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Rated 4.2 out of 5 stars
32

Botanical Interests

Cherokee Purple Pole Tomato Seeds

Cherokee Purple Pole Tomato Seeds

Regular price $2.69
Sale price $2.69 Regular price
~0.57 g (~25 seeds)
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Product Details

Cherokee Purple' is said to have been given to a Tennessee family by the Cherokees over 100 years ago. This treasured tomato has just the right balance of sweetness and even a hint of smoke, making it a winner in taste tests. From summer to fall, you'll harvest more than enough 10–12 oz. tomatoes from this well-regarded heirloom variety. Provide support for vigorous vines that reach 6' or more.

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  • Variety Info
  • Sowing Info
  • Growing Info

Variety Info

Days to Maturity: 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 oz., thin-skinned rose/purple fruits with brick red-colored interior. It is said that in the late 1890s, Native American Cherokees gave seeds of this tomato to someone who kept the line alive. One hundred years later, the tomato was revived, and the seeds became available to the public through retail sales.

Attributes: 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.

Days to Emerge: 5–10 days

Seed Depth: ¼"

Seed Spacing: 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 Purple' tomatoes are at the peak of sun-ripened deliciousness when fully colored and have a slight give when gently squeezed.

4.2
Rated 4.2 out of 5 stars
Based on 32 reviews
Total 5 star reviews: 22 Total 4 star reviews: 4 Total 3 star reviews: 1 Total 2 star reviews: 0 Total 1 star reviews: 5
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32 reviews
  • Mike ..
    Rated 4 out of 5 stars
    Apr 28, 2025
    4 Stars

    Alright so first thing these tomatoes are amazing. Unlike any store-bought tomato and I could see why. Super soft flesh and super juicy on the inside. Could eat these all day sliced with salt and pepper or on a sandwich. Wife/friends/neighbors love em.

    However - living in southwest florida, these didnt stand a chance. Cutterworms couldn’t get enough of them- destroyed 1/3 of my crop at least. Another 3rd were rotted by different insects/ pests, I started harvesting them a bit early to save them and let them ripen on my window sill. UF IFAS website recommends these as disease/pest resistent in FL…still have to comb through my patch nightly to kill bugs. A lot of work but well worth it. Might try again next year with a bit more knowledge and a better strategy.

  • Roshni ..
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    May 30, 2024
    5 Stars

    This is my second time attempting Cherokee Purple. The first time I didn’t grow in a seeding tray and attempted direct sowing which didn’t work. I started these seeds in a growing tray and every seed grew! I’m in central florida for reference. Gave it a full Sun spot which it needs. It survived with no pests and I didn’t use pesticides! That may have been luck, do look out for pests because they are prone to it. These were delicious! Will definitely try to grow every year. Highly recommend. Happy growing!

    Which best describes you as a gardener? Intermediate
  • Jessica S.
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    May 19, 2024
    5 Stars

    These were delicious tomatoes and the plants were healthy and productive.

    Which best describes you as a gardener? Intermediate
  • Brandy h.
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    May 17, 2024
    5 Stars

    Planted in pots, one plant per pot! It is May 17th here in South Carolina and these plants are huge!!! I see fruit already. These are Brandywine, Yellow patio and cherokee.

  • Kim L.
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    Aug 9, 2023
    5 Stars

    I don’t usually take the time to write reviews but this tomato is worth sharing as I love tomatoes, so I grow various varieties. The Cherokee Purple is beautiful inside and out with its deep color. The flavor is beyond description, sweet and bold with undertones of smoke. They are juicy but firm and hold up well in a BLT. In fact there is no better tomato for sandwiches as far as I’m concerned,,, in my humble opinion.