Cherokee Carbon

Tomato

Zone 2b Save Garden

Botanical illustration of Cherokee Carbon

🌱 90d to harvest Indeterminate

Sink your senses into Cherokee Carbon’s smoky, sun-warmed aroma and its richly complex flavor—deeply sweet with a gentle, savory …

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Mar 27th
Last Frost	May 15th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Jul 10th
Harvest Begins	Oct 8th
Harvest Ends	Aug 25th

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

Red Cored Chantenay Carrot

Lemon Mrs. Burns Basil

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.

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.

Sowing Tips

Transplant Conditions

Wait until soil reaches 60°F and nights stay above 50°F before moving outdoors. Harden off for 10 days first.

Expert Note

Start indoors so seedlings are sturdy (not root-bound), then transplant only after soil is reliably warm (60°F+) to avoid cold stunting.