Cherokee Carbon
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: Zone 1a has only 30 frost-free days — shorter than this crop's 90-day maturity. Outdoor planting is not viable; use protected cultivation.
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Last Frost | Jun 15th |
| Growing Approach | Protected Environment Only |
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 |
Recommended Companions
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 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.