Purple Cherokee Cherry Tomato (Updated October 14th)

Introducing the ‘Purple Cherokee Cherry’ Tomato: A Culinary Delight

The ‘Purple Cherokee Cherry’ tomato represents a remarkable intersection of heritage and innovation in the world of garden edibles. While its name evokes the beloved ‘Cherokee Purple’ beefsteak tomato, it is important to understand that this variety is a distinct cherry-sized cultivar, not merely a miniature version. It has garnered significant attention from home gardeners and culinary enthusiasts alike for its unique color, rich flavor, and robust productivity. This article delves into the comprehensive aspects of cultivating, caring for, and enjoying the fruits of the ‘Purple Cherokee Cherry’ tomato, providing essential information for successful gardening.

Origin and Name

The precise historical lineage of the ‘Purple Cherokee Cherry’ tomato is somewhat less documented than its namesake, the ‘Cherokee Purple’ beefsteak, which is often cited as an heirloom variety with a history tracing back to the Cherokee Nation. The ‘Purple Cherokee Cherry’ likely emerged from breeding efforts to create a cherry tomato that captured some of the complex, earthy, and sweet flavors, along with the distinctive purplish-brown hue, of the larger heirloom. It is considered an open-pollinated variety, meaning that if conditions are met, seeds saved from healthy plants will produce offspring true to the parent plant, a trait highly valued by those interested in preserving specific plant genetics and sharing seeds.

Why Choose This Variety?

Gardeners select the ‘Purple Cherokee Cherry’ for a multitude of reasons, primarily centered on its sensory appeal and gardening practicality. Its primary draw is undoubtedly its exceptional flavor profile, which often combines sweetness with a subtle smokiness and a savory depth, distinguishing it from many purely sweet red cherry varieties. The striking deep reddish-purple to purplish-brown coloration, often with green shoulders when fully ripe, adds a visually appealing element to salads, platters, and garden landscapes. Beyond aesthetics and taste, this variety is known for its prolificacy, consistently yielding a generous harvest of small, bite-sized fruits throughout the growing season. Its indeterminate growth habit also makes it a rewarding plant for those who enjoy continuous production from a single specimen, provided adequate support and care are given.

Botanical Overview and Distinctive Characteristics

Understanding the botanical profile of the ‘Purple Cherokee Cherry’ tomato is fundamental to its successful cultivation. As a member of the Solanaceae family, it shares characteristics with many other nightshades, yet possesses specific traits that define its growth and fruit production.

Plant Morphology

The ‘Purple Cherokee Cherry’ is an indeterminate tomato variety. This classification signifies that the plant will continue to grow, produce flowers, and set fruit throughout the entire growing season until it is halted by frost or disease. Its vines can reach substantial lengths, often exceeding 6 to 8 feet, necessitating strong support structures. The foliage is typically dense, providing good cover for the developing fruit. Leaves are compound, deeply lobed, and a rich green color, contributing to the plant’s overall vigor and photosynthetic capacity. Flowers are small, yellow, and self-pollinating, typically appearing in clusters along the main stem and lateral branches.

Fruit Description and Appearance

The fruit of the ‘Purple Cherokee Cherry’ tomato is its most distinguishing feature. These are small, globe-shaped to slightly oval cherry tomatoes, typically ranging from 0.75 to 1.5 inches in diameter. The skin is glossy and relatively thin, contributing to a tender eating experience. The most captivating aspect is their color: a deep reddish-purple to a purplish-brown, often exhibiting darker green shoulders that persist even when fully ripe. This unique pigmentation is due to a higher concentration of anthocyanins, the same antioxidants found in blueberries and other purple fruits. Internally, the flesh is juicy, multi-locular (having several seed cavities), and possesses a rich, complex flavor that balances sweetness with earthy and smoky undertones.

Growth Habit and Maturity

From the time of transplanting seedlings into the garden, the ‘Purple Cherokee Cherry’ typically reaches maturity and begins producing ripe fruit in approximately 70 to 80 days. As an indeterminate type, its growth is continuous. It will first establish a robust root system and significant vegetative growth before transitioning into heavy fruit production. The clusters of flowers develop into multiple cherry tomatoes, and these clusters ripen sequentially along the vine, providing a continuous supply of fresh tomatoes from mid-summer until the first hard frost. This extended harvest period is a major advantage for gardeners seeking a steady yield over several months.

Essential Cultivation Practices: From Seed to Transplant

Successful cultivation of the ‘Purple Cherokee Cherry’ tomato begins with careful planning and adherence to optimal planting practices. Providing the right conditions from the outset lays the foundation for a productive and healthy plant.

Site Selection and Sunlight Requirements

Tomatoes are sun-loving plants, and the ‘Purple Cherokee Cherry’ is no exception. Selecting a site that receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day is crucial for vigorous growth, abundant flowering, and optimal fruit development and flavor. In hotter climates, a location that offers some afternoon shade might be beneficial to prevent scorching, though this should not compromise overall light exposure. Good air circulation is also important to minimize the risk of fungal diseases, so avoid planting in overly crowded areas or against solid walls where air movement is restricted.

Soil Preparation and pH Considerations

The ‘Purple Cherokee Cherry’ thrives in rich, well-draining soil that retains moisture without becoming waterlogged. Ideal soil should be loose, loamy, and deeply worked. Prior to planting, amend the soil generously with organic matter such as compost, well-rotted manure, or leaf mold. This improves soil structure, enhances drainage, and provides a slow-release source of nutrients. A soil test is highly recommended to determine existing nutrient levels and pH. Tomatoes prefer a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH, ideally between 6.0 and 6.8. If the pH falls outside this range, amendments like lime (to raise pH) or elemental sulfur (to lower pH) can be incorporated in the season prior to planting.

Starting Seeds Indoors

For most temperate climates, starting ‘Purple Cherokee Cherry’ seeds indoors is essential to give plants a head start and ensure a sufficient growing season for fruit production. Seeds should be sown approximately 6 to 8 weeks before the average last frost date in your region. Use sterile seed-starting mix in trays or small pots to prevent damping-off disease. Sow seeds about ¼ inch deep.
Optimal germination occurs at soil temperatures between 75°F and 85°F (24°C-29°C), which can be achieved with a heating mat. Once germinated, seedlings require bright light to prevent them from becoming leggy. Provide 12-16 hours of light daily using grow lights positioned just a few inches above the plant tops. As seedlings grow, thin them to the strongest plant per cell, and transplant them into larger pots (3-4 inches) once they develop their first true leaves.

Transplanting Seedlings Outdoors

Before transplanting outdoors, seedlings must undergo a process called hardening off. This involves gradually acclimating them to outdoor conditions over 7 to 10 days by exposing them to increasing periods of direct sunlight, wind, and cooler temperatures. This step is critical for minimizing transplant shock.
Transplant only after all danger of frost has passed and night temperatures consistently remain above 50°F (10°C), and the soil has warmed. When planting, dig a hole deep enough to bury a significant portion of the stem. Tomatoes have the ability to form roots along the buried stem, leading to a stronger root system. Space plants 2.5 to 3 feet apart in rows, with rows 3 to 4 feet apart, to ensure adequate air circulation and room for growth. Water thoroughly immediately after transplanting.

Ongoing Care and Maintenance for Optimal Growth

Once established, ‘Purple Cherokee Cherry’ tomato plants require consistent care to ensure vigorous growth and abundant fruit production. Proper management of water, nutrients, support, and pest/disease issues is key.

Watering Techniques

Consistent and adequate watering is paramount for healthy tomato plants and to prevent common issues like blossom end rot and fruit cracking. Aim for deep watering, delivering water slowly to penetrate the root zone rather than just wetting the surface. Depending on soil type and weather, this may mean 1-2 inches of water per week, potentially more during hot, dry spells or when plants are heavily fruiting.
Water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which can encourage fungal diseases. Drip irrigation or soaker hoses are ideal for this. A layer of organic mulch (e.g., straw, shredded leaves, wood chips) around the base of the plant will help conserve soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.

Nutrient Management and Fertilization

Tomatoes are moderate to heavy feeders. Begin with a balanced fertilizer (e.g., 5-10-5 or 10-10-10) at planting time. Once plants begin to set fruit, switch to a fertilizer higher in phosphorus and potassium (the middle and last numbers in the N-P-K ratio), such as a 5-10-10 or specific “tomato food” formulation. Nitrogen is important for foliage growth, but too much can lead to lush green plants with fewer fruits.
Organic options include fish emulsion, kelp meal, bone meal, and compost tea. Apply fertilizers according to product instructions, typically every 2-4 weeks during the fruiting period. Always water well after applying granular fertilizers.

Support Systems: Staking, Caging, and Trellising

Due to its indeterminate growth habit, the ‘Purple Cherokee Cherry’ tomato absolutely requires a robust support system. Without it, the sprawling vines and heavy fruit load will cause the plant to collapse, leading to disease, pest problems, and damaged fruit.

Staking: Use sturdy stakes (wood, metal, or rebar) 6-8 feet tall, driven deep into the ground near the plant at planting time. As the plant grows, tie the main stem loosely to the stake every 12-18 inches using soft ties or fabric strips.
Caging: Large, heavy-duty tomato cages (not the flimsy wire ones) can provide excellent support. The cage should be wide enough at the base to accommodate growth and tall enough to support the full vine.
Trellising: String trellises, often used in commercial settings, can also be adapted for home gardens. This involves suspending horizontal wires or ropes and training the tomato vines to grow vertically along strings dropped from the wires.

Proper support ensures good air circulation, keeps fruit off the ground (reducing rot), and makes harvesting easier.

Pruning for Health and Yield

Pruning indeterminate tomatoes like the ‘Purple Cherokee Cherry’ can improve air circulation, reduce disease, and direct the plant’s energy towards fruit production.

Suckering: Remove “suckers,” which are the small shoots that emerge in the crotch (axil) between the main stem and a leaf branch. Pinching these off when they are small (1-2 inches) directs energy to the main stem and developing fruits. If allowed to grow, suckers will become full branches, adding to the plant’s bulk and competing for resources.
Lower Leaf Removal: As the plant grows, remove the bottom leaves that touch the soil. These older leaves are often the first to show signs of disease and can act as a bridge for pathogens from the soil to the plant.
Topping (Optional): In regions with shorter growing seasons, you might “top” the plant (pinch off the main growing tip) late in the season (e.g., 3-4 weeks before the first expected frost). This encourages the plant to ripen existing fruit rather than putting energy into new growth.

Pest and Disease Management Strategies

Vigilance is key to managing pests and diseases. Regular inspection of your plants can help catch problems early.

Common Pests:
- Tomato Hornworms: Large, destructive caterpillars. Hand-pick them off or treat with Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt).
- Aphids: Small, soft-bodied insects that cluster on new growth. Blast with water, use insecticidal soap, or encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs.
- Whiteflies: Tiny, white, moth-like insects that fly up when disturbed. Use yellow sticky traps, insecticidal soap, or neem oil.
Common Diseases:
- Early Blight / Late Blight: Fungal diseases causing dark spots on leaves, stems, and fruit. Prevent with good air circulation, watering at the base, and removing infected foliage. Fungicides can be used preventatively.
- Fusarium Wilt / Verticillium Wilt: Soil-borne fungal diseases that cause wilting and yellowing of leaves. Often fatal. Choose resistant varieties and practice crop rotation.
- Septoria Leaf Spot: Small, circular spots with dark borders. Remove affected leaves and ensure good air circulation.

Good sanitation (removing plant debris), crop rotation, and selecting disease-resistant varieties are crucial preventative measures.

Harvesting Your ‘Purple Cherokee Cherry’ Tomatoes

The anticipation of harvesting your first ripe ‘Purple Cherokee Cherry’ tomato is one of the most rewarding aspects of gardening. Knowing when and how to harvest ensures the best flavor and encourages continued production.

Determining Ripeness

The ‘Purple Cherokee Cherry’ tomato’s unique coloration can make determining ripeness slightly different from traditional red varieties. Look for the following indicators:

Color Change: The fruit should achieve its characteristic deep reddish-purple to purplish-brown hue, often with darker green shoulders still present. While they may not turn a uniform deep red, the underlying purple tone will be evident.
Slight Softness: Gently squeeze the tomato. It should feel slightly soft to the touch, not hard and firm.
Easy Separation: A ripe tomato will detach easily from the vine with a gentle twist or pull. If it resists, it likely needs more time to mature.

Harvesting slightly under-ripe is possible, as they will continue to ripen indoors, but for the fullest flavor, allow them to ripen on the vine as much as possible.

Harvesting Techniques

To avoid damaging the plant or the fruit, use proper harvesting techniques. Gently twist the tomato from the vine at its stem joint. If the stem resists, it’s often better to use clean pruning shears or a small knife to snip the stem just above the fruit, leaving the calyx (the green leafy cap) attached. This helps preserve the fruit’s integrity and extends its shelf life slightly. Harvest regularly, every day or two, especially during peak season, as this encourages the plant to produce more fruit.

Expected Yield and Season Length

The ‘Purple Cherokee Cherry’ tomato is a highly productive indeterminate variety. A healthy, well-cared-for plant can yield hundreds of cherry tomatoes throughout its long growing season. Yields will vary based on growing conditions, climate, and care, but gardeners can generally expect a continuous supply of fruit from mid-summer until the first hard frost. In optimal conditions, a single plant can provide a substantial harvest, making it an excellent choice for home gardeners who enjoy a steady supply of fresh produce.

Post-Harvest Handling and Storage

For the best flavor and texture, ‘Purple Cherokee Cherry’ tomatoes should be stored at room temperature, ideally between 60-70°F (15-21°C), away from direct sunlight. Never refrigerate fresh tomatoes, as cold temperatures degrade their flavor and texture, making them mealy and bland. They will typically keep for several days to a week at room temperature. If you have an abundance, consider various preservation methods such as freezing, drying, or making sauces, though cherry tomatoes are best enjoyed fresh for their unique attributes.

Culinary Applications and Flavor Profile

The ‘Purple Cherokee Cherry’ tomato is celebrated in culinary circles not only for its striking appearance but, more importantly, for its sophisticated and versatile flavor profile, which elevates a wide range of dishes.

Tasting Notes: A Unique Experience

Unlike many purely sweet or acidic cherry tomatoes, the ‘Purple Cherokee Cherry’ offers a complex and nuanced flavor experience. Gardeners and chefs often describe its taste as:

Sweet and Savory: A harmonious balance of sugars and a rich, umami depth.
Earthy and Smoky: These undertones contribute to its distinctive “heirloom” flavor, distinguishing it from conventional varieties.
Low Acidity: While still possessing a pleasant tang, it tends to be less overtly acidic than some red cherry tomatoes, making it palatable for those sensitive to high acidity.
Juicy and Tender: The flesh is succulent with a fine texture, making it delightful to bite into.

This combination creates a sophisticated profile that can stand alone or complement other ingredients.

Versatile Uses in the Kitchen

The ‘Purple Cherokee Cherry’ tomato’s flavor and appealing color make it highly versatile in the kitchen:

Fresh Snacking: Its bite-sized nature and intense flavor make it an irresistible snack straight from the vine.
Salads: An excellent addition to green salads, pasta salads, or grain bowls, where its color and flavor can truly shine.
Roasting: Roasting intensifies its sweetness and deepens its smoky notes. Toss with olive oil, herbs, and garlic for a simple side dish or a topping for bruschetta.
Salsas and Bruschetta: Its robust flavor is perfect for fresh salsas, pico de gallo, or chopped and served over crusty bread.
Garnishes: The striking purple hue makes it an attractive garnish for various savory dishes.
Light Sauces: While not typically used for heavy canning sauces, it can be incorporated into fresh, uncooked sauces or quick sautéed sauces for pasta, especially when blended with other tomato varieties.

Its unique characteristics mean it’s often featured prominently in dishes where its distinctive attributes can be highlighted, rather than being merely a background ingredient.

Common Challenges and Troubleshooting Solutions

Even with meticulous care, tomato plants can encounter various challenges. Understanding these issues and knowing how to address them is crucial for maintaining plant health and maximizing yield.

Environmental Stressors

Blossom End Rot (BER): Appears as a dark, sunken spot on the blossom end of the fruit. This is not a disease but a physiological disorder caused by a calcium deficiency in the developing fruit, often exacerbated by inconsistent watering. Ensure consistent deep watering, especially during dry spells, and maintain a steady soil moisture level. Soil calcium levels should be adequate, but the plant’s ability to absorb it is hindered by erratic water. Mulching helps maintain soil moisture.
Cracking: Fruit splits, particularly after a dry spell followed by heavy watering. Inconsistent moisture causes rapid swelling of the fruit, leading to cracking. Consistent watering and mulching are the best preventative measures.
Sunscald: Yellow or white leathery patches on fruit exposed to intense sunlight, often occurring after significant leaf loss. Ensure healthy foliage to provide natural shade.

Nutrient Deficiencies

Symptoms of nutrient deficiencies often appear on the leaves:

Nitrogen Deficiency: Yellowing of older leaves, starting from the tips, and overall stunted growth. Remedy with a balanced fertilizer or nitrogen-rich organic amendments like blood meal or compost.
Phosphorus Deficiency: Purple discoloration on the undersides of leaves, especially when young, and stunted growth. Correct with bone meal or a fertilizer high in phosphorus.
Potassium Deficiency: Yellowing and browning along the edges of older leaves. Add potassium-rich amendments like wood ash (in moderation, as it also raises pH) or greensand, or use a balanced fertilizer with higher potassium.
Iron Deficiency: Yellowing of young leaves, with veins remaining green (chlorosis). Often occurs in alkaline soils. Adjust soil pH or apply a chelated iron supplement.

A soil test can accurately diagnose specific nutrient imbalances.

Pest Incursions

Early detection and prompt action are vital for managing pests:

Aphids, Whiteflies, Spider Mites: These sap-sucking insects can weaken plants. Use strong jets of water to dislodge them, apply insecticidal soap or neem oil, or introduce natural predators like ladybugs.
Tomato Hornworms: These large caterpillars can strip a plant of its leaves quickly. Hand-picking is often the most effective method, especially for smaller infestations. Look for their distinctive droppings to locate them. Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is an organic biological control for larger infestations.
Stink Bugs/Leaf-Footed Bugs: These pierce fruits, causing cloudy spots and internal corky tissue. Hand-picking, row covers, or specific organic pesticides may be necessary for severe infestations.

Disease Identification and Treatment

Fungal and bacterial diseases are common. Prevention through good cultural practices is the best defense:

Early Blight (Alternaria solani): Concentric rings forming dark spots, usually on older leaves first. Remove affected leaves. Ensure good air circulation and water at the base. Fungicides (organic or synthetic) can be used preventatively.
Late Blight (Phytophthora infestans): Irregular, water-soaked lesions that rapidly turn brown/black on leaves, stems, and fruit. A highly destructive disease. Remove and destroy infected plants immediately. Preventative fungicides are essential in areas where late blight is prevalent.
Fusarium Wilt / Verticillium Wilt: Soil-borne fungi that cause wilting, yellowing, and eventual death of the plant, often affecting one side of the plant first. There is no cure for infected plants. Plant resistant varieties (indicated by ‘F’ or ‘V’ on seed packets) and practice strict crop rotation.
Bacterial Spot / Speck: Small, dark spots on leaves and fruit, often with a yellow halo. Spreads rapidly in wet conditions. Remove affected plant parts, practice good sanitation, and avoid overhead watering. Copper-based sprays can offer some control.

Always purchase certified disease-free seeds or plants and maintain garden hygiene to minimize disease transmission.

Seed Saving for Future Generations

As an open-pollinated variety, the ‘Purple Cherokee Cherry’ tomato is an excellent candidate for seed saving. This practice allows gardeners to preserve the genetic lineage of their favorite plants, share seeds, and become more self-sufficient.

Selecting Parent Plants

To ensure you save seeds that will produce vigorous, true-to-type plants, select fruits from your healthiest, most productive ‘Purple Cherokee Cherry’ plants. Choose fruits that are perfectly ripe, exhibit all the desired characteristics of the variety (color, shape, flavor), and are free from disease or pest damage. Avoid saving seeds from plants that showed signs of stress, poor growth, or unusual characteristics, as these traits might be passed on.

The Fermentation Method

Tomato seeds are encased in a gelatinous sac that inhibits germination. Fermentation naturally breaks down this sac and also helps to kill off seed-borne diseases.

Extract Seeds: Cut ripe tomatoes in half and squeeze the pulp, juice, and seeds into a clean jar or container.
Add Water: Add a small amount of water to the mixture, just enough to cover the pulp.
Ferment: Cover the jar loosely (to allow gas exchange) and place it in a warm spot (around 70-80°F or 21-27°C) for 2-5 days. Stir the mixture once or twice a day. A layer of mold may form on top, and the mixture will bubble; this indicates successful fermentation.
Rinse: Once the seeds have sunk to the bottom and the mold layer is clearly visible on top, pour off the mold and most of the water. Rinse the seeds thoroughly in a fine-mesh strainer under running water until all pulp and residue are removed.

Drying and Storage

Proper drying is critical to prevent mold and ensure viability.

Dry Thoroughly: Spread the clean seeds in a single layer on a non-stick surface, such as a ceramic plate, parchment paper, or a coffee filter. Do not use paper towels, as the seeds may stick. Place them in a warm, dry, well-ventilated area, out of direct sunlight.
Test Dryness: Allow the seeds to dry for 1-2 weeks, or until they are completely dry and brittle. They should snap, not bend.
Store: Once fully dry, store the seeds in airtight containers (e.g., small glass jars or plastic baggies) in a cool, dark, and dry location. A constant temperature and low humidity are essential for long-term viability. Clearly label each container with the variety name and the year of harvest. Stored properly, ‘Purple Cherokee Cherry’ seeds can remain viable for 3-5 years or even longer.

Integrating ‘Purple Cherokee Cherry’ into Your Garden Design

Beyond its culinary benefits, the ‘Purple Cherokee Cherry’ tomato offers aesthetic appeal and can be thoughtfully integrated into various garden designs, enhancing both productivity and visual interest.

Companion Planting Benefits

Companion planting involves strategically placing different plants near each other to create a mutually beneficial relationship, deterring pests, attracting beneficial insects, or improving growth. For ‘Purple Cherokee Cherry’ tomatoes:

Basil: Often considered the classic tomato companion, basil is believed to improve tomato flavor and deter flies and hornworms.
Marigolds (French and African): These annuals are renowned for repelling nematodes and other soil pests. Plant them generously around your tomato plants.
Nasturtiums: Act as a trap crop for aphids, drawing them away from tomatoes. Their vibrant flowers also add beauty.
Borage: Attracts pollinators and beneficial insects, and is thought to improve tomato growth and disease resistance.
Carrots: Planting carrots nearby can improve the soil structure, and tomatoes provide shade for young carrots.

Avoid planting tomatoes near members of the brassica family (broccoli, cabbage, kale) or fennel, as these can inhibit tomato growth.

Container Gardening Suitability

While an indeterminate variety that can grow quite large, the ‘Purple Cherokee Cherry’ tomato can be successfully grown in containers, especially for gardeners with limited space, patios, or balconies.

Container Size: Choose a very large container, at least 15-20 gallons (approx. 18-24 inches in diameter), to accommodate the extensive root system and provide enough soil volume for moisture and nutrients. Ensure the container has excellent drainage holes.
Potting Mix: Use a high-quality potting mix specifically formulated for containers, which is well-draining yet retains moisture. Amend with compost for added nutrients.
Watering and Fertilizing: Container plants dry out much faster than in-ground plants and require more frequent watering and fertilization. Monitor soil moisture daily, especially during hot weather. Apply a liquid tomato fertilizer regularly, as nutrients leach out with frequent watering.
Support: Provide a strong cage or stake from the outset, as the plant will grow tall and heavy.

Container growing requires more diligent attention to watering and feeding but can be highly rewarding.

Aesthetics in the Edible Landscape

The ‘Purple Cherokee Cherry’ tomato contributes significantly to the visual appeal of an edible garden.

Color Contrast: The deep purplish-brown fruits offer a striking contrast against the vibrant green foliage, adding a unique color dimension to the garden palette.
Vertical Interest: When properly staked or trellised, the tall, indeterminate vines create vertical interest, drawing the eye upwards and maximizing space in smaller gardens. This can be particularly effective when integrated into mixed borders alongside ornamental plants.
Cascading Beauty: As the clusters of cherry tomatoes ripen, they can create a beautiful cascading effect along the vines, especially when grown over arbors or sturdy supports.

By considering its growth habit and visual attributes, the ‘Purple Cherokee Cherry’ can be more than just a food source; it can be an integral part of an attractive and productive edible landscape.