Description
‘Cherokee Purple’ tomato is a treasured heirloom slicer with large, dusky purple-red fruit, deep-colored shoulders, and rich, full tomato flavor. Its meaty slices are especially good on sandwiches and fresh from the garden.
Growing Cherokee Purple in Alabama
Set transplants in full sun after the last frost, in fertile soil that drains well. This indeterminate vine keeps growing and needs strong staking or caging. Water deeply and consistently, mulch to reduce soil splash, and avoid overhead irrigation when possible. In Alabama, an early spring planting helps the first crop set before midsummer heat makes pollination less reliable. Watch for leaf diseases and rotate planting sites, since heirlooms may lack the resistance packages of modern hybrids.
Harvest: About 80–85 days from transplanting. Fruit: Often 10–12 ounces, with some larger under good conditions. Harvest when the fruit develops its characteristic deep color and yields slightly to gentle pressure.
