and excess water encourage cracking and blossom-end rot. A soaker hose or drip line keeps foliage drier. Apply mulch after soil warms, empty saucers, and check large containers daily during hot weather. Water early in the day and avoid small, frequent surface applications.

Soil type

Choose fertile, loose, well-drained soil rich in mature organic matter, with slightly acidic pH around 6 to 6.8. Incorporate compost before planting according to needs shown by a soil test. A raised bed helps where ground remains cold or wet in spring. Avoid waterlogged areas and sites where diseased tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, or eggplants grew recently. Rotate away from the nightshade family whenever practical.

Fertilization

Base fertilization on a soil test. Incorporate mature compost before planting, then use balanced vegetable fertilizer according to its label. After fruit set, tomato feed with moderate nitrogen is preferable to a high-nitrogen application. Excess nitrogen produces abundant foliage and delays fruit. Water after feeding, never place concentrated fertilizer against the stem, and reduce applications late in the season. Container plants need smaller, more regular doses because nutrients leave through drainage water.

Seasonal care

Six weeks before planting, sow indoors in warm mix and move seedlings under intense light immediately after emergence. Pot them on when true leaves develop and rotate containers to maintain straight stems. One week before planting, gradually harden plants to sun, wind, and cooler nights. After the last frost, transplant deeply into warmed soil and immediately install a tall cage, stakes, or trellis. Through summer, tie new stems with soft loops, water consistently at soil level, and keep mulch from touching the stem. Remove leaves resting on soil and monitor for leaf spots, wilting, caterpillars, and damaged fruit. Sanitize tools between suspicious plants. Harvest purple tomatoes every few days. Late in the season, remove new flowers that cannot mature, gather developed fruit before frost, and discard diseased remains instead of placing them in home compost. Clean supports before storing them. If fruit develops a dark, sunken patch at the blossom end, stabilize watering instead of automatically adding calcium without a soil test. After prolonged rain, ventilate shelters and inspect new spots before touching neighbouring plants. During extreme heat, light afternoon shade cloth may reduce stress without blocking morning sun. Record every confirmed disease so a different crop family can occupy that area next year. Save seed only from vigorous plants and symptom-free fruit. Wash hands and tools after handling diseased material, and never move infected soil into clean containers. throughout the season.

Container growing

Recommended pot size

One plant per stable 30 to 40 L container, at least 40 cm deep

Because ‘Cherokee Purple’ purple tomato is indeterminate, choose a very stable 30 to 40 L container at least 40 cm deep for one plant. Several large drainage holes are essential. Fill it with quality vegetable potting mix amended with mature compost, leaving watering space at the rim. Install a tall cage or firmly anchored trellis before planting. Position the container in the warmest, sunniest location sheltered from wind. Bury part of the stem and water thoroughly. Maintain consistent moisture thereafter, sometimes checking daily in hot weather, without leaving water in the saucer. Feed with tomato fertilizer according to its label once fruit begins forming. Tie stems, remove leaves resting on the mix, and harvest frequently. Rotate only small pots; a large supported container should remain stationary. Before frost, bring developed fruit indoors rather than moving the entire plant. Mulch the warm potting mix without touching the stem. After heavy rain, confirm that drainage holes remain open and that the container is not leaning under trellis weight. Inspect leaf undersides, pick every ripe fruit, and promptly remove split or mouldy tomatoes. Label the cultivar clearly when planning to save seed. At the end of the season, clean the cage and replace the mix instead of reusing soil that held a diseased plant. Keep the container away from roof runoff that could saturate it during storms.

Bloom and dimensions

Size, flowering & harvest

Foliage color

Green

Foliage type

Deciduous; killed by frost

Growth rate

Vigorous in warm weather; approximately 75 days from transplanting

Growth habit

Indeterminate, vining, and branching

Fruiting

Large, flattened fruit develops successively on indeterminate vines. Cornell describes pinkish-red skin with darker pink-purple shoulders and brick-red flesh; Rutgers lists approximately 280 g per fruit. Tourne-Sol gives a commercial guide of approximately 75 days from transplanting. Harvest when colour is developed, the tomato yields slightly, and it releases readily. Consistent moisture helps limit splitting near maturity. A reinforced cage or several soft ties distribute the weight and reduce the risk of stems bending. Inspect supports after wind or heavy rain. Harvest mature fruit promptly.

Days to maturity

Approximately 75 days from transplanting

Harvest

Approximately 75 days after transplanting; pinkish red with dark shoulders and slightly yielding

Garden associations

Companion plants & uses

Companion plants

Basil, parsley, lettuce, radishes, onions, and bush beans can share the area when every plant receives sufficient sun, air, water, and nutrients. Position short crops on the sunny side and keep the tomato base accessible for watering. These combinations mainly organize the bed efficiently; they do not prevent pests or diseases on their own. Avoid crowding other nightshade crops around the plant because they share several problems and make rotation more difficult. Leave clear access to the trellis for tying and harvesting.

Garden use

Serve ripe tomatoes in thick slices for sandwiches and burgers, in wedges for salads, or on a platter. Brick-red flesh and dark shoulders create a distinctive contrast. They also suit savoury tarts and roasting. Wait for well-developed pinkish-red colour and a slightly yielding texture before picking. Wash under running water shortly before serving, remove the stem, and discard any mouldy or badly damaged fruit. Refrigerate cut tomatoes promptly and use clean utensils. A side-by-side tasting highlights its colour, firmness, and texture compared with a classic red tomato. Keep cultivars on separate labelled plates.

Recipe idea

From garden to table

Edible parts

Ripe fruit

Cherokee Purple open sandwiches: wash one large ripe tomato and cut it into thick slices. Toast four slices of bread, spread with 125 mL fresh cheese or white bean purée, then add the tomatoes. Sprinkle with 15 mL chopped basil, a pinch of salt, and black pepper, then finish with olive oil. Serve immediately to keep the toast crisp. Refrigerate perishable ingredients and cut tomatoes within two hours. This fresh preparation is not intended for room-temperature canning. Use only sound fruit and clean utensils. For a more substantial version, add arugula leaves or a few rinsed white beans. Basil may be replaced with parsley or chives. Keep the topping separate from the bread until serving to preserve texture. Cut the tomato on a clean board and use a serrated knife for neat slices without crushing the juicy flesh. Keep prepared ingredients chilled until assembly and discard any mouldy tomato before cooking.

Frequently asked questions

When and how should ‘Cherokee Purple’ tomato be sown?

Start seed indoors approximately six weeks before the planned planting date. Place one seed per cell 6 mm deep in sterile, lightly moist mix. Maintain 24 to 29°C until emergence, generally within five to ten days, then remove the dome and move seedlings under bright light for 14 to 16 hours daily. Slightly cooler temperatures after germination create sturdier stems. Pot seedlings individually when the first true leaves appear. Rotate pots, water from below when needed, and feed lightly if plants become pale. Harden them gradually for one week. Transplant outdoors only after the last frost into warmed soil because this tender tomato is killed by frost. Install support at planting time and water every root ball thoroughly.

Does ‘Cherokee Purple’ tomato need support?

Yes. Tourne-Sol describes ‘Cherokee Purple’ purple tomato as indeterminate: the main stem continues extending and forming new fruit clusters until frost. Install a tall cage, sturdy stake, or trellis at planting time before roots fill the surrounding soil. Support approximately 1.5 m or taller is more suitable than a small cage. Tie stems with broad, soft loops arranged in a figure eight to prevent rubbing. Check ties weekly and loosen any that mark the stem. Keeping foliage and fruit above the ground improves air circulation, simplifies harvest, and reduces damage. Anchor support especially well for plants in containers or windy locations. Guide stems while they remain flexible instead of bending older growth sharply.

How can a ripe ‘Cherokee Purple’ tomato be recognized?

Watch colour first: fruit changes from green to even pinkish red with dark shoulders at full maturity. A tomato ready to pick releases readily and yields slightly to very gentle pressure without becoming soft. Use approximately 75 days from transplanting as a guide rather than a guaranteed date. Warmth, light, and transplant stress change the schedule. Compare several tomatoes within one cluster before picking. Use clean scissors or bend the stem gently without pulling neighbouring fruit. Harvest every few days and bring developed tomatoes indoors before the first frost so they can finish colouring in a temperate, ventilated location. Check stored fruit daily and discard anything that begins deteriorating.

Can ‘Cherokee Purple’ tomato be grown in a container?

Yes, but its indeterminate habit needs considerable space and very strong support. Choose a stable 30 to 40 L container at least 40 cm deep with several large holes. Fill it with rich, freely drained potting mix, then install a tall cage or anchored trellis before planting. Place the pot in full sun away from strong wind. Maintain consistent moisture; in hot weather, check the mix daily and water deeply as the surface begins to dry. Always empty the saucer. Once fruit forms, apply tomato fertilizer according to its label. Tie stems as they rise and keep leaves away from the potting mix. A large supported pot should not be moved frequently because its weight and trellis make handling unsafe. Harvest often to reduce weight on the stems.

Are Cherokee Purple seeds organic, heirloom, and open-pollinated?

Yes. Tourne-Sol presents this packet of 50 seeds as organic, heirloom, and open-pollinated. Cornell and Rutgers also classify ‘Cherokee Purple’ as an open-pollinated heirloom tomato. To save seed, choose several fully ripe, healthy, typical fruit from clearly labelled plants. Scoop seed and gel into a labelled container, allow brief fermentation, then rinse and dry seed completely. Tomatoes are mainly self-fertile, but occasional crossing remains possible; separate cultivars when varietal purity matters. Store fully dry seed in cool, dark conditions with the cultivar name and harvest year. A durable label carrying the cultivar name and harvest year reduces mix-ups during drying and storage. Keep the envelope away from humidity, heat, and direct light.