TOMATO - PURPLE CHEROKEE

  Organic Tomato Purple Cherokee

        10 Seeds Pack    

Cherokee Purple tomatoes are a medium to large heirloom variety, typically measuring 12 to 13 centimetres in diameter and weighing between 226 and 453 grams. These tomatoes have a distinct round, oblate, and flattened shape, often featuring pronounced ribbing and irregular creases, lumps, or bulges depending on the growing conditions. The skin is thick, smooth, and taut, displaying a striking mix of dark red, purple, and brown hues, with patches of dark green on the shoulders near the leafy stem cap. Scattered across the surface, tiny yellow dots add to their unique appearance.

Beneath the skin, Cherokee Purple tomatoes boast dense, meaty flesh with central chambers filled with gelatinous liquid that suspends small, round, and flat seeds. The flesh has a semi-firm yet tender, crisp, and succulent consistency, making them perfect for slicing. When cut, the tomatoes release a rich, earthy, fruity aroma that hints at their complex flavour profile. Cherokee Purple tomatoes are celebrated for their sweet, tangy, and savoury taste, balanced by mild acidity. They also offer earthy and smoky undertones, creating a unique and refreshing flavour experience. These tomatoes are best enjoyed raw once ripe, making them ideal for fresh eating in salads, sandwiches, or as a simple snack to savour their full, robust flavour.

      PLANTING & GROWING

Soaking needs to be done at least a few hours before planting, and preferably overnight. To prevent damping off when starting seeds indoors, it’s essential that you disinfect all of your pots, plastic grow trays, seed cells, and seedling tray covers before you reuse them. 

Tomatoes thrive in full sun, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Prepare the soil 2-3 weeks before planting by digging it over and incorporating plenty of organic matter to enrich it. Tomatoes also grow well in grow bags or large pots, provided they are watered and fed regularly. For container planting, a mix of half potting compost and half soil-based loam works best, offering both nutrients and stability.

To sow tomatoes, start from late January to April by planting seeds 3 mm (1/8 in) deep in small pots filled with seed-starting compost. Water lightly and keep the soil consistently moist until germination, which typically occurs within 5–10 days at temperatures of 21–27°C (70–80°F). Once the seedlings emerge, place them in a bright location with slightly cooler temperatures (16–21°C or 60–70°F), such as a south-facing window.

When the seedlings develop their first true leaves and before they become root-bound, transplant them into larger 10 cm (4 in) pots. Protect the young plants from frost and sunburn using cloches or makeshift greenhouses like large plastic jugs with the bottoms removed. If necessary, fertilize sparingly with a weak dilution. Once the plants reach 15 cm (6 in) in height, harden them off over 10-15 days before transplanting them to their final position outdoors.

Before transplanting, drive sturdy stakes at least 1.2 m (4 ft) tall into the ground, 5 cm (2 in) from each planting hole, to provide support. Space planting holes 45 cm (18 in) apart and water them if the soil is dry. Carefully remove each plant from its pot, keeping the root ball intact, and place it in the hole so the soil level is slightly higher than in the pot. Tie the stem loosely to the stake with soft garden twine, allowing slack for future growth. Consistent moisture is essential for tomato cultivation, as irregular watering can lead to fruit splitting and blossom-end rot. Avoid overwatering, as it can diminish flavour and cause cracking.

Indeterminate tomatoes will continue growing and producing fruit throughout the season until frost kills the vine, often reaching heights of 180–300 cm (6–10 ft). These varieties require substantial staking or caging to support their heavy growth. Regularly prune by pinching out suckers (small shoots) in the leaf axils to concentrate the plant's energy on one or two main stems. Train the stems along their supports by wrapping them in the same direction each time they are tied.

Plant fragrant companions like basil, garlic, or onions near tomatoes to mask their scent and deter pests. Avoid planting them near Brassicaceae family members or in soil previously used for tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, or eggplants to reduce disease risks.