Tomato 'Cherokee Purple' (Lycopersicon lycopersicum)

Tomato 'Cherokee Purple'
Lycopersicon lycopersicum

Dave, how is the flavor? I am trying to decide what varieties to grow for next year..

We've tried dozens of tomato varieties, and the Cherokee Purple is the best we've had. The flavor is excellent and the walls are thick. Seed count is very low, which is a bonus for us.

The CP is excellent for paste/canning as well as slicing.

Lastly, it's one of the best performing tomatoes in the extreme heat of South/Central Texas. Give it a try!

dave

I'm writing it in my wish list right now!! It also looks like it will fill my husband's desire for a tomato that slices bigger than the bread it's on! Thanks

I've seen nothing but good things said about this one. Sure looks good =)

The heat loving part clinched it, its officailly on my list for next year!

Thanks

Those look great! I am planting some for this season. I've never grown them. Should they always be picked when the shoulders are green, such as in the photo?

Those in the photo were extremely ripe! I wouldn't have waited another day. :)

dave

When should I pick this tomato? It just turned completely pink/red, with very little green. But three days ago it was just blush pink. I can't tell by looking, and I can't tell by feel (since this is my first tomato ever so I have nothing to compare it to). So, can someone give me an estimate how many days I should keep it on the vine once it turns completely?

DonnaMarieNJ

It'll get much darker before it's ready - give it another week. When the green shoulders are gone and the thing is getting purplish/black, it's ready.

dave

Thank you so much. I almost picked it today (today being the first day it is completely pink). My neighbor scared me into almost picking it. We both saw a cardinal in the tomato plants hopping around and pecking. I don't see what he is eating. It may be bugs or may be the tomatoes. I have no evidence yet. But my fear is that I'll lose my FIRST ripe tomato if I keep it on that vine. I'll give it more time tho. I want the best taste.

Thank you again.

DonnaMarieNJ

You're very welcome!

Now, I've picked CP's early and they were fine. We even made some outstanding salsa with some fairly early tomatoes (even with green shoulders). Stil, if you can, it'll definitely be worth the weight!!

dave