Cherokee Purple Tomato, Heirloom, Organic options available

The story of Cherokee Purple is a wonderful chapter in grassroots American seed saving.

• From Tennessee to the World: The variety arrived in a plain envelope labeled "Cherokee" sent to Craig LeHoullier in 1990. Believed to carry a long family history originating from the Cherokee Nation, these seeds produced fruits with an astonishing color and an even more astonishing flavor.
• Sparking a Revolution: Its official introduction in 1991 helped ignite the modern fascination with dark, "black" heirloom tomatoes, proving that exceptional flavor and visual uniqueness could conquer commercial uniformity. Today, it remains one of the most beloved and widely grown heirlooms in the world.

Cherokee Purple is instantly recognizable on the cutting board and unforgettable on the plate.

• The Fruit: Medium to large beefsteak tomatoes weighing up to 12 ounces. The skin features a striking, dusky rose-brown hue with dark green shoulders and deep crimson interior tones.
• The Flesh & Flavor: Inside, you’ll find a tender, incredibly juicy flesh with a rich, sweet, and complex smoky flavor that is distinctly different from standard red tomatoes.
• Culinary Uses: Slice it thick for the ultimate summer BLT, layer it in a Caprese salad, or enjoy it simply salted on a piece of toasted sourdough to truly let its sweet, smoky complexity shine.

Cherokee Purple is an indeterminate variety that rewards growers with a steady, abundant harvest all season long.

"Cherokee Purple is the tomato that converts skeptics into heirloom fanatics. We love it because nothing else in the garden quite matches that sultry, dusty-rose color and deep, rich, smoky-sweet flavor. It is a true benchmark of gourmet tomato breeding that belongs in every backyard."

• Reliable Support: Because these are vigorous indeterminate vines laden with juicy fruits, use sturdy stakes, heavy cages, or a dependable trellis to keep the vines upright and healthy.
• Sun & Airflow: Plant in a spot receiving full sun and prune lower leaves as the plant grows to ensure good air circulation and even ripening across the shoulders.
• Even Moisture: Consistent watering helps prevent cracking and ensures your tomatoes develop their signature juicy, flawless texture.