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Tomato, Cherokee Purple Growing Guide
Solanaceae family — Cherokee Purple varietal
Companion Planting
Growth Stages
- Seedling
- Vegetative Growth
- Flowering
- Fruiting / Harvest Ready
Planting Dates by Zone
| Zone | Start Indoors | Transplant | Direct Sow | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 1a | Apr 13 | Jun 8 | — | Aug 12 |
| Zone 1b | Apr 13 | Jun 8 | — | Aug 12 |
| Zone 2a | Apr 3 | May 29 | — | Aug 2 |
| Zone 2b | Apr 13 | Jun 8 | — | Aug 12 |
| Zone 3a | Apr 10 | Jun 5 | — | Aug 9 |
| Zone 3b | Apr 3 | May 29 | — | Aug 2 |
| Zone 4a | Mar 24 | May 19 | — | Jul 23 |
| Zone 4b | Mar 20 | May 15 | — | Jul 19 |
| Zone 5a | Mar 17 | May 12 | — | Jul 16 |
| Zone 5b | Mar 17 | May 12 | — | Jul 16 |
| Zone 6a | Mar 17 | May 12 | — | Jul 16 |
| Zone 6b | Mar 4 | Apr 29 | — | Jul 3 |
| Zone 7a | Mar 4 | Apr 29 | — | Jul 3 |
| Zone 7b | Feb 27 | Apr 24 | — | Jun 28 |
| Zone 8a | Feb 22 | Apr 19 | — | Jun 23 |
| Zone 8b | Feb 8 | Apr 5 | — | Jun 9 |
| Zone 9a | Feb 6 | Apr 3 | — | Jun 7 |
| Zone 9b | Jan 27 | Mar 24 | — | May 28 |
| Zone 10a | Jan 9 | Mar 6 | — | May 10 |
| Zone 10b | Dec 17 | Feb 11 | — | Apr 17 |
| Zone 11a | Dec 17 | Feb 11 | — | Apr 17 |
| Zone 11b | Dec 4 | Jan 29 | — | Apr 4 |
| Zone 12a | Nov 20 | Jan 15 | — | Mar 21 |
| Zone 12b | Nov 20 | Jan 15 | — | Mar 21 |
| Zone 13a | Nov 20 | Jan 15 | — | Mar 21 |
| Zone 13b | Nov 20 | Jan 15 | — | Mar 21 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to grow Tomato, Cherokee Purple?
Tomato, Cherokee Purple takes approximately 80 days from planting to harvest.
How much sun does Tomato, Cherokee Purple need?
Tomato, Cherokee Purple requires full sun (6+ hours direct sunlight per day).
How far apart should I plant Tomato, Cherokee Purple?
Plant Tomato, Cherokee Purple at 1/sqft (12" apart) using square foot gardening spacing.
Can Tomato, Cherokee Purple survive frost?
Tomato, Cherokee Purple is frost-sensitive and should not be exposed to frost.
What are good companion plants for Tomato, Cherokee Purple?
Good companion plants for Tomato, Cherokee Purple include Garlic, Asparagus, Basil, Carrots, Marigolds, Peppers, Onions. Avoid planting near Potatoes, Fennel, Corn, Kohlrabi.
How long does Tomato, Cherokee Purple take to germinate?
Tomato, Cherokee Purple seeds germinate in 6-14 days at an optimal temperature of 80°F.
When should I start Tomato, Cherokee Purple seeds indoors?
Start Tomato, Cherokee Purple seeds indoors 6 weeks before your last frost date, then transplant 2 weeks after last frost.
Growing Tips
- Indeterminate; provide strong staking
- Thin skin and soft flesh make it crack-prone; consistent watering helps
- Among the best-tasting heirloom tomatoes available
Common Pests & Diseases
- Tomato hornworm
- Early blight
- Cracking
- Blossom end rot
Harvest Notes
Harvest when shoulders turn olive-green to brown and fruit gives slightly when pressed. Interior is dark, dusky red-green. Best eaten fresh.
Plan Your Tomato, Cherokee Purple Garden
Track Tomato, Cherokee Purple from seed to harvest with personalized frost dates, watering recommendations, and companion planting visualization.
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