Description
Planning to bring bold colors and rich, tangy flavor to your garden? Meet the Cherokee Purple Tomato, an heirloom variety passed down through generations since the 19th century by the Native Americans of the Cherokee tribe. Widely popular and cultivated for their red-purple color and robust taste, these Purple Heirloom Tomatoes are truly one of a kind.
Botanically called Solanum Lycopersicum, this Cherokee plant bears fruit that is usually less acidic than the fruits of the other cultivars. Now, before you add this treasured species to your garden, it is ideal to understand its features and benefits along with its taxonomy.
Features and Benefits of the Cherokee Purple Tomatoes
The Cherokee Purple Tomato plant combines flavor, a unique appearance, and historical charm. In the following section, let us discover some standout features and benefits of the genus before you make a buying decision.
- Exceptional Flavor: The Cherokee Tomato tastes sweet, smoky, and rich, unlike the other store-bought cultivars.
- Unique Appearance: It has dark purple-red skin with a green stem-like structure, which makes the fruit distinct from other plants.
- Year-Long Profit: The Cherokee Tomato plant keeps producing fruits all season long, making it a beneficial species for gardeners.
- Fresh and Beefsteak Type: Ideal for salads, sauces, and other tomato dishes, the Purple Cherokee Tomatoes are perfect for sandwiches.
As has been stated earlier, apart from being a globally appealing plant, the Cherokee Purple heirloom tomatoes bring something truly special to your backyard and snack plates.
How to Grow and Care for the Purple Cherokee Tomato
Just like any other tomato cultivar, the Purple Cherokee Tomato plants also need special attention in order to grow luxuriantly. Scroll further and quickly rifle through this ultimate care guide.
| Sunlight Exposure: All tomato plants prefer growing in bright, direct sunlight. They require a minimum of 6–8 hours of full sun exposure to flourish. |
| Water Needs: Water enough to keep the top 1–2 inches of the soil moist. Although these are mildly drought-tolerant, watering them in moderation helps in overall development. |
| Soil Type: Planting them in good quality, well-draining soil is important as the Cherokee Purple is susceptible to soil-borne diseases. |
| Hardiness Zone: There is no specific zone for growing the Tomato Cherokee Purple plant, as it can tolerate a variety of climatic conditions. Plant the genus in areas having a relative humidity level between 65% to 85%. |
| Fertilizer: The basic NPK fertilizer in the standard ratio works wonders for the plant. |
Being a fairly easy plant to grow, the Purple Tomato plant is liked by both garden enthusiasts and home gardeners alike. With proper care, the genus can grow up to 4–6 feet tall and 18 inches (ca. 46 cm) wide.
Taxonomic Overview of the Cherokee Purple Tomato
Popularly known for its heirloom status, the Tomato Cherokee Purple seeds can be openly pollinated, which means you can get the same-tasting fruits even next year. Now, whether you are a curious botanist or simply a plant lover, understanding the taxonomy of the plant is crucial.
| Taxonomic Summary of Heirloom Tomato Cherokee Purple | |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Clade | Tracheophytes |
| Clade | Angiosperms |
| Clade | Eudicots |
| Clade | Asterids |
| Order | Solanales |
| Family | Solanaceae |
| Genus | Solanum |
| Species | Solanum lycopersicum |
| Variety | Cherokee Purple |
It is believed that the Heirloom Cherokee Purple Tomato plant has undefined growth, as its vines continuously grow and produce fruits all year long.
User Reviews and Ratings
Review: I added this Purple Cherokee plant to my garden a few months back, and now it bears large fruits. Looks so stunning.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Review: The leaves of the Tomato plant look so refreshing, I simply cannot wait for it to bear fruit.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Review: Cannot wait to taste the first fruit of my Cherokee Purple Tomato plant.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Review: Ordered these Purple Cherokee Tomato plants recently. Safely delivered them in grow bags.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
What does the Cherokee Purple tomato taste like?
The purple tomatoes usually have a sweet, tangy taste.
How much space do Purple Cherokee tomatoes need?
The Cherokee purple plant should be placed at a distance of 12–24 inches apart from each other.
How are Cherokee Purple tomatoes different from regular tomatoes?
The Cherokee tomatoes are different from regular tomatoes due to their taste, color, and heirloom status.
What is the botanical name of the Cherokee Purple Tomato plant?
The botanical name of the Purple Tomato plant is Solanum lycopersicum.
How big do Cherokee Purple tomatoes get?
The Cherokee plant can grow up to 4-6 feet tall.
