Cherokee Purple Tomatoes: Facts, Growing Tips & More

Tomato Cherokee Carbon isn't a recognized tomato variety. The search likely refers to Cherokee Purple tomatoes, a popular heirloom variety known for its deep purple color and rich flavor profile. This comprehensive guide clarifies the confusion and provides everything you need to know about growing and using these exceptional tomatoes, including their history, nutritional benefits, and cultivation requirements.

Understanding the Cherokee Purple Tomato Mystery

Many gardeners search for "tomato cherokee carbon" expecting to find information about a specific tomato variety. However, Cherokee Carbon isn't a recognized tomato cultivar. This search likely stems from confusion with the well-known Cherokee Purple tomato variety, possibly combined with misunderstandings about carbon content in plants or soil health practices.

Cherokee Purple tomatoes have gained immense popularity among heirloom enthusiasts for their exceptional flavor and striking appearance. Let's clarify this confusion and explore everything you need to know about this remarkable tomato variety.

Historical Timeline of Cherokee Purple Tomatoes

The Cherokee Purple has a fascinating history that connects modern gardeners with Native American agricultural traditions. This timeline reveals how this variety made its journey from tribal gardens to mainstream popularity:

Time Period	Key Development	Historical Significance
Pre-1890s	Grown by the Cherokee Nation in eastern Tennessee	Developed through traditional Native American seed selection practices
1890s	First documented in the Seed Saver Exchange archives	Preserved by John D. Green of Tennessee who received seeds from Cherokee neighbors
1990	Officially named and introduced to the public	Craig LeHoullier popularized the variety through gardening publications
2005-Present	Becomes one of America's most popular heirloom varieties	Recognized by Slow Food USA as part of their Ark of Taste conservation program

What Makes Cherokee Purple Tomatoes Special

Cherokee Purple tomatoes stand out from conventional varieties with their distinctive characteristics:

• Appearance: Deep purple to brownish-red skin with green shoulders that persist even when ripe
• Size: Typically 8-12 ounces, with some specimens reaching 1 pound
• Flavor profile: Complex sweet-earthy taste with balanced acidity
• Texture: Meaty with fewer seeds than many heirlooms
• Plant characteristics: Indeterminate growth habit, requires staking

The "carbon" confusion may stem from the tomato's deep coloration, which comes from anthocyanins (pigments also found in blueberries and blackberries), not carbon content. These tomatoes contain the same basic organic compounds as other tomato varieties.

Growing Cherokee Purple Tomatoes: Essential Requirements

Successfully growing Cherokee Purple tomatoes requires understanding their specific needs. Unlike hybrid varieties bred for commercial production, heirlooms like Cherokee Purple have particular requirements:

Soil Conditions for Optimal Growth

Cherokee Purple tomatoes thrive in well-draining soil rich in organic matter. While the "carbon" in the search term might suggest interest in soil carbon content, these tomatoes don't have special carbon requirements beyond what all plants need:

• pH level: 6.2-6.8 (slightly acidic)
• Organic matter: At least 3-5% for optimal nutrient retention
• Soil temperature: Minimum 60°F (15.5°C) for planting
• Drainage: Critical - these plants suffer in waterlogged conditions

Climate and Growing Season Requirements

Cherokee Purple tomatoes need a long growing season (75-85 days to maturity) and perform best in warm climates:

• Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost date
• Transplant outdoors when soil temperature consistently exceeds 60°F
• Requires 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Performs best in temperatures between 70-85°F (21-29°C)
• Struggles in extreme heat above 95°F (35°C)

Nutritional Profile: Addressing the Carbon Question

The "carbon" reference in your search might relate to nutritional content. All tomatoes, including Cherokee Purple, are primarily composed of water and organic compounds containing carbon, but they don't have special carbon properties. Here's what makes Cherokee Purple nutritionally valuable:

• Rich in lycopene (more bioavailable than in red tomatoes due to their unique pigmentation)
• High in vitamin C and potassium
• Contains anthocyanins, powerful antioxidants also found in blueberries
• Low in calories (approximately 22 calories per 100g)
• No significant difference in carbon content compared to other tomato varieties

According to USDA FoodData Central, tomatoes derive about 94% of their dry weight from carbon-based compounds, but this is standard for most fruits and vegetables - not unique to Cherokee Purple varieties.

Common Challenges and Solutions

Like all heirloom tomatoes, Cherokee Purple has some vulnerabilities that gardeners should understand:

Cracking and Splitting

Cherokee Purple tomatoes are prone to cracking, especially after heavy rain. This occurs because their thin skin can't expand quickly enough when the fruit absorbs water rapidly.

Solution: Maintain consistent soil moisture through regular watering and mulching. Avoid overhead watering to prevent sudden moisture changes.

Disease Susceptibility

Cherokee Purple lacks the disease resistance bred into many modern hybrids. Common issues include:

• Fusarium wilt
• Verticillium wilt
• Tomato spotted wilt virus
• Early blight

Prevention strategies:

• Rotate crops annually (don't plant tomatoes in the same spot more than once every 3 years)
• Use drip irrigation instead of overhead watering
• Apply mulch to prevent soil splashing
• Prune lower leaves to improve air circulation

Culinary Applications for Maximum Flavor

Cherokee Purple tomatoes shine in culinary applications where their complex flavor can be appreciated:

• Fresh preparations: Caprese salad, bruschetta, or simply sliced with salt and olive oil
• Sauces: Their lower acidity creates a naturally sweeter sauce that requires less sugar
• Salsas: The meaty texture holds up well in fresh salsas
• Preserving: Excellent for canning due to their dense flesh

For the best flavor experience, allow Cherokee Purple tomatoes to ripen fully on the vine and store at room temperature (never refrigerate, as this destroys flavor compounds).

Where to Find Authentic Cherokee Purple Seeds

Due to their popularity, Cherokee Purple seeds are widely available, but quality varies significantly. For authentic, high-quality seeds:

• Reputable seed companies like Seed Savers Exchange, Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds, or Tomato Growers Supply Company
• Avoid generic "Cherokee" varieties that may not be the true heirloom
• Look for seeds labeled specifically as "Cherokee Purple"
• Consider joining seed exchange networks to access regionally adapted strains

Is Cherokee Carbon a real tomato variety?

No, Cherokee Carbon is not a recognized tomato variety. This search likely refers to Cherokee Purple tomatoes, a popular heirloom variety. The confusion may stem from misunderstanding the variety name or interest in carbon-related aspects like soil health or nutritional content.

What makes Cherokee Purple tomatoes different from regular tomatoes?

Cherokee Purple tomatoes have a distinctive deep purple-brown color with green shoulders, complex sweet-earthy flavor, and meaty texture with fewer seeds. They're an heirloom variety with historical significance, originating from the Cherokee Nation, unlike most commercial hybrid tomatoes bred for uniformity and shipping durability.

Do Cherokee Purple tomatoes have special soil carbon requirements?

No, Cherokee Purple tomatoes don't have special carbon requirements beyond what all plants need. They grow best in soil with 3-5% organic matter, which contains carbon, but this is standard for most garden plants. The 'carbon' in search queries likely stems from confusion with the variety name rather than actual growing requirements.

How long does it take for Cherokee Purple tomatoes to mature?

Cherokee Purple tomatoes typically require 75-85 days to reach maturity from transplanting. They're considered mid-season tomatoes and benefit from a long growing season. In cooler climates, starting seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date is recommended for best results.

Why are my Cherokee Purple tomatoes cracking?

Cherokee Purple tomatoes are prone to cracking due to their thin skin and rapid water absorption. This happens when plants experience inconsistent moisture levels, especially after heavy rain following dry periods. Maintain consistent soil moisture through regular watering and mulching to prevent cracking.