Cherokee Purple is an heirloom tomato variety celebrated for its deep, dusky-rose skin with a subtle green hue near the stem when fully ripe. Its interior is a rich crimson, creating a striking contrast with the clear skin. This combination of colors gives Cherokee Purple its distinctive appearance among tomatoes. Often grouped with other “black” tomatoes, it traces its origins to the Cherokee Indian heritage in the late 1800s and was first commercially released in limited quantity in 1993 by Southern Exposure Seed Exchange.
🍅 Type: Beefsteak
💧 Texture: Dense, juicy, and flavorful
🌱 Seed Pattern: Small seed locules scattered irregularly
🎨 Color: Deep purple-red flesh with green gel around seeds
🔹 Variants: Cherokee Chocolate (brownish mahogany skin) and Cherokee Green (green flesh with yellow skin to indicate ripeness)
🥪 Sandwiches: Ideal for BLTs
🥗 Salads: Adds flavor and color
🍕 Cooking: Perfect for pizza, pasta, and sauces
The unique coloration and rich, complex flavor make Cherokee Purple a favorite among chefs and home cooks alike. Harvest typically occurs in summer and fall, providing long-lasting enjoyment.
Craig LeHoullier received seeds of an unnamed purple tomato from John D. Green of Sevierville, Tennessee, in 1990. The accompanying letter noted its Cherokee origin from the late 19th century. After growing it in his 1991 garden and confirming its unique color, Craig named it Cherokee Purple and shared seeds with Jeff McCormack at Southern Exposure Seed Exchange. The variety gained recognition and popularity from its 1993 catalog listing and has become a staple among heirloom tomato enthusiasts worldwide. Learn more about the history of tomatoes.
🌱 Sowing: Start indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost. Check our tomato seed sowing guide.
☀️ Light: Full sun (6–8 hours daily)
🌿 Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil rich in organic matter
📏 Spacing: 18–24 inches between plants
💧 Watering: Keep soil consistently moist, avoid wetting leaves
🪢 Support: Staking or cages recommended due to beefsteak size
Cherokee Purple is more than just a tomato—it’s a living heirloom with cultural history and culinary versatility. Growing it connects gardeners to a unique heritage variety while providing visually stunning and delicious fruits. Check out our other heirloom tomato seeds for more rare varieties.
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