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The Cherokee Purple Tomato Plant: The Complete Guide and Care Tips
Tomatoes are one of the most popular vegetables to grow in a home garden, and for good reason.
They’re easy to grow, produce an abundance of fruit, and taste great.
One variety that has become increasingly popular among gardeners is the Cherokee Purple tomato plant.
What is a Cherokee Purple Tomato Plant?
The Cherokee Purple tomato plant is an heirloom variety that originated in Tennessee.
It’s known for its unique purple color, which can range from deep purple to almost black when ripe.
The fruit has a slightly sweet flavor with a rich and smoky undertone.
Growing Conditions
To ensure a healthy crop of Cherokee Purple tomatoes, it’s important to provide them with the right growing conditions:
- Soil: These plants prefer well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter.
- Sunlight: Tomatoes need at least six hours of direct sunlight per day.
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
- Fertilizer: Use a balanced fertilizer every few weeks during the growing season.
Care Tips
- Trellising/Support: These plants can get quite large and heavy when loaded with fruit, so it’s important to give them support.
Use stakes or cages to keep them upright as they grow taller throughout the season.
- Pruning: Remove the suckers that grow in the crotch of two branches to promote better air circulation and fruit production.
- Disease Prevention: Cherokee Purple tomatoes are susceptible to several diseases, including early blight and late blight.
To prevent these diseases, avoid overhead watering and keep the area around the plant clean of debris.
Harvesting
The best way to tell when Cherokee Purple tomatoes are ripe is by their color.
They’ll turn from green to deep purple or almost black when they’re ready for picking.
Pick them when they’re fully ripe for the best flavor.
If you have a large harvest, store them in a cool, dark place to extend their shelf life.
Cooking with Cherokee Purple Tomatoes
The unique flavor of Cherokee Purple tomatoes makes them perfect for a variety of dishes.
Try using them in salads, sandwiches or even as a pizza topping.
You can also preserve your harvest by canning or making homemade tomato sauce or salsa!
In Conclusion
If you’re looking for an interesting and flavorful addition to your garden this year, consider planting some Cherokee Purple tomato plants! With proper care and attention, you’ll have a bountiful harvest that will be sure to impress.
