Botanical Interests
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Product Details
Product Details
What do you get when you cross the two heirloom favorites, 'Cherokee Purple' and 'Carbon'? A tomato lover's dream with heirloom flavor earlier in the season, increased production, and less cracks and blemishes. Large, 10-12-ounce, purple beefsteak fruits are perfect for slicing.
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- Variety Info
- Sowing Info
- Growing Info
Variety Info
Days to Maturity: 75–80 days from transplanting
Family: Solanaceae
Type: Indeterminate, Slicing Tomato (Learn more)
Native: Andes
Hardiness: Frost-sensitive annual
Exposure: Full sun
Plant Dimensions: Vines up to 6' or longer
Variety Info: 10–12-ounce, purple-burgundy fruits. 'Cherokee Carbon' is an indeterminate type tomato.
Attributes: Crack Resistant, Frost Sensitive
Sowing Info
When to Sow Outside: For mild climates only: 1 to 2 weeks after your average last frost date, and when soil temperature is at least 60°F.
When to Start Inside: RECOMMENDED. 4 to 6 weeks before transplanting. Transplant when air temperature is 45°F or warmer, usually 1 to 2 weeks after your average last frost date. Ideal soil temperature for germination is 70°–90°F.
Sprouts in: 5–10 days
Plant Seeds (Depth): 1/4"
Space Seeds: A group of 3 seeds every 24"–36"
Row Spacing: 36"
Thinning: When 2" tall, thin to 1 every 24"–36"
Growing Info
Harvesting: Cherokee Carbon' tomatoes are at the peak of sun-ripened deliciousness when deep purple-burgundy, and have a slight give when gently squeezed.
- Merideth G.TX, United StatesVerified BuyerRated 5 out of 5 starsJul 16, 2026New Favorite Tomato
Ok y'all, these toms are gasolina. So tasty. Sweet, savory, juicy, unreal. I started them from seed on 3/10, babied them and up-potted multiple times before transplanting into raised beds at the end of April. I thought they'd never mature because they were taking forever. Here we are now mid-July in North TX and they've gone crazy.
I made a Tomato/Basil/Burrata salad with EVOO and Balsamic and a lil salt but TBH they needed very little seasoning because they are so flavorful. Next up is a fat BLT with pepper bacon, I can't wait. I will prob start earlier next year because I think the heat here is about to slow them down. Harvest them when the shoulders are still a bit greenish and let them finish on the counter. It may not look like they're ready but once you slice em they are gorgeous. Also I highly recommend raised beds: I planted the same starts using the same soil mix in raised beds and large grow bags and the raised beds far outperformed the bags.
Not many seeds in the pack but high germination if you can get the first 45 days right. The cost of the packet + my time and energy is still way worth it over buying heirlooms from the store, never again. DELICIOUS!
Which best describes you as a gardener? IntermediateWho do you grow for? YourselfHow do you prefer to grow? Raised BedEGEpic GardeningJul 17, 2026Hey Merideth,
We're so happy to hear about your incredible experience with the Cherokee Carbon Pole Tomato Seeds! It's awesome that they're so flavorful they need very little seasoning. And we totally get the waiting game with these beauties - they definitely take their time but wow do they deliver once they hit their stride in mid-July! Your tip about harvesting when the shoulders are still a bit greenish is spot on, and that tomato/basil/burrata salad sounds absolutely incredible (but we're honestly even more excited for you about that fat BLT with pepper bacon)! It's so cool that you discovered the raised bed advantage too - that's such valuable info for other growers! You're absolutely right that growing your own heirlooms beats store-bought every single time, especially when you get that amazing germination and flavor payoff! Thanks for sharing your Cherokee Carbon growing success and all those fantastic growing tips with us! Keep on growing 🌻️
- Richard S.NE, United StatesVerified BuyerRated 4 out of 5 starsJun 18, 2026Cc pole tomato
Main reason for my order out of 13 seeds I only got
5 plants, most had deformed leaves weather has been
Horrible for tomatoes very hot early was hard on all my tomatoes around 20 different varieties spread between 3 gardens, time will tell but coming round.
Which best describes you as a gardener? IntermediateWho do you grow for? FamiliesHow do you prefer to grow? In GroundEGEpic GardeningJun 25, 2026Hey Richard,
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your thoughts in a review. I understand how challenging it can be when germination rates aren't what we hope for, especially when combined with tough weather conditions. It sounds like you've got quite the impressive setup with 20 different varieties across 3 gardens! Your experience with the extreme heat affecting all your tomatoes really shows how much weather can impact our growing success. We appreciate your patience as things start to come around, and your feedback helps us understand what growers are experiencing. Keep on growing 🌻️
- Hardip K.Verified BuyerRated 5 out of 5 starsApr 14, 2026Second year growing them and no regrets!
I grew this variety for the first time in 2025. I got such a stunning harvest that could produce well into November until it started pouring rain. I had so many tomatoes. I was literally trying to give them away to anyone. Strong seedlings when germinated indoors this year as well. But the fruit was other level incredible. Can’t wait for the bountiful harvest this year!
Which best describes you as a gardener? IntermediateEGEpic GardeningApr 14, 2026Hey Hardip,
We're absolutely thrilled to hear your Cherokee Carbon Pole Tomato Seeds delivered such an incredible harvest that lasted well into November! Having so many gorgeous tomatoes that you were giving them away to everyone - now that's what we call a successful growing season! It sounds like these dark, rich beauties really exceeded your expectations with their amazing flavor and productivity. We're so excited you're growing them again this year and can't wait for you to enjoy another bountiful harvest of those stunning Cherokee Carbons! Keep on growing 🌻️
- Donna S.Verified BuyerRated 5 out of 5 starsJul 12, 20245 Stars
These tomato plants a beautiful- lots of healthy growth- all the seeds germinated & grew into healthy seedlings. I am anxiously waiting for the fruit to ripen. I’ll grow again next year!
Which best describes you as a gardener? Intermediate - Chase S.Rated 1 out of 5 starsJun 12, 20241 Star
None of the seeds sprouted, while other packs of years old seed germinated. Very disappointed in a $6.29 pack of seeds.
Which best describes you as a gardener? IntermediateEGEpic GardeningJun 13, 2024Hey Chase,
I sincerely appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts in a review. I've reached out to you via email to offer assistance and address any concerns you may have. Your feedback is invaluable to us, and we are committed to ensuring your experience is positive. Thank you once again for your input. Keep on growing 🌻️
