Cherokee Carbon

Tomato

90d to harvest

Sink your senses into Cherokee Carbon’s smoky, sun-warmed aroma and its richly complex flavor—deeply sweet with a gentle, savory tang. The fruits are classic beefsteak-sized and irregularly hearted, with a satin-smooth, mahogany-red skin that darkens toward the shoulders and a dense, juicy interior that feels substantial and velvety. Grow it for bold slices on the plate and for standout sauces where its color and depth shine from first spoonful to last simmer.

Crop Dates

Growing note: Frost-free Zone 11a supports continuous outdoor production.

Milestone	Date
Climate	Frost-Free Climate
Growing Approach	Continuous Production

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	90
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Indeterminate
Support Needed	Stake
Planting Depth	Deep
Germination Temp (°F)	75
Min Soil Temp (°F)	60
Min Night Temp (°F)	50
Harden Off (days)	10

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease commonly affects Solanum lycopersicum (tomato) ‘Cherokee Carbon’, and how can I control it?

Watch for early blight (brown, target-like spots) and septoria leaf spot, which often show up as lower leaves develop spotting and yellowing. Remove and discard badly infected leaves, then spray with a labeled fungicide for tomatoes and improve airflow by spacing plants and keeping foliage dry. For prevention, mulch around the base and avoid wetting leaves when watering.

How often should I water Cherokee Carbon tomatoes during the main growing phase?

During active fruiting, water deeply enough to moisten the soil 6–8 in (15–20 cm) but only when the top 1–2 in (2–5 cm) of soil feels dry. In hot weather, this is commonly every 2–4 days, while cooler conditions may stretch it to about once a week. Use a consistent schedule to prevent fruit cracking and blossom-end rot (which is linked to irregular moisture and calcium uptake).

How can I tell when Cherokee Carbon tomatoes are ready to harvest?

Harvest when fruits are fully colored for this variety and give slightly when gently squeezed—ripe Cherokee Carbon tomatoes should have a soft give but not feel mushy. Most plants are ready around 90 days from transplanting/starting, with fruits typically ripening over a period of weeks. If a tomato has a green shoulder or is still firm, leave it on the vine a bit longer.