How to Grow Cherokee purple tomato (considered a fruit) in Florida

Cherokee Purple tomatoes are a beloved heirloom variety known for their rich flavor and unique, dusky appearance. Originating from the Cherokee Nation, this tomato variety is not only a gardener’s favorite but also a favorite among chefs and home cooks alike. Growing Cherokee Purple tomatoes in Florida can be incredibly rewarding due to the state’s warm climate, but it does require some attention to detail. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to cultivate these delicious fruits successfully.

Understanding Cherokee Purple Tomatoes

Before diving into the growing process, it’s essential to understand what makes Cherokee Purple tomatoes special. These tomatoes are characterized by their deep purple-red color, large size, and incredible flavor profile. They are classified as indeterminate tomatoes, meaning they will continue to grow and produce fruit throughout the growing season until stopped by frost.

Climate Suitability

Florida’s subtropical climate is ideal for growing Cherokee Purple tomatoes. The warm temperatures and abundant sunlight provide perfect conditions for growth. However, there are some specific climatic considerations to keep in mind:

Temperature: Cherokee Purple tomatoes thrive in temperatures between 70°F and 85°F. Too much heat can lead to blossom drop, while cooler temperatures can stunt growth.
Frost Dates: Understanding the last frost date in your region is crucial for successful planting. In most parts of Florida, the last frost occurs between late February and early March.

Choosing the Right Location

Selecting an appropriate location for your tomato plants is vital for their success. Here are some tips:

Sunlight: Ensure that your garden spot receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. More sun usually leads to healthier plants and more abundant fruit.
Soil Quality: The ideal soil for growing Cherokee Purple tomatoes should be well-draining and rich in organic matter. Sandy loam or loamy soil works best. Conduct a soil test to check pH and nutrient levels; ideally, tomato plants prefer slightly acidic soil with a pH of 6.0 to 6.8.

Preparing the Soil

Preparation of the soil is a critical step in ensuring healthy growth. Follow these steps to get your soil ready:

Clear the Area: Remove any weeds, rocks, or debris from the planting area.
Test the Soil: Use a home testing kit or send a sample to a lab to determine your soil’s pH and nutrient levels.
Enrich the Soil: If necessary, amend your soil with organic compost or well-rotted manure to improve its fertility and structure.
Tilling: Loosen the soil by tilling it lightly, which helps improve aeration and drainage.

Planting Cherokee Purple Tomatoes

Once your soil is prepared, it’s time to plant your Cherokee Purple tomatoes.

Starting Seeds Indoors

If you want an earlier start to your growing season, consider starting seeds indoors:

Timing: Start seeds indoors about 6-8 weeks before the last anticipated frost date.
Containers: Use seed trays or biodegradable pots filled with seed-starting mix.
Light: Provide adequate light—either natural sunlight or grow lights—to encourage healthy seedling development.

Direct Sowing vs Transplanting

While you can sow seeds directly into the garden after the last frost date, transplanting seedlings gives you a head start:

Transplanting Timing: Wait until nighttime temperatures consistently stay above 50°F before transplanting outdoors.
Spacing: Space plants approximately 24-36 inches apart in rows that are 3 feet apart.
Depth: When planting seedlings, bury them deeply (up to two-thirds of their height) to promote strong root development.

Watering Practices

Cherokee Purple tomatoes require consistent moisture throughout their growing season:

Frequency: Water your plants deeply once or twice a week rather than shallowly every day.
Method: Aim to water at the base of the plant to keep foliage dry and reduce diseases associated with dampness.
Signs of Stress: Monitor plants for signs of wilting or leaf curl; both can indicate insufficient water.

Fertilizing Your Tomatoes

Proper fertilization is key for healthy tomato plants:

Initial Fertilization: Incorporate a balanced fertilizer (like an NPK ratio of 10-10-10) into the soil at planting time.
Ongoing Fertilization: Side-dress with fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.
Organic Options: If you prefer organic methods, consider using compost tea or fish emulsion as alternatives.

Pruning and Supporting Your Plants

To ensure optimal growth and ease of harvesting:

Pruning

Pruning helps improve airflow and light penetration:

Suckers: Remove suckers that develop in leaf axils below the first flower cluster to focus plant energy on producing fruit.
Lower Leaves: Cut off yellowing lower leaves as they age throughout the season.

Support Structures

Because Cherokee Purple plants can grow tall (up to 6 feet), supporting them is crucial:

Stakes: Install stakes at planting time; use soft ties to secure stems as they grow.
Cages: Consider using tomato cages for added structural support; they help keep fruits off the ground.

Pest and Disease Management

Regular monitoring will help you catch any issues early on:

Common Pests

Aphids: Small insects that can cause damage; they can often be controlled through insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Whiteflies: These flying pests thrive in warm weather; sticky traps can help monitor populations.

Diseases

Some common diseases affecting tomatoes include:

Blight: This fungal disease causes brown spots on leaves; remove affected foliage promptly.
Blossom End Rot: A physiological disorder caused by inconsistent watering leads to dark spots on ripe fruit; maintain consistent moisture levels.

Harvesting Cherokee Purple Tomatoes

Monitoring fruits for ripeness is essential for harvesting:

Color Change: Harvest when fruits turn from green to deep purple-red color.
Firmness Test: Ripe tomatoes will have a slight give when gently squeezed.
Timing: Harvest regularly; this encourages more fruit production throughout the season.

Conclusion

Growing Cherokee Purple tomatoes in Florida can be an enjoyable experience that yields delicious results. By selecting an appropriate location, preparing your soil properly, employing effective watering and fertilization practices, managing pests and diseases, and knowing when to harvest, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying this magnificent heirloom variety from your own garden. With patience and care, you can savor not just great taste but also the satisfaction that comes from growing one of nature’s finest fruits right in your backyard!