Cherokee Chocolate

Tomato

Zone 5b Save Garden

Botanical illustration of Cherokee Chocolate

🌱 90d to harvest Indeterminate

Sink your senses into Cherokee Chocolate’s richly complex, smoky-sweet aroma and its velvety, mahogany-red flesh with warm chocol…

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Mar 16th
Last Frost	May 4th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Jun 29th
Harvest Begins	Sep 27th
Harvest Ends	Oct 5th

Crop Details

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease problem is most common on Solanum lycopersicum (tomato) and how do I control it?

Late blight and early blight are common on tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum), showing up as dark leaf spots that spread quickly in humid weather. Remove and destroy infected leaves, improve airflow by spacing plants, and water at the soil line (not the foliage) to keep leaves dry. If pressure is high, use a labeled fungicide appropriate for tomatoes and start treatments as soon as spots or weather conditions favor blight.

How often should I water Cherokee Chocolate tomato during the main growing phase?

During the main growth and fruiting period (roughly from flowering through ongoing harvest), keep soil consistently moist but not soggy—aim for about 1 to 1.5 inches (2.5–4 cm) of water per week depending on heat and container size. Water deeply 1–3 times per week rather than frequent light watering, and let the top 1 inch (2.5 cm) of soil dry slightly between waterings to reduce disease risk. Mulch helps maintain steady moisture and reduces cracking and blossom-end rot.

How can I tell when Cherokee Chocolate tomato is ready to harvest?

Harvest when fruits are fully colored (deep brown-red with a rich mahogany tone for this cultivar) and the shoulders no longer look green. The fruit should give slightly to gentle pressure and feel fragrant at the stem; fully mature tomatoes will detach easily with a light twist. For best flavor, pick at peak softness—do not wait until they are overly wrinkled or splitting.

Sink your senses into Cherokee Chocolate’s richly complex, smoky-sweet aroma and its velvety, mahogany-red flesh with warm chocolate-brown undertones. This beefsteak standout forms large, irregularly ribbed fruits that feel substantial in the hand—juicy yet pleasantly dense—ideal for slicing thick and showcasing their deep, savory flavor in bold salads and hearty sandwiches, as well as for robust sauces and slow-simmered salsas. Gardeners love its dramatic color and full-bodied taste that make every harvest feel like a rare treasure.

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

For best flavor, transplant only when soil is reliably warm (60°F+), then keep mulch on to maintain steady moisture and prevent cracking.