Seeds: When properly stored, planted, and cared for, we guarantee reasonable germination and true-to-type growth for one year from purchase.
Non-seed products: Free from defects in materials and workmanship for 30 days from shipment.
Excludes factors outside our control (extreme weather, pests, gardener error). If something’s off, contact us—we’ll make it right with a replacement, repair, or refund.
USDA “bioengineered (BE)” foods are those with detectable genetic material that was modified using in vitro recombinant DNA (rDNA) techniques, in ways
not obtainable through conventional breeding or found in nature. The USDA’s National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard uses “bioengineered” as the nationwide labeling term.
Detectable modified genetic material in the final food
Created via in vitro rDNA techniques (e.g., gene transfer)
Modifications not achievable through conventional breeding or nature
—seeds / pkt
( ~ g )
Description
The heirloom that turned gardeners into flavor chasers. Cherokee Purple Tomato bears large, dusky rose-purple fruits with deep crimson flesh and a smoky, sweet, full-bodied flavor that lingers on the tongue. Fruits average 10–12 oz, slightly flattened, and beautifully marbled, with soft shoulders that darken under the sun.
Plants are indeterminate and vigorous, stretching 4–6 feet tall with consistent mid-to-late season yields. Each vine produces heavy clusters of richly colored fruits that shine in salads, sandwiches, and fresh slices—where that signature tangy-sweet balance truly stands out.
First introduced to gardeners in 1991 by Craig LeHoullier from seed shared by J.D. Green of Tennessee, this variety was claimed to have Cherokee origins, though genetic studies hint at Eastern European lineage, possibly from Ukraine. The story remains part legend, part heritage—but the flavor, unmistakable. Cherokee Purple has since become one of the most celebrated heirlooms of all time, a garden essential wherever rich, true tomato taste is prized.
There duds they didn’t come up not one seed guess when they come from China i should have known better
Hi Stacy. That's so wild that you got duds. We do routine germination test throughout the year. And good news, we finished testing the remainder of this lot last week and they all had above and their germination rate was 85%, 6 months after your purchase. The additional good news is we do warranty our seeds a year from your original purchase date. So feel free to contact us so we can help figure out what went wrong, and proceed with next steps.
Additionally. Our small home here in Windsor North Carolina isn't located in China. Not only that, we're Native American to boot.
Planting (How to Sow and Plant) — Cherokee Purple Tomato
Starting Indoors
Timing: Start seeds 6–8 weeks before your last expected frost date. Tomatoes thrive in warm soil, so early indoor sowing gives them a strong start before transplanting outdoors.
Depth: Sow seeds ¼ inch deep in sterile seed-starting mix.
Temperature: Keep the growing medium between 75–90°F (24–32°C) using a heat mat or warm shelf for reliable germination.
Germination Time: Expect sprouts in 7–14 days under optimal warmth and moisture.
Light: Once seedlings emerge, provide 14–16 hours of bright light daily—either strong natural light or LED grow lights positioned close to the foliage.
Air Temperature: Maintain daytime temperatures of 70–80°F (21–27°C) and avoid cold drafts.
Potting Up: Transplant seedlings into larger pots once they develop two sets of true leaves, burying stems up to the first leaves to encourage deep root growth.
Feeding: Apply a diluted, balanced fertilizer (¼ strength) once seedlings are established.
Soil Temperature & Transplant Timing
Do not transplant by calendar alone—wait for both soil and night temperatures to warm.
Soil at 2–4 inches deep should remain above 60°F (16°C) for several consecutive mornings.
Nighttime air temperatures should stay above 55°F (13°C).
Ideal root-zone warmth is 70–85°F (21–29°C) for vigorous establishment.
Use a soil thermometer to check early morning readings over several days to confirm consistency.
Transplanting Outdoors
Hardening Off: About 7–10 days before transplanting, gradually expose plants to outdoor sunlight and breeze, increasing exposure daily to prevent shock.
Location: Choose a full-sun site with rich, loamy, well-drained soil (pH 6.0–6.8). Mix in compost or aged manure before planting.
Spacing: Set plants 24–36 inches apart in rows 36–48 inches apart to ensure good air circulation.
Planting Depth: Bury transplants deeply—up to the first set of leaves—to promote strong root systems along the buried stem.
Support: Install stakes or cages at planting time to support vines as they grow and prevent root disturbance later.
Aftercare
Water deeply and consistently to keep soil evenly moist but not saturated. Apply organic mulch once the soil warms to stabilize temperature, conserve moisture, and prevent soil splash. Feed every few weeks with a tomato-specific or low-nitrogen fertilizer once flowering begins.
How to Grow — Cherokee Purple Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum)
Watering:
Provide consistent, deep watering of 1–1½ inches per week, especially during hot or dry spells. Tomatoes need steady moisture to prevent blossom-end rot and cracking. Water at the soil level early in the morning to minimize leaf wetness and reduce fungal pressure. Avoid frequent shallow watering, which encourages weak roots.
Mulching with straw or shredded leaves helps retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and maintain even temperatures around the roots.
Fertilizing:
Start with a balanced fertilizer every 2–3 weeks during vegetative growth. Once flowering begins, switch to a low-nitrogen, high-phosphorus and potassium formula (such as 5-10-10) to support fruiting and flavor development. Overfeeding nitrogen leads to lush foliage but fewer tomatoes. Compost tea or fish emulsion can also be applied for steady nutrition.
Weeding & Mulching:
Keep beds weed-free to avoid competition for nutrients and water. Apply organic mulch once the soil warms to conserve moisture and prevent soil splash that spreads disease. Be gentle when hand-weeding—tomato roots are shallow and easily disturbed.
Sun & Heat Management:
Cherokee Purple thrives in full sun (6–8 hours minimum). It tolerates heat well but may experience blossom drop during prolonged temperatures above 95°F. In hotter regions, light afternoon shade can help fruit set. Consistent watering and mulch also protect the root zone from heat stress.
Spacing & Support:
Space plants 24–36 inches apart in rows 36–48 inches apart for proper airflow and easier maintenance. Provide sturdy cages, stakes, or trellises to support indeterminate vines that can grow 4–6 feet tall. Prune lightly to improve air movement and focus energy on fruit production.
Companion Planting:
Good companions: Basil, marigold, garlic, onion, and parsley (they deter pests and enhance growth).
Avoid planting near corn, fennel, or potatoes, which can attract similar pests or diseases.
Container Growing:
Use 10+ gallon containers with rich, well-draining potting mix. Water more frequently, as containers dry out faster. Place pots in full sun and rotate occasionally to ensure even growth. Add stakes or cages early before vines get heavy.
Soil & Temperature:
Cherokee Purple performs best in loamy, well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.8. Maintain soil temperatures around 70–85°F for active root growth. Use black plastic mulch early in the season to warm soil in cooler regions.
Pollination & Fruit Set:
Tomatoes are self-pollinating, but gentle shaking of flowers or good airflow helps improve fruit set. Encourage pollinators like bees by interplanting with herbs and flowers.
Harvesting:
Fruits are ready when they reach a dusky rose-purple color with slight green shoulders and give slightly to gentle pressure. Pick promptly to prevent cracking or sunscald. Handle carefully—Cherokee Purple’s skin is thin and prone to bruising when fully ripe.
Harvesting
Harvest fruits when they reach their signature dusky rose-purple color with green-tinted shoulders. The skin should feel slightly tender but not soft. Because the skin is thinner than most modern hybrids, handle carefully to prevent bruising.
For peak flavor, allow fruit to ripen fully on the vine—Cherokee Purple’s sweetness and depth intensify during the final ripening days. If frost or heavy rain is expected, pick fruits at the early blush stage and ripen indoors at room temperature out of direct sunlight.
Flavor & Culinary Notes
Cherokee Purple offers one of the richest and most complex flavors among heirlooms—balanced sweetness, acidity, and a subtle smoky finish. It’s exceptional in fresh slices, caprese salads, BLTs, and any dish where tomato flavor is the centerpiece.
Pair it with fresh basil, mozzarella, olive oil, and sea salt to showcase its depth. Light roasting or slow drying enhances the sweetness for sauces and spreads.
Handling & Storage
Store ripe tomatoes at room temperature; refrigeration dulls their flavor and texture. For longer keeping, store slightly underripe fruit stem-side down on a cool countertop. Avoid stacking to prevent bruising.
Freeze diced tomatoes or puree for later use in sauces. Dehydrating slices also preserves their sweet, concentrated flavor.
Growing & Maintenance
Support: Use tall cages or trellises; fruits are heavy and vines vigorous.
Pruning: Light pruning of lower leaves improves air circulation and reduces fungal disease.
Feeding: Side-dress with compost or a low-nitrogen fertilizer every 3–4 weeks during fruiting.
Watering: Deep, steady watering keeps skins smooth and prevents cracking. Irregular watering can cause splitting or blossom-end rot.
Seed Saving
Select the best fruits from healthy, disease-free plants at full maturity. Scoop seeds into a jar, cover with water, and allow to ferment for 2–3 days to remove the gel coating. Rinse and dry seeds thoroughly on a nonstick surface for 7–10 days before storing in airtight containers. Properly dried seeds remain viable for 4–6 years when stored in a cool, dark place.
Container Tips
Grow in containers 10 gallons or larger with premium, well-draining potting mix. Water daily in summer heat and add slow-release fertilizer midseason. Rotate container placement occasionally for even sun exposure.
Common Pairings in the Garden
Grow alongside basil, marigold, garlic, or parsley to deter pests and attract pollinators. Avoid planting near potatoes, corn, or fennel.
Extended Season Care
Mulch deeply and use row covers or plastic tunnels in early spring and late fall to extend production. In cooler climates, black plastic mulch helps warm the soil and speed fruit ripening.
Common Pests & Problems — Cherokee Purple Tomato
Insect Pests
Tomato Hornworms:
Large green caterpillars that strip foliage and chew developing fruit. Handpick in early morning or evening. Encourage beneficial predators like paper wasps and parasitic braconid wasps.
Aphids:
Tiny sap-sucking insects that cluster on new growth, causing curling leaves and sticky honeydew residue. Control with neem oil, insecticidal soap, or a strong spray of water to dislodge colonies.
Whiteflies:
Small, flying insects on leaf undersides. They spread fungal pathogens and weaken plants. Use yellow sticky traps and maintain good airflow between plants.
Flea Beetles:
Create small shot holes in leaves of young plants, stunting early growth. Protect seedlings with row covers until well established, and mulch to reduce overwintering adults.
Cutworms:
Nocturnal larvae that sever stems at soil level. Use cardboard collars around young transplants and maintain weed-free beds.
Fungal & Bacterial Diseases
Early Blight (Alternaria solani):
Dark, concentric leaf spots that start near the base of the plant. Prune lower leaves and mulch to prevent soil splash. Rotate crops annually and avoid overhead watering.
Septoria Leaf Spot:
Small gray lesions with dark margins that move upward through the canopy. Remove infected leaves promptly and improve air circulation.
Late Blight (Phytophthora infestans):
Irregular brown patches on leaves and fruit, often in humid or rainy weather. Destroy infected plants immediately and avoid planting tomatoes or potatoes in the same location next year.
Bacterial Wilt:
Sudden wilting and yellowing despite adequate water. Prevent by using clean tools and avoiding soil compaction.
Blossom-End Rot:
Black, leathery spots at fruit bottoms due to calcium imbalance and inconsistent watering. Maintain steady moisture and even soil calcium with crushed eggshells or garden lime.
Physiological & Environmental Issues
Cracking and Splitting:
Rapid water uptake after dry spells causes fruit skin to split. Maintain consistent moisture and mulch to regulate soil hydration.
Sunscald:
White, papery patches on exposed fruit. Avoid excessive leaf pruning and ensure partial shading in extreme heat.
Poor Fruit Set:
Often due to high daytime temperatures (above 90°F) or cold nights (below 55°F). Provide light shade during extreme heat and ensure proper pollination by gently shaking flowers.
Integrated Management Tips
Rotate tomato plantings every 3–4 years to prevent soil-borne diseases.
Space plants 24–36 inches apart for airflow and reduced humidity.
Mulch deeply to suppress soil splash and weed pressure.
Water at the base early in the day to dry foliage before evening.
Inspect weekly for pest or disease signs and remove affected leaves promptly.
Q: What makes Cherokee Purple tomatoes unique?
A: Cherokee Purple is renowned for its dusky rose-purple skin, deep red interior, and rich, complex flavor—often described as sweet, smoky, and wine-like. This heirloom variety stands out for both its taste and striking presentation on the plate.
Q: Are Cherokee Purple tomatoes heirloom or hybrid?
A: They are a true heirloom tomato—open-pollinated and stabilized over many generations. The strain became widely available after seed saver Craig LeHoullier introduced it in the early 1990s.
Q: How large do Cherokee Purple tomatoes get?
A: Fruits typically weigh 10–16 ounces, with some exceeding a full pound. They are large, meaty slicers perfect for sandwiches, salads, and caprese platters.
Q: What is the growth habit of Cherokee Purple?
A: This variety is indeterminate, meaning it continues to grow and produce fruit until frost. Provide sturdy staking or caging to support the heavy, sprawling vines.
Q: How long does it take Cherokee Purple tomatoes to mature?
A: Expect maturity in 75–90 days from transplant, depending on soil fertility, watering, and local climate.
Q: Why are my Cherokee Purple tomatoes cracking?
A: Cracking often results from irregular watering—especially after dry periods followed by heavy rain. Maintain steady moisture and mulch to prevent fluctuations.
Q: Why isn’t my Cherokee Purple tomato very purple?
A: The “purple” in Cherokee Purple is actually a dusky pinkish-red with green shoulders, not a deep violet color. The hue depends on sunlight exposure, temperature, and soil nutrients—cooler weather and less direct sun can make fruits appear more red than purple. Full sun and slightly acidic soil (pH 6.0–6.8) bring out the richest color tones.
Q: Do Cherokee Purple tomatoes need pruning?
A: Light pruning is recommended. Remove suckers below the first flower cluster to improve airflow, reduce disease risk, and focus energy on fruit development.
Q: What’s the best spacing for Cherokee Purple tomato plants?
A: Space plants 24–36 inches apart in rows 36–48 inches apart to promote air circulation and make trellising easier.
Q: How should I water Cherokee Purple tomatoes?
A: Water deeply once or twice per week—about 1 to 1½ inches total. Avoid overhead watering; instead, direct water at the base to reduce fungal problems.
Q: Are Cherokee Purple tomatoes disease-resistant?
A: They’re moderately resilient but not bred for disease resistance. Use crop rotation, mulch, and pruning to prevent early blight, Septoria leaf spot, and other common tomato diseases.
Q: When should I harvest Cherokee Purple tomatoes?
A: Harvest when fruits reach their muted rose-purple color with faint green shoulders and feel slightly soft to the touch. That’s when flavor peaks—rich, sweet, and smoky.
Tomato Seeds - Indeterminate - Cherokee Purple Tomato Standard
$200 USD
$350
Unit price /
Unavailable
Plant History & Culture — Cherokee Purple Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum)
Cherokee Purple Tomato is one of the most iconic heirlooms in modern gardening, valued for its rich flavor and unique appearance. The variety entered the seed-saving community in 1991, when tomato grower Craig LeHoullier received seeds from J.D. Green of Tennessee, who claimed they had been passed down from the Cherokee people. While the story adds romantic depth to its name, genetic research suggests that Cherokee Purple shares closer ancestry with Eastern European (particularly Ukrainian) tomato lines introduced into the American South during the 19th century.
Regardless of its precise lineage, the variety’s enduring popularity speaks to its outstanding taste and adaptability. Its deep, dusky coloration—a mix of pink, purple, and red tones—reflects the pigments of anthocyanins and lycopene, both indicators of rich, flavorful fruit. The balance of sweetness, tang, and subtle earthiness has made Cherokee Purple a benchmark for heirloom flavor.
Since its introduction to the public, Cherokee Purple has become a staple in gardens across North America. It represents the intersection of heritage, myth, and flavor—a living symbol of the cultural and genetic blending that defines many beloved heirlooms.
To grow Cherokee Purple is to join a lineage of gardeners, seedkeepers, and farmers who value authenticity and taste over uniformity. Its story continues not only in its debated origins but in the hands of those who preserve it for future harvests—one dusky fruit at a time.
Saving seeds from Cherokee Purple Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum):
1. Selecting Plants for Seed Saving:
Choose healthy plants with vigorous growth and abundant, well-formed fruits.
Avoid plants showing signs of disease or poor growth.
2. Harvesting Seeds:
Timing: Allow the tomatoes to ripen fully on the plant until they are soft.
Collection: Harvest the ripe tomatoes and cut them open to remove the seeds.
3. Cleaning Seeds:
Separation: Place the seeds and their gel in a container of water. Let them ferment for 2-3 days, stirring daily to separate the seeds from the gel.
Inspection: Rinse the seeds thoroughly to remove any remaining gel and inspect for cleanliness and freedom from mold or pests.
4. Drying Seeds:
Place the cleaned seeds on a paper towel or screen in a well-ventilated, dry area. Allow them to dry completely for one to two weeks.
5. Storing Seeds:
Containers: Store seeds in labeled paper envelopes or airtight containers.
Storage Conditions: Keep in a cool, dry, and dark place.
Viability: Use seeds within four to six years for best results.
6. Testing Seed Viability:
Test by placing seeds on a damp paper towel in a plastic bag in a warm place and check for germination.
Tips for Successful Seed Saving:
Isolation: Maintain distance between different tomato varieties to prevent cross-pollination.
Pollinators: Tomatoes are primarily self-pollinating, but encouraging pollinators can still be beneficial.
Record Keeping: Keep detailed records of the process.
Uses & Benefits — Cherokee Purple Tomato
Culinary Uses — Deep, Complex Flavor with Garden Heritage
Cherokee Purple is prized by chefs and home gardeners alike for its rich, old-fashioned tomato flavor—dense, sweet, tangy, and subtly smoky. Its large, meaty fruits and minimal seed cavities make it perfect for slicing, layering, or showcasing fresh.
Sandwiches & Burgers: Thick slices bring a burst of color and rich, balanced sweetness that elevates simple dishes.
Salads & Caprese: Combines beautifully with basil, mozzarella, and olive oil for classic flavor pairings.
Roasting & Grilling: Enhances sweetness and caramelization while preserving its depth.
Sauces & Salsas: Cook down into richly flavored, velvety sauces or add to fresh salsa for a smoky note.
Fresh Eating: The full flavor develops best at room temperature—slice and salt for a simple treat straight from the garden.
Preservation & Pantry Value
Canning & Sauces: Cherokee Purple’s dense flesh makes an excellent base for slow-simmered sauces, pastes, and soups.
Freezing: Slice or chop ripe fruits, then freeze in batches for year-round use.
Dehydration: Slice ¼" thick and dry at 115–125°F for chewy, tangy “sun-dried” tomato chips.
Fermentation: Adds depth to relishes or tomato krauts, mellowing the acidity while enhancing aroma.
Garden & Aesthetic Benefits
Cherokee Purple’s distinctive color and large, dusky fruits make it a showpiece in any vegetable garden. Its high yield and resilience make it suitable for both backyard gardeners and small-scale market growers seeking heirloom authenticity and visual appeal.
The open-pollinated, indeterminate vines continue to produce until frost, offering steady harvests of fruits that are both ornamental and deeply flavorful.
Traditional & Cultural Significance
Introduced to the public in 1991, Cherokee Purple quickly became one of the most recognized heirlooms in America. Its blend of folklore, regional storytelling, and global lineage symbolizes how seeds carry living histories through generations. Today, it’s a staple among seed savers and chefs alike—an heirloom that bridges the gap between heritage and modern taste.
Shipped from U.S.A.
Our seeds are grown and sourced from the US. They're then packed and shipped from Colerain NC.
Triple tested
We regularly test the quality and germination rate of our seeds. We're so confident that our seeds are backed by a 1 year warranty!
Soil Readiness
for Tomato Plants (Solanum lycopersicum)
Where to get a soil test
Best option: your state’s Cooperative Extension soil testing lab.
Tip: Arid/alkaline regions (e.g., AZ, NM, UT, parts of CA) often use Olsen (bicarbonate) for phosphorus.
Interprets P by extractant; assumes ppm. Results are approximate.
Enter at least one value above, then Calculate.
Summary
Recommended Amendments (per 100 sq ft)
How to Use
Mix P & K sources into top 3–6″ a week or two before planting.
If pH is low, apply lime 3–4 weeks pre-plant (or fall/winter).
Side-dress tomatoes with ~0.1 lb N / 100 sq ft at first fruit set; a light second side-dress after heavy early harvest is optional.
Keep soil evenly moist and mulch to help prevent blossom-end rot (a Ca/moisture issue).
Add 1–2″ finished compost yearly to build organic matter.
Container mix? Use a peat/coco-based mix with compost and slow-release organic fertilizer; pH is usually already correct.
Payment & Security
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Alliance Of Native Seedkeepers
Tomato Seeds - Indeterminate - Cherokee Purple Tomato Standard
$200 USD
$350
Unit price /
Unavailable
Description
The heirloom that turned gardeners into flavor chasers. Cherokee Purple Tomato bears large, dusky rose-purple fruits with deep crimson flesh and a smoky, sweet, full-bodied flavor that lingers on the tongue. Fruits average 10–12 oz, slightly flattened, and beautifully marbled, with soft shoulders that darken under the sun.
Plants are indeterminate and vigorous, stretching 4–6 feet tall with consistent mid-to-late season yields. Each vine produces heavy clusters of richly colored fruits that shine in salads, sandwiches, and fresh slices—where that signature tangy-sweet balance truly stands out.
First introduced to gardeners in 1991 by Craig LeHoullier from seed shared by J.D. Green of Tennessee, this variety was claimed to have Cherokee origins, though genetic studies hint at Eastern European lineage, possibly from Ukraine. The story remains part legend, part heritage—but the flavor, unmistakable. Cherokee Purple has since become one of the most celebrated heirlooms of all time, a garden essential wherever rich, true tomato taste is prized.
Seeds look great and gorgeous colors. These glass gem seeds look healthy and a great value for the price. I will update you when I plant them on how many germinate.
The taste is great and the tomato is yellow in color 1-2 lb tomatoes.
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D.F.
Seeds look great and gorgeous colors. These glass gem seeds look healthy and a great value for the price. I will update you when I plant them on how many germinate.
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D.F.
Wow, what a pretty blue these seeds are. i can't wait to plant them and watch them grow. I will update you on how many germinate. The seeds look healthy.
Corn Seeds - Flour -Hopi Blue Corn
D.F.
Seeds look great 👍 and i haven't had a chance to plant any of them yet, but I will update you when I put them in a seed tray and see how many germinate.
