Tomato 'Cherokee Purple'
Lycopersicon lycopersicum
Family: | Solanaceae (so-lan-AY-see-ee) (Info) |
Genus: | Lycopersicon (ly-koh-PER-see-kon) (Info) |
Species: | lycopersicum (ly-koh-PER-see-kum) (Info) |
Cultivar: | Cherokee Purple |
Synonym: | Solanum |
Height:
4-6 ft. (1.2-1.8 m)
6-8 ft. (1.8-2.4 m)
Spacing:
18-24 in. (45-60 cm)
24-36 in. (60-90 cm)
Sun Exposure:
Full Sun
Danger:
Parts of plant are poisonous if ingested
Seed Collecting:
Allow unblemished fruit to ripen; clean and dry seeds
Ferment seeds before storing
Properly cleaned, seed can be successfully stored
Growing Habit:
Indeterminate
Fruit Shape:
Beefsteak
Fruit Size:
Medium (under one pound)
Large (over one pound)
Days to Maturity:
Mid (69-80 days)
Fruit Colors:
Purple
Brown
Black
Seed Type:
Open-pollinated
Family heirlooms
Usage:
Fresh, salad
Fresh, slicing
Canning
Drying
Disease Resistance:
Fusarium Wilt (F)
Leaf Type:
Regular Leaf
Foliage Color:
Dark Green
Bloom Characteristics:
Water Requirements:
Where to Grow:
Can be grown as an annual
Regional
This plant is said to grow outdoors in the following regions:
Munford, Alabama
Thomasville, Alabama
Glendale, Arizona
Laveen, Arizona
Sierra Vista, Arizona
Tucson, Arizona
Benton, Arkansas
Cabot, Arkansas
Fayetteville, Arkansas(2 reports)
Heber Springs, Arkansas
Mammoth Spring, Arkansas
Springdale, Arkansas
West Fork, Arkansas
Anderson, California
Aptos, California
Chowchilla, California
Corte Madera, California
Day Valley, California
Grass Valley, California
Lakewood, California
Larkfield-Wikiup, California
Long Beach, California
Los Angeles, California
Martinez, California
Menifee, California
Mira Loma, California
Mountain View, California
Oceanside, California
Quartz Hill, California
Rio del Mar, California
San Bernardino, California
San Jose, California(3 reports)
Santa Monica, California
Sunnyvale, California
Sunol, California
Temple City, California
Ukiah, California
West Hills, California
West Sacramento, California
Broomfield, Colorado
Denver, Colorado(2 reports)
Windsor, Colorado
Redding, Connecticut
Stratford, Connecticut
Westbrook, Connecticut
Bonifay, Florida
Cocoa, Florida
Daytona Beach, Florida
Defuniak Springs, Florida
Deland, Florida
Gainesville, Florida
Jacksonville Beach, Florida
Jupiter, Florida
Keystone Heights, Florida
Melbourne, Florida
Miami, Florida
Tallahassee, Florida
Adel, Georgia
Augusta, Georgia(2 reports)
Blairsville, Georgia
Dacula, Georgia
Dalton, Georgia
Fitzgerald, Georgia
Lilburn, Georgia
Waverly, Georgia
Kailua, Hawaii
Kaneohe Station, Hawaii
Laie, Hawaii
Maunawili, Hawaii
Idaho Falls, Idaho
Bensenville, Illinois
Bloomington, Illinois
Brighton, Illinois
Chicago, Illinois
Divernon, Illinois
Jacksonville, Illinois
Troy, Illinois
Indianapolis, Indiana
Ankeny, Iowa
Urbandale, Iowa
West Des Moines, Iowa
Clyde, Kansas
Kansas City, Kansas
Benton, Kentucky
Bethelridge, Kentucky
Ewing, Kentucky
Ft Mitchell, Kentucky
Louisville, Kentucky
Deridder, Louisiana
Jeanerette, Louisiana
Pineville, Louisiana
Zachary, Louisiana
Ijamsville, Maryland
Brockton, Massachusetts
East Bridgewater, Massachusetts
Orleans, Massachusetts
Bay City, Michigan
Freeport, Michigan
Harper Woods, Michigan
Livonia, Michigan
Traverse City, Michigan
Trenton, Michigan
Clarkfield, Minnesota
Saint Paul, Minnesota
Ellisville, Mississippi
Raymond, Mississippi
Water Valley, Mississippi
Columbia, Missouri
Kansas City, Missouri
Marthasville, Missouri
Moberly, Missouri
Webb City, Missouri
Omaha, Nebraska(2 reports)
Three Bridges, New Jersey
Toms River, New Jersey
Vineland, New Jersey
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Los Alamos, New Mexico
Brooklyn, New York
Clifton Park, New York
Cortlandt Manor, New York
Warwick, New York
Cary, North Carolina
Forest City, North Carolina
Fuquay Varina, North Carolina
Horse Shoe, North Carolina
Kitty Hawk, North Carolina
Madison, North Carolina
Mooresboro, North Carolina
Wake Forest, North Carolina
Columbus, Ohio
Jamestown, Ohio
Springfield, Ohio
Troy, Ohio
Vinton, Ohio
Willoughby, Ohio
Canton, Oklahoma
Stilwell, Oklahoma
Tulsa, Oklahoma
Eugene, Oregon
Portland, Oregon
Allentown, Pennsylvania
Douglassville, Pennsylvania
Greensburg, Pennsylvania
Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Pottstown, Pennsylvania
Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania(2 reports)
Vieques, Puerto Rico
Chepachet, Rhode Island
Catawba, South Carolina
Lexington, South Carolina
Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Germantown, Tennessee
Knoxville, Tennessee(2 reports)
Madison, Tennessee
Memphis, Tennessee(2 reports)
Arlington, Texas
Austin, Texas
Cibolo, Texas
Elgin, Texas
Fort Worth, Texas(2 reports)
Houston, Texas(2 reports)
Joshua, Texas
Katy, Texas
Kerrville, Texas
Liberty Hill, Texas
Manchaca, Texas
Orange, Texas
Pasadena, Texas
Bountiful, Utah
Callaway, Virginia
Moneta, Virginia
Monterey, Virginia
Onalaska, Washington
Seattle, Washington
Tacoma, Washington
University Place, Washington
Beaver, West Virginia
Charles Town, West Virginia
Merrimac, Wisconsin
Rock Springs, Wyoming
show allGardeners' Notes:
Rating | Content |
---|---|
Neutral | On Nov 24, 2021, jann1033 from Kirtland Hills, OH wrote: So so experience. The plants were spindly, not nearly as robust as their neighbors in identical conditions. One plant only set low on the plant, and they got blossom end rot, the only plant of the 6 near it to do so. The second plant got taller but also set only a few tomatoes, I think I got 8 edible roughly 6-8 oz tomatoes total from 2 plants. They tasted good, not mind blowing. I always pick mid to late day so don’t usually have watery tasting tomatoes. Small garden so definitely won’t waste the space again. Will search for a better variety |
Neutral | On Apr 12, 2020, flotsette from Tacoma, WA wrote: When I first grew CP tomatoes 5 years ago or so, I was very impressed. The plants are very vigorous and productive for me, they always produced first among the slicers, and I always got the most tomatoes from a plant (same with Black Cherrys). But eventually I realized that -- although they are better tasting than store-bought -- they are always the least exciting flavor of any that I grew. What is the point in having so MANY of them, when they are your least favorite? Additionally, they are hard to give away since people are suspicious of the color. This year I decided to skip any of the "black" tomatoes and plant red and striped instead. |
Negative | On Jul 28, 2018, KSci from Ellisville, MS wrote: This variety sets fruit in hot MS weather but plants seriously lack disease resistance, the fruit doesn't ripen evenly, and taste is disappointing. |
Positive | On Jun 20, 2018, Clark15 from Canton, MS wrote: I am in central Mississippi and typically grow around 50 tomatoes per year. My family eats a lot and we like to give them away. Everyone I have ever given a CP to has told me that it was the best tomato they have ever eaten. The only varieties that I have ever had as many complements on are Black Krim, and Paul Roberson. I can not imagine a year without having at least a dozen CP plants. |
Positive | On Jun 17, 2017, kittyhawkgarden from Kitty Hawk, NC wrote: Last year was a horrible year for gardening in Coastal N.C. Too much rain, followed by intense heat. I lost all of my tomatoes to early blight. So, I bought a bunch of CP's from an Amish man when I was in PA. I decided to grow them and started C.P. plants in January planting them in mid-March. After 45 days away from my garden, early blight was back, despite mulching and using soaker hoses. I had to pull all five blight riddled Brandywine plants next to the CP's. Three weekly applications of copper and pruning leaves a foot off the ground got things under control. CP's are doing well along with some Jet Stars and Beefsteaks. CP's are producing well (one bunch of ten baseball sized fruit has five ripening). I picked a few today (mid-June) but have not tasted them yet. Will not gr... read more |
Neutral | On Aug 31, 2015, rodey from Freeport, MI wrote: This grows well for me, but seemed quite susceptible to blight. Despite heavy blight damage on the plants, it is still producing loads of big fruit. It is growing in pure composted rabbit manure. |
Neutral | On Aug 26, 2015, ocean_314 from Ukiah, CA wrote: I grew this tomato last year in the middle row of three rows of tomatoes. The few tomatoes that was produced where delicious. |
Positive | On Aug 1, 2015, Dragonflys4me from (Chris), IA (Zone 5a) wrote: I grew Cherokee Purple for the first time this year and it has done very well for me. My problem was trying to figure out when it was ripe! After eating a few, I knew then that it's going to have some green on top unlike our 'normal' tomatoes. Also, as others have mentioned, it's prone to cracking and it is an ugly fruit when that happens. I love the flavor though and plan on trying to save some seeds for next year (this was bought as a plant at our local nursery). I'm going to try to pick it sooner to alleviate the cracking - we'll see how that works! |
Positive | On Aug 21, 2014, CalgaryGardener from Calgary, AB (Zone 3a) wrote: a must have in my garden. produces very well for me and the fruit is very tasty. |
Positive | On Aug 14, 2014, steelheadr from Bountiful, UT wrote: Brandywines have always been our favorite, but in a side-by-side comparison we found the flavor of Cherokee Purple to be more interesting due to the smoky undertones. Prone to splitting. Decent production - we'll plant more of these next year. |
Positive | On May 10, 2014, TCTerrariums from Port Orange, FL (Zone 9b) wrote: This is the first year I've tried these and I must I say I was impressed. Plants were loaded with fruit and most were between 8 and 14 oz. I did experience some minor cracking when we had 3 days of heavy rain but not enough to worry about. Just keep the plants well watered and mulched and it shouldn't be a problem if the rains come. |
Positive | On Nov 30, 2013, Handyman321 from Muscoy, CA wrote: Grows very well in Zone 18/19. Plant gets to 5-6 feet tall. Lots of medium sized good tasting tomatoes. |
Positive | On Sep 6, 2013, cephalo from Huntsdale, MO wrote: Love this tomato. If you let them ripen on the vine they are the best BLT tomato possible. If you try to pick em early, they are sweet but otherwise unremarkable. |
Negative | On Aug 30, 2013, Lunalight82 from New Carlisle, OH wrote: I planted 3 of the Cherokee Purple and gave 6 additional away to family members- no one got a single 'mater worth eating off of them. Two of my plants never produced a thing and the one that did made 4 tomatoes. They were huge, granted but every last one rotted on the vine. It was not blossom end rot or cracking due to rain. My other varieties did good- mortgage lifters, Genovese, Amana orange, Black Krim etc. It was nasty- I tried to pick some that were unripe so I could at least get a taste but they were rotting too- split apart when I picked them up. I swear they look like zombie tomatoes. My families all did the same, few produced and what did was rotting on the inside and burst when you touched it. I won't be trying this again |
Positive | On Aug 17, 2013, CaliforniaGuy from Lakewood, CA wrote: Rich tasting, but they (from my first seed source) tend to be very watery tomatoes for me, every time I cut one up I make a mess, and I get somewhat low production out of them. |
Positive | On Jul 26, 2013, sunreigns from Omaha, NE wrote: I am eating a Cherokee Purple right now and its delicious. My plant is covered with them, many green and some turning. I put the plant in the ground on May 18, and harvested the first ripe fruit on July 25. |
Positive | On Jul 12, 2013, Beepum wrote: I'm absolutely amazed by the taste of the Cherokee Purple. The only heirlooms I've had a hand at growing are Black from Tula, Black krimm and Cherokee purple and it definitely takes the #1 spot so far. The taste profile easily surpasses all the heirloom, beefsteak and cherry tomatoes I've ever grown. |
Positive | On Jun 11, 2013, LowbridgeNC from Forest City, NC wrote: I grew Cherokee Purple tomatoes for the first time last summer. The plant grew well, was fairly productive, and produced several large examples of one of the best tomatoes I've ever eaten. This year I planted them again (seedling from a local nursery), and even though all the plants this year are a couple of weeks behind due to a late, chilly spring, the Cherokee Purple is plugging right along and has six tomatoes in various stages of growth on it. We get the heat and the sticky humidity here, and I highly recommend them. I don't think they're all that ugly, either. :) |
Negative | On Jan 3, 2013, JMH99 from Cordele, GA wrote: I planted Cherokee Purple for the first time in 2012. I planted 6 transplants early in the season. These made only a few large tomatoes but those few were very tasty....and they did have that strange green color on the ripe interior. My wife complained loudly....even though they were tasty. The later planted transplants started coming off in mid June. Even though I controlled the watering....nearly 100% turned to mush. That lasted until Sept when I finally gave up and pulled the plants. I suspect this variety couldn't tolerate our south Georgia hot, humid nights. |
Positive | On Sep 2, 2012, Genoboy from Grass Valley, CA wrote: This is my first year with Cherokee Purple and to my mind, it is the best tasting tomato I have ever tried. Here at 2,500 ft. we plant starters around mid May. CP handled the cold spell and made fruit even in mid 90° temps. First ripe fruit by early August. A super tomato for Grass Valley, CA. |
Positive | On Aug 5, 2012, Pierangelo_Tosi from Gattico, I am growing Cherokee Purple tomatoes in Piedmont, in the North of Italy, since three years ago. The first year I had seeds from the US and then I saved my own seeds, without losing any of the characteristics. I am not a novice in growing tomatoes and I have to admit that Cherokee Purple has a better taste than most of the famous Italian tomatoes. |
Positive | On Jul 23, 2012, OMG2012 from Chowchilla, CA wrote: Great flavor and texture, very sweet and tomato-ey fruit. Not producing heavily but could be our cool to hot to cool weird temperatures this summer. I'll take what I can get...will replant next year! |
Positive | On Jul 5, 2012, Thebotanyboss from Johnson City, TN wrote: A great variety of tomato. Sure its not the prettiest, but flavor is the most important thing.Great at farmers markets. Enhances flavors of hamburgers greatly. Adding seaweed to the soil helps the plant grow much better. |
Positive | On Jun 16, 2012, Tangerine56 from Melbourne, FL (Zone 9b) wrote: I put one Cherokee Tomato seed in a 18 gal storage container with a 6" water reservoir on the bottom that I had made. My tomato plant is already about 9 feet tall and loaded with Tomatoes. I just picked my first one yesterday the size of half a grapefruit. I used a potting soil called Miracle Grow Moisture Control. I also added a Cherokee Blue corn seed to each box I made. This was a mistake because these |
Negative | On Mar 14, 2012, SoCagardner from Escondido, CA wrote: I've now tried Cherokee Purple in my garden several different times. The first two times the production was slim and the taste was good but not up to the standards of some other black tomates. This summer I tried them again. The plants grew well but had zero production. Every other tomato variety I grew this year had at least some production and most were outstanding in production. I love growing heirloom tomatoes, but I'm done with this one. |
Positive | On Mar 7, 2012, tangwystl from Limestone Creek, FL wrote: I am updating the review I have written farther down. It is March 25,2012. I have just picked and eaten the first tomato off of this plant. It was delicious! This tomato would be concidered an "ugly" tomato.It looked like 2 smaller tomatoes fused together about 4" long,with a more chocolate than purple color. This tomato had a very nice "tomato" flavor. Not too acidic,a fruity, almost wine flavor.This is a heavy feeder, especially when full of fruit. I have quite a few tomatoes now.--- So far, I have had success with this tomato. I have 2 plants. They are growing at an average rate. I have about 3 small/medium tomatoes growing right now. There are several just starting from the flower. I have quite a few blooms on this tomato. So far, so good. I do not have a large area to work with but I ... read more |
Positive | On Feb 3, 2012, kbjanet2003 from mid-Michigan, MI wrote: 100% positive. We loved this tomato last summer! Slightly tart might be a description for this. Maybe a little sweet. (I am not a tomato aficionado.)Though the shape can be a little odd it still slices nicely and holds together. Unlike some larger, juicier tomatoes it didn't seem to mush all over the place when slicing. ***Loved the flavor and "texture". *** |
Positive | On Aug 22, 2011, paszkry from Livonia, MI wrote: I have grown this wonderful tomato in SE Michigan for the last several years. I have given some away to widow ladies in the neighborhood and have seen the funny look on their faces, because a fully ripe Purple Cherokee is green on the top and a crimson on the bottom. This is what growing your own is all about. Pick fruits when they are still firm, dont wait for them to turn uniform red or they will get mushy and rot. I plant around 24 plants in a Community garden in Livonia and get a huge yield per plant of around 20-30 fist sized or larger tomatoes. Planting here is late May with fertilizer of 12-12-12 slow release every 10-14 days till mid July, then stop with the fetrilizer. Fruit usually starts Aug 1st but was 2 weeks later this year. Keep plants watered every 2 days if there is... read more |
Positive | On Jul 31, 2011, livinonfaith from Fuquay Varina, NC wrote: Keep in mind that this has been a terrible tomato year for me. My garden has been hit with a perfect storm of excessive (100+) heat from early in the season, voles, and at least two types of disease. Frustrating! |
Positive | On Jul 26, 2011, newbiehavinfun from Vineland, NJ wrote: This has been my favorite heirloom tomato so far. Or maybe a tie with Kellogg's Breakfast, but they are very different. Cherokee Purple has a richer taste and softer flesh than KB, and a nice round shape you don't often find in heirlooms. I don't find it to be mealy at all, and I would say it is actually less acidic than KB. It has split--only a little--on me after hard rains, and flopped right out of its cage, but it's worth the extra effort to support the rambling branches. I have it planted in (very) full sun in a raised bed with quality topsoil that I ammended with mushroom soil before planting and gave a light dressing of compost in July. I watered when needed during the extreme heat this summer. Pick these when the shoulders are still green or they'll turn to mush on the vine.... read more |
Positive | On Jul 25, 2011, tksavage from Washington, KS (Zone 5b) wrote: What a great heirloom! This is my first year planting this variety and I will definitely plant it again. I purchased my plants from Home Depot this spring. The plants are large and healthy with good production of large, juicy tomatoes with a wonderful, rich tomato taste. YUMMY! |
Negative | On May 22, 2011, robinclark24 from Murfreesboro, TN wrote: Loved, loved the color but as with some of the other reviewers...I found them to be quite bland & the texture was weird. Threw away seeds from last year's crop. Not growing this year. |
Positive | On May 19, 2011, urbanteenfarmer from Katy, TX wrote: I planted 2 Cherokee Purple Tomato plants in early March. Since May 6th, I have picked 6 tomatoes from both plants combined. One plant produced 3 normal sized tomatoes and a GIANT 2.4lb doublebloom tomato, while the other produced 2 very large ones, both over a 1lb for sure. They were all delicious with beautiful coloration. Some acidity but that was fine for me. The plants are between 3 and 4 feet tall right now. |
Neutral | On Apr 4, 2011, Aconfed from North Little Rock, AR wrote: I grew these last year and had great crop. Had a bushel from 3 plants at first frost mid Nov. However, my seeds I planted this year, germinated and came up great but now a few weeks later, when ready to move outside , have began wilting and dying in the cups. I have not over or under watered, they are in the sun butnot sure why . I transplanted roughly 70 plants for giving away etc but everyone's are dying....any ideas why? They seem to just fall over right where the base and soil meet. |
Neutral | On Mar 29, 2011, jstaydavis from Schaller, IA wrote: Greetings from the frozen tundra of Southern Minnesota (zone 4b)! My local nursery had Cherokee Purple plants last spring, so I planted two of them, just as an experiment. They produced a grand total of ONE ripe tomato and 2 greenies, all picked the night before our first hard frost. In all fairness, the ripe one was DEEELICIOUS, and the vines were very stocky and vigorous, even in a garden that experiences 30mph winds at least once a week. The only problem is the seed catalogs list this as an 85 day tomato, which pretty much agrees with my experience. They simply can't do their thing before frost, up here. I wish I could grow Cherokee Purples, but I'm going to stick to my faithful old Cheyennes. |
Positive | On Feb 5, 2011, Nickolock from Tifton, GA wrote: This is perhaps the most fun I've had with an heirloom tomato and I tried the mixed seeds last year with a number of varieties and the purple tomato I think bore better and had the most interesting different taste, rich, full flavor. Now your relatives and friends may not like it just because they only like red tomatoes, but anyone that is willing to try it will I think grow to like it because it is different. The plants grew huge and healthy more than 6 feet tall in time and I had them in cages in pots because I live in a duplex and must use pots outside on the patio. It was a brutally hot year and I watered every day, so you have to like to water and garden if you undertake any gardening. Hornworms were the only threat and I picked them off and did use a spray one time and about 6 worms... read more |
Neutral | On Jan 11, 2011, sugarpine from San Jose, CA wrote: Cherokee Purple was quite variable for me. One year, it was excellent! Production was fantastic, flavor was very good(sweet yet rich), and the fruits were stunning. However, my second year was horrible. My plants only started producing in late August and probably only gave me 1 fruit per week. The tomatoes tasted like supermarket tomatoes, extremely bland. I might grow this tomato again, due to my excellent first year, but most likely not. |
Neutral | On Jan 2, 2011, Laflora from DeLand, FL (Zone 9b) wrote: This tomato grew well and produced many fruits under tough conditions. I give it a neutral rating only because of the taste. It had a flavor that reminded me of wine. Weird, I know. Every tomato from two plants had the same flavor, whether I picked it ripe off the plant or a little early and let it ripen inside the house. It wasn't a bad taste, but one of those things that you either like or don't. I prefer old-timey, rich tomato flavor. Cherokee Purple is a pretty fruit and my plants out-produced many of the other heirloom tomatoes I've tried through the years. |
Positive | On Nov 26, 2010, april_h_o from Madison, TN (Zone 6b) wrote: Grew them for the first time this year in very difficult weather - Nashville flooded and there was initially too, too much rain and then not a drop with very hot 100+ degree days. That said, this tomato had no more problems than one would expect with those conditions and the flavor was out of this world. Our tomato of choice for bruschetta! |
Positive | On Oct 17, 2010, WilliamClark from Albany, GA wrote: Best of the Best. 2nd year with Cher. Purple. 1st year little success. This year, terrific. Not a tomato for those who have limited time to care for plant. The ones I planted in ground were complete failures. The ones in 5 gal. buckets, great. Keys: dark sandy soil, pH below 7, fertilize weekly with Miraclegrow 24-8-16 all purpose, water twice daily when temps reach100. Run rope thru bottom of bucket to a tie off 8ft high and tie plants to rope as they grow. Plants will stop production after a period of 100+ degrees and will not bloom or set fruit until it cools to 90. Each plant has produced close to 70 tomatoes. Watch for and treat for stink bugs and tomato fruit worms. Pick off green horn worms. Best tasting tomato ever and I also grow 3 varities of Brandwines, plus other heirlooms. |
Positive | On Sep 13, 2010, jstuchli from Santa Rosa, CA wrote: I'm a novice veggie gardener and I'm very happy with this choice. We got a really late start to summer and I didn't think the tomatoes would get enough sunshine but they seem to be thriving (once I convinced myself I didn't need to water every other day). These are beautiful fruit (I've only tried one so far). The initial taste was a little tart rather than sweet, but it was tasty, juicy and had a very nice texture. I agree that it's probably better to let them fully ripen on the windowsill. I'll be looking for this plant next year and will be planting more than one of this variety definitely. |
Positive | On Aug 28, 2010, Tigerlily09 from Atlanta, GA (Zone 7b) wrote: I tried this variety for the first time this year and it has ripened sooner and been more productive than my Better Boy. The flavor is unbelievable! I had some trouble with catface early in the season and the tomatoes tend to crack around the stem. Very strange looking but very tasty! |
Positive | On Aug 22, 2010, MBeach06 from San Jose, CA wrote: I am growing a Cherokee Purple this year and its going great. I have big juicy tomatoes, some almost 1 pound. A tip- dont wait for the tops to turn red. They never will. When the tomato feels ripe to the touch then pick it. I leave mine in a windowsill for a day or two and they are wonderful! You can even pick them a few days before they are fully ripe to avoid critters from eating them before you. Put them on a windowsill until they ripen up. |
Positive | On Aug 16, 2010, gretel5555 from Pottstown, PA wrote: Wonderful! Fairly prolific but prone to rot, splitting and insect problems. However, the taste makes it all worth it. Second only to Brandywine in my opinion. Sweet, salty, rich tomato flavor. |
Positive | On Aug 7, 2010, Niere from Chepachet, RI (Zone 5b) wrote: This is our first year growing this variety and we just had our first few tomatoes from them tonite. |
Positive | On Aug 2, 2010, clairesml from Moneta, VA wrote: Smith Mtn Lake, Va. |
Positive | On Aug 1, 2010, Highland_Glen from Monterey, VA wrote: Planted toward end of May here in the mountains of VA (US). |
Neutral | On Jul 23, 2010, suzandrien from Pacifica, CA wrote: The jury is still out on these plants. I planted three 12-inch seedlings in mid-May--two in a Topsy Turvy and one in a humungous porous pot. They appear to be thriving and are now thick bushes with at least 100 flowers, but I have only 2 tomatoes (the size of toddler fists) that showed up in mid-June. One is nearly ripe but seems small compared to some described here. I use Miracle-Gro every 10-12 days and keep them watered. The flowers are vibrant when they bloom but they wither without forming fruit. Are they not being pollinated, maybe? Come to think of it, I haven't seen many bees this year. I haven't gardened in years, obviously, but my love of the Purple Cherokee and my hatred of paying $5.99/lb. drove me to try growing them. Btw, Pacifica gets little sun (a few hours a day,... read more |
Negative | On Jul 17, 2010, mattmmille from Cary, NC wrote: Bought 2 plants from Raleigh Farmer's Market and planted them in a box on my deck with a fair amount of sun and regular watering. Added Miracle Grow a few times early on. The stalks shot up and plants appear healthy, but I have yet to see a single flower. I was so psyched when I first saw this variety available, but I am definately disappointed at this point. Will definately try something else next year. |
Positive | On Jun 3, 2010, betta5 from Gainesville, FL wrote: I planted one cherokee purple from seed last year that I planted in the ground, I only had two tomatoes to eat. They were small but the taste was amazing so I decided to try again this year. I have 3 plants this time in containers with drip watering. They are doing well in the pots which are small for tomatoes, maybe 3 gallon size and between the 3 plants there are 25 tomatoes. My main complaint is that they are cracking! I know this variety is prone to it but it didn't happen last year for whatever reason so it was a bit unexpected. The tomatoes do not crack until it rains. The tomatoes are huge this year though and I cannot wait to taste them. I am still giving a postive rating as the plants are prolific this year and they should taste just as wonderful as last year; but the cracking i... read more |
Neutral | On Apr 12, 2010, dlbailey from Central Valley, CA (Zone 9a) wrote: This is one of the best tasting tomatoes I have ever eaten. However, the plants hardly flower. Only had about 4 or 5 from the plant I grew a few years ago. I will have to try this tomato again to see if I have better luck with it. |
Negative | On Mar 12, 2010, angelam from melbourne, I found this a very disappointing tomato. I got a good yield of large solid looking fruit that had little taste and were incredibly watery when cooked for sauce. No one liked the texture raw -too soggy. |
Positive | On Feb 13, 2010, finn_nz from Wellington, grew well in 20litre bucket inside, reached the ceiling, 8 feet, produced big tomatoes, best ive ever tasted, a keeper definatley |
Positive | On Sep 30, 2009, jeroc from Catawba, SC wrote: I was given a couple of Cherokee Purples about 4 years ago by a fellow near Maggie Valley, NC. I was not familiar with the tomato but saved the seeds from these two and planted them the next year. Have been planting saved seed for the past 3 years and had excellent success. Mine are grown in a sandy/loamy soil and have had no insect problems. They do crack around the stem area but this seems to be characteristic of the tomato. If picked just before dead ripe there is no problem with rot. Since I started them from seed they are later in producing so I hope to have some up to frost time (late October). We really enjoy the sweet, mild flavor and sharing them with friends. |
Negative | On Sep 21, 2009, kitty_mom from Waverly, GA (Zone 8b) wrote: I started these from seed. The plants were average in every way, except next to no flowers. Then, it only produced two tomatoes and an enormous caterpillar ate one. |
Positive | On Aug 16, 2009, Breamfishn from Blairsville, GA wrote: Excellent size, shape and texture. Very prolific and grows very tall. Great taste. One of my favorites and this is my first year for growing them. |
Positive | On Jun 4, 2009, jeepers13 from Eugene, OR wrote: 'Cherokee Purple' is good, not great. It has a moderate yield of large, gorgeous berries with a yummy taste. I grew it next to 'Brandywine' last year to compare. Each had delicious flavor and darkly sexy fruit, but the 'Cherokee' produced fairly mealy tomatoes. 'Brandywine' wins. |
Positive | On Mar 5, 2009, Alyssum from Cortlandt Manor, NY (Zone 6a) wrote: Great flavor. Productive. Will grow again. |
Neutral | On Jul 10, 2008, jjpm74 from Stratford, CT (Zone 6b) wrote: Easily one of the tastiest tomatoes to grow. Were it not for the tastiness, I probably wouldn't grown this one as it is prone to disease and plants only produce a few fruits at a time. |
Positive | On May 28, 2008, sgriffith from Beaver, WV (Zone 5b) wrote: This one of my favorite tomatoes. I have grown it in 5 gallon pots with Promix BX for two years. I have had good success with this tomato and love the flavor. The comments about the tomato rotting on the vine - this does seem to be a trait of this tomato. I pick mine when they are ripe and put in the produce crisper in the fridge. They keep about a week that way. Without refrigeration, they are gone soon after they ripen - on the vine or off. |
Positive | On May 27, 2008, Bryanccfshr from Cibolo, TX (Zone 8b) wrote: This plant produces high quality fruits earlier than would be expected for tomatoes this size and quality. 68 days from plant out and three Cherokee Purple Plants I planted this year began to provide beutiful ripe fruits. This plant has a tendency to want to grow horizantal but can easily fill a 6' x 24" cage. I have had several fruits over 1# this year and Cherokee Purple will remain a part of my gardens for both flavor and reliable production. |
Positive | On Aug 26, 2007, DonShirer from Westbrook, CT (Zone 6a) wrote: Good taste and nice round form, unlike the ugly shapes some big heirlooms produce. Production was not great in my shaded vegetable garden, but I'll try it next to some flowers in a sunnier bed next year. |
Positive | On Jul 10, 2007, mirmirdg from Tlaxcala, I'm growing this superb tomato in central Mexico (at some 7000ft altitude) both in the ground and in large pots. The sun here is severe and burns plants easily so I get best results when they're well shaded. The plants in the ground are much larger and better producers than the potted ones but even these potted ones are holding their own very nicely. I had one fruit go bad (blossom end rot?) but so far none of the many others have had similar problems. This is far and away my favorite tomato, both for growing and for its marvellous, complex taste - like no other. I like to pick them when there's still considerable green around the stem - tastes fully ripe to me. |
Positive | On Mar 30, 2007, stoutl from Trenton, MI wrote: First gew this tomato last year, Just a couple of plants. While this was not the most prolific producer I have to say it has become my favorite tomato based on the taste. A simply wonderful complex treat for the tounge. |
Positive | On Sep 24, 2006, EAPierce from Idaho Falls, ID (Zone 5a) wrote: I've little to add to most of these comments, except to report that the Cherokee Purples I planted (two plants) did well, produced a good amount (though few fruits had a chance to ripen completely), and I really liked the rich flavor, not to mention how pretty they are sliced on a plate. No misshapen fruits to speak of, no obvious disease problems, but one notable oddity... |
Positive | On Aug 15, 2006, shawteeroc from Brooklyn, NY (Zone 7a) wrote: I am having pretty good luck with these guys. Large to extra large in size and a decent number of tomatoes. The taste is delicious. So sweet. No salt needed to bring out the flavor and they are great raw. I brought some to my dad's house. He saw them on the table and saw "Eww" but they were a big hit once they were sliced up and served. My only problem which is adding to their ugliness is the severe cracking they have endured. I water them quite frequently, but its been very hot and there's a lot of cracking around the top. |
Positive | On Aug 12, 2006, jandjinok from Stilwell, OK wrote: This is the first year we have grown this tomato and it has flourished in the face of severe drought and extreme 100+ degree heat. The only bug that seemed to effect this plant and all my tomato plants was the blister bug. Sunburn from the extreme heat ruined some of the fruit, but the plant did fine. The Cherokee Purple was the most resistant to bugs and certainly the most prolific producer. Tomatoes grew from small palm size to very large pound size. The taste was wonderful. |
Positive | On Jul 27, 2006, girldog from Detroit, MI (Zone 6a) wrote: Hi. First time growing veggies, and planted two each of the Cherokee Purple, Rutgers Select, and Yellow Heirloom - all out behind the garage. They look great and healthy so far. Expecting them to turn color between first and second weekend in August. The Cherokee Purple is beautiful, just over five feet tall...can't wait to taste them! |
Positive | On Jul 18, 2006, DrCochran from Mammoth Spring, AR wrote: I tried this one for the obvious novelty. However it is very early for an indeterminate. The flavor is unique and delicious. Though touted as a moderately productive tomato, I can't keep up with my plants. |
Positive | On Jun 27, 2006, pajaritomt from Los Alamos, NM (Zone 5a) wrote: I have to admit this is not a beautiful tomato, but when I serve it with other more attractive tomatoes, I always tell my friends -- try the ugly one. And they love it. Actually, if one comes to love heirlooms, Cherokee Purple is quite attractive. |
Positive | On Jun 1, 2006, Trilobyte50 from Bloomington, IL wrote: I grew Cherokee Purple for the first time last year. I had two plants and they grew luxuriously and bore abundant fruit. The Cherokee Purple was our choice of eating tomato as the flavor, texture and mouthfeel was simply fabulous. Many times we would just slice one or two and have tomato sandwiches on toast for supper! My brother raises heirloom tomatoes to sell and this tomato has no equal IMHO. |
Positive | On May 10, 2006, duraki from Bryan, TX wrote: Have grown this tomato twice in Bryan Texas, very successfully. It produces well in the heat and humidity. Right now in May, mine has probably 3 dozen green tomatoes on it in various sizes, and not a shred of disease. Interestingly, it is between a "Better Boy" and a "Tomande," both of which are getting whiteflies and stink bugs, but they leave the Cherokee Purple alone. |
Positive | On May 9, 2006, TheEditor from Whiteland, IN wrote: Cherokee Purple is one of the best-tasting tomatoes on the planet, packing a sweet taste that's in the same ballpark as Pink Brandywine -- but of course, you need a healthy plant and an ideal climate. This variety seems to grow great in the Indianapolis area and has been a mainstay in my garden for the better part of a decade. If you haven't had any luck with it, you might try buying plants instead of seeds. A vendor at a farmers' market in downtown Indianapolis (at the City Market) sells giant plants for only $5 each, and five for $20, and it's hardly the only place around that stocks Cherokee plants. |
Negative | On Apr 25, 2006, jallaway from Houston, TX (Zone 8b) wrote: Tried this one over two seasons. As with most heirlooms in Houston, the heat and humidity did a number on it. I never got more than a few small maters and those didn't have any flavor or texture to justify growing it. Maybe if I had coated it with fungicide each week - but I tend to the lazy organic side of things. |
Positive | On Apr 2, 2006, Suze_ from (Zone 7b) wrote: Fabulous, complex flavor -- a must grow every year, and a top ten tomato for me. I wouldn't be without it. Fruits turn a very deep purplish red in my climate. |
Negative | On Jan 17, 2006, Gabrielle from (Zone 5a) wrote: In my family’s opinion this was another disappointing tomato. I gave it a fair chance, but ended up pulling it out early because the tomatoes never had much flavor. Also, as someone else had, they kept rotting on the vine. Other tomatoes were planted by them, in the very same compost rich soil, and they were fine. |
Negative | On Nov 26, 2005, blameitonkarma from Lancaster, CA (Zone 9a) wrote: Cherokee Purple produced lots of fruit, but I never got a single one because they all rotted. Every last one of them were rotten on the inside, and the rot seemed to start at the stem end. Never could get an answer as to what was going on, but I'm giving up on them anyway. |
Negative | On Nov 4, 2005, eweed from Everson, WA (Zone 8a) wrote: Two years growing both times poor results Prudens is far superior in my area. I will not try this one again |
Positive | On Oct 28, 2005, jasmerr from Merrimac, WI (Zone 4b) wrote: I have grown Cherokee Purple for three years now. I love the flavor and the color. This has been the best crop and they were started indoors from seed. The previous two years I bought plants. |
Positive | On Sep 27, 2005, fwfarm from Lebanon, OR (Zone 7b) wrote: This is the most delicious tomato ever, but sooo difficult, it always has the most rot and the fewest tomatoes and lumpy, unattractive, cracked, etc. fruit :-( but worth it just for the few sublime moments! |
Positive | On Aug 20, 2005, JennyInIllinois from Troy, IL (Zone 5b) wrote: Very yummy if very ugly tomato. Large fruits with somewhat slimy greenish inside. When it comes to flavor, I think this is the very best. Sampled it at work, a garden center, everyone absolutely loved it. Can't say enough about this tomato! |
Positive | On Aug 18, 2005, Farmer_Ned from Denver, CO (Zone 5b) wrote: This is the first year that I have seen this variety at my local nursery--Paulino Garden's in Denver, Colorado. My neighbor and I have both planted the Cherokee Purple in NW Denver. So far, our plants have been entirely disease free. I have watered this plant liberally--as Denver is semi-arid. I myself have picked 3 tomatoes to date--August 18th, 2005. The early planting season is generally delayed here by cold weather, so I put this plant in around May 15th. So, I am at around 90 days from planting to first harvest--normal for this item. I picked my first 3 tomatoes a day or two early, so I allowed them to ripen off the vine with some of my other tomatoes. As expected, the Cherokee's deepened in color from green-purple to red-purple. This heirloom is fantastic--very moist and den... read more |
Positive | On Jul 25, 2005, DrDoolotz from Oxford, NS (Zone 5b) wrote: Very tasty tomato. I had a lot of blossom end rot with this variety initially, but now (late July) I am getting some good ones and they are really good in almost any tomato recipe, or just in a salad. I had one that weighed nearly one pound, which is quite big for me. |
Neutral | On Jul 18, 2005, mommaturkey from San Jose, CA wrote: I am growing a Cherokee Purple Tomato Plant and not sure when to pick the fruit. The plant is doing very well and the fruit is growing. A couple started to ripen, but only the bottoms are turning pinkish purple. The tops are still green. They have been that way for about a week or more. The tomato is soft to touch and feels like it is ready to pick, but does not look ready. I am used to Early Girls and Better Boys that ripen real fast and red all over. I picked one and it had very good flavor but was kind of mushy. I am going to stick it out and see if the green goes away, but I don't want my tomatos to go bad on the vine!!!! |
Positive | On Jul 12, 2005, Tropicman from Bushland, TX (Zone 6a) wrote: Very vigorous grower,large plant,no tomato blight to speak of midway through the growing season. |
Negative | On Jun 7, 2005, megabrams from Indianapolis, IN wrote: I live in Indianapolois Indiana where I love to grow unusual and unique EVERYTHING! LOL. |
Positive | On Apr 28, 2005, Jazzpunkin from Springfield, OH (Zone 5b) wrote: I grew this tomato for the first time last year and it was a winner. A lovely smokey flavor that is quite complex and interesting. Goes great with BLTs. My 8yo daughter will not eat any other type of tomato now (and she is/was a tomato fiend before) It does tend to crack with uneven watering. I didn't notice any more trouble with disease than with my other tomatoes. I grew two of these and seemed to have plenty. |
Positive | On Feb 5, 2005, DeaconPete from Callaway, VA wrote: I grew the Cherokee Purple for the first time last year, and it is the best tasting tomato I have ever grown. The only drawback is that the plants are stingy producers. I'll compensate this year with more plants. All of my Cherokees were picked with green shoulders, and the tomato turned a lavendar/purple when I scalded the tomatoes to skin them. |
Positive | On Sep 14, 2004, lucia1 from Oak Park, IL wrote: I'm growing the Cherokee in my garden in Oak Park, Illinois. When I first tasted this fruit, I felt as if I had time traveled back to my grandparent's farm in Michigan. Old time taste, big tomatoes with supple flesh, good balance of acidity and sweetness. |
Positive | On Aug 6, 2004, Lindsey146 from Mira Loma, CA wrote: Don't get me wrong, I am very impressed by the totally different, smoky flavor, nice texture, not too juicy or dry. But either I am doing something totally wrong, I must say these have to be the most ugly tomato I have ever grown! I have a pic here of the blossom side. They see to crack easily, one had "resealed" or scabbed over, commendable I guess, but am not sure if it would be healthy to eat? The 2 bushes I planted from seed I started, are about 5' tall with good leaf coverage. Have never had any problem with those green hard shell June bugs until they found the first ripe CP! I lost three to them! UGH I whipped out the spray and have not noticed their presence since. Tomatoes are ripening slow here this year. Good News/Bad News not as bloody hot as usual! I am NOT complaining. Am anx... read more |
Positive | On Aug 5, 2004, daisyavenue from Long Beach, CA (Zone 10b) wrote: We love the smell, texture and taste of this tomato. It has a perfect balance of meat without being to sloppy wet. Just picking them is a pleasure to my nose! |
Negative | On Jul 20, 2004, winterfly from East Flat Rock, NC wrote: The conditions must not have been right in my garden for my Cherokee Purple fruit was meaty but bland and tasteless. Probably not enought sun (Only about 6 hours per day). Wish I could taste what others are tasting. |
Positive | On Jan 6, 2004, Bungarian from Cotton Valley, LA wrote: This is a great tomato. I love the color and don't understand those who don't. You did know it was that color when planting it. |
Neutral | On Nov 26, 2003, Farmerdill from Augusta, GA (Zone 8a) wrote: Cherokee Purple grows and produces well in this area. However it is one that you will either hate or love. My wife threatened to leave if I ever brought another one into the house. It tastes like a tomato, but the color is that of raw pork liver. It is just not eye appealing to a lot of folks. Since it is not outstanding in any way but color, I no longer plant it. |
Positive | On Sep 21, 2003, margaretx from Houston, TX (Zone 9b) wrote: Fabulous tomato! First, it grows here. Second, it tastes terrific. I don't get many tomatoes per plant but I love the ones I get. Also, it is now available at our upscale supermarket as an heirloom. |
Neutral | On Sep 20, 2003, pameladallaire from Timmins, ON (Zone 2a) wrote: The plant grew well here in Northeastern Ontario, Canada. The fruit were big but there were only a few per plant. |
Positive | On Aug 19, 2003, frahnzone5 from Bensenville, IL (Zone 5a) wrote: First time for this tomato and I love it. Beautiful, blemish free fruit, wonderful color and great taste. Some comments have indicated disease problems but so far my plant is large and healthy. I will definitely grow this heirloom again next year. |
Positive | On Aug 5, 2003, Charlie94965 wrote: Actually, I buy them from a farmers' market. I have never had a better tomato! We used to grow quite a few in Southern New Jersey, and this is the first West Coast (Marin) fruit I've seen that could rival that product. |
Positive | On Jul 20, 2003, Scashin wrote: I grew this tomato for the first time here in Austin, Texas. |
Positive | On Jun 2, 2003, eddipi from Corte Madera, CA wrote: This is a hit of the garden in Marin County, CA. Large, great flavored fruit. Dark color is exotic. Have had a bit of trouble with disease, but that may be my fault. Love this tomato. |
Positive | On Apr 20, 2003, kraig23 wrote: My second favorite tomato of the 2002 season. Full of flavor that's complex, with a nice texture. |
Neutral | On Sep 8, 2002, Pala from Olympia, WA (Zone 8b) wrote: Cherokee Purple is good, but seems somewhat over rated. I thought they were on the dry side when truly ripe and a bit grainy and bland. I may be doing something wrong, but I much prefer Pruden's to this one in a similar category. |
Positive | On May 16, 2002, melody from Benton, KY (Zone 7a) wrote: Rumored to have been grown by the Cherokee Indians of North Carolina. This is a wonderful all-purpose tomato.Absolutely heavenly sliced,but makes great sauces and salsa too. |