From Soil to Supper: Mastering How to Grow Cherokee Purple Tomatoes from Seed

The Cherokee Purple tomato is a beloved heirloom variety known for its rich, complex flavor, deep purple hue, and impressive size. If you’re looking to add a touch of culinary magic to your garden, learning how to grow Cherokee Purple tomatoes from seed is a rewarding journey. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step, from choosing the right seed to harvesting plump, juicy tomatoes brimming with flavor.

Choosing the Right Seeds: The Foundation of Success

The first step in growing Cherokee Purple tomatoes from seed is selecting high-quality seeds. Look for seeds from reputable sources, like seed companies specializing in heirloom varieties or local garden centers. Here are some tips for choosing the right seeds:

• Look for “non-hybrid” seeds: Hybrid seeds are created by cross-breeding different varieties, resulting in uniform plants but often sacrificing flavor and heirloom qualities. Non-hybrid seeds, like those for Cherokee Purple tomatoes, will produce plants that are more genetically diverse and have a higher chance of retaining the unique flavor profile of the heirloom variety.
• Check for seed viability: Seed viability refers to the percentage of seeds that will germinate. Look for seed packets that indicate a high viability rate, usually above 85%.
• Consider seed starting date: The ideal time to start your seeds indoors varies depending on your climate. Check the seed packet or a gardening calendar for recommended starting dates.

Starting Seeds Indoors: A Head Start for Your Tomatoes

Once you have your seeds, you can start them indoors. This gives your tomato plants a head start and allows them to develop strong roots before being transplanted outdoors.

• Prepare your seed starting mix: Use a seed starting mix specifically designed for this purpose. It’s lightweight, airy, and provides excellent drainage.
• Fill seed trays or pots: Use seed trays or small pots with drainage holes. Fill them with the seed starting mix, leaving about ½ inch of space at the top.
• Sow the seeds: Plant one or two seeds per cell or pot, pressing them gently into the soil. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil and water gently.
• Provide warmth and light: Place your seed trays or pots in a warm location, ideally with temperatures between 70-75°F. Provide them with bright, indirect light, either from a sunny window or a grow light.
• Maintain consistent moisture: Keep the seed starting mix consistently moist but not soggy. Water gently, avoiding overwatering which can lead to root rot.

Transplanting Your Seedlings: Time to Move Outdoors

Once your seedlings have developed a few sets of true leaves (the leaves that appear after the cotyledons, or seed leaves), it’s time to transplant them outdoors.

• Hardening off: Before transplanting, gradually acclimate your seedlings to outdoor conditions. This process, known as hardening off, helps them adjust to the sun, wind, and temperature fluctuations. Start by placing them outdoors for a few hours each day, gradually increasing the time over several days.
• Prepare your garden bed: Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil. Amend the soil with compost or other organic matter to improve its fertility and drainage.
• Transplant with care: Dig planting holes that are slightly larger than the root ball of your seedlings. Carefully remove the seedlings from their containers, being careful not to damage the roots. Place the seedlings in the planting holes, ensuring that the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface. Water thoroughly after transplanting.

Nurturing Your Cherokee Purple Tomatoes: Providing the Right Care

Once your tomato plants are in the ground, they’ll need regular care to thrive.

• Watering: Water your tomato plants deeply and consistently, especially during hot, dry weather. Aim to keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Avoid overhead watering, which can increase the risk of fungal diseases.
• Fertilizing: Feed your tomato plants with a balanced fertilizer every few weeks. Follow the instructions on the fertilizer packaging for the best results.
• Staking and Trellising: As your tomato plants grow, provide support by staking or trellising them. This helps prevent the stems from breaking under the weight of the fruit and allows for better air circulation, which can reduce the risk of diseases.
• Pruning: Pruning your tomato plants can encourage more fruit production. Remove any suckers (shoots that grow from the base of the plant) and any stems that grow below the first set of leaves.

Preventing Pests and Diseases: Keeping Your Tomatoes Healthy

Cherokee Purple tomatoes are generally resistant to many pests and diseases, but it’s still important to be vigilant.

• Monitor for pests: Check your plants regularly for signs of pests, such as aphids, whiteflies, or tomato hornworms. If you find any pests, treat them with an appropriate insecticide or use natural methods like insecticidal soap.
• Prevent fungal diseases: Avoid overhead watering and ensure good air circulation around your plants to reduce the risk of fungal diseases like blight and powdery mildew.
• Rotate your crops: Rotate your tomato plants each year to prevent the buildup of soilborne diseases.

Harvesting Your Cherokee Purple Tomatoes: Time to Enjoy the Fruits of Your Labor

Cherokee Purple tomatoes are typically ready to harvest in about 75 to 85 days after planting.

• Check for ripeness: Tomatoes are ripe when they have a deep purple color and are slightly soft to the touch. They should also have a sweet, fruity aroma.
• Harvest gently: Pick the tomatoes by twisting them off the vine, leaving the stem intact. Avoid pulling or tugging, which can damage the plant.
• Store properly: Store ripe tomatoes at room temperature or in a cool, dry place. Refrigerate them if you need to store them for a longer period.

The Sweet Reward: Enjoying Your Cherokee Purple Tomatoes

Cherokee Purple tomatoes are known for their rich, complex flavor that blends sweetness with a hint of acidity. They are delicious eaten fresh, but they also make exceptional sauces, salsas, and jams.

Basics You Wanted To Know

Q: Can I grow Cherokee Purple tomatoes in containers?

A: Yes, you can grow Cherokee Purple tomatoes in containers. Choose a container that is at least 10 gallons in size and ensure it has drainage holes. Use a high-quality potting mix and follow the same care instructions as for garden-grown tomatoes.

Q: How long do Cherokee Purple tomatoes last?

A: Ripe Cherokee Purple tomatoes can last for several days at room temperature. To extend their shelf life, you can refrigerate them, but this may slightly affect their flavor.

Q: Can I save seeds from my Cherokee Purple tomatoes?

A: Yes, you can save seeds from your Cherokee Purple tomatoes. Let the tomatoes ripen fully on the vine, then scoop out the seeds and wash them in water. Spread the seeds out on a paper towel to dry, then store them in a cool, dry place.

Q: What are some other heirloom tomato varieties to try?

A: There are many other delicious heirloom tomato varieties to explore. Some popular choices include:

• Brandywine: A large, pink tomato with a sweet, balanced flavor.
• Green Zebra: A small, striped tomato with a tangy, slightly tart flavor.
• Black Krim: A dark red tomato with a rich, earthy flavor.
• Aunt Ruby’s German Green: A large, green tomato with a sweet, mild flavor.

Growing Cherokee Purple tomatoes from seed is a rewarding experience that allows you to enjoy the unique flavor of this heirloom variety. By following these steps, you can cultivate a bountiful harvest of delicious tomatoes that will add a touch of culinary magic to your garden and your table.