Cherokee Purple

Tomato

Zone 9b Save Garden

Botanical illustration of Cherokee Purple

🌱 85d to harvest Indeterminate

Velvety, smoky-sweet flesh with a rich, wine-dark tang—Cherokee Purple delivers a dramatic, dusky flavor that feels almost perfum…

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Dec 22nd
Last Frost	Feb 9th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Apr 6th
Harvest Begins	Jun 30th
Harvest Ends	Dec 9th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	85
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 most commonly affects Solanum tuberosum (Cherokee Purple), and what should I do?

Late blight and early blight are common potato problems, showing up as dark, spreading leaf spots (often late blight can rapidly collapse foliage). Remove and destroy infected leaves, improve airflow between plants, and avoid wetting foliage when watering. If you need control beyond sanitation, use a labeled potato fungicide and start at first signs or preventively during humid, cool periods—follow the product’s interval and coverage directions closely.

How often should I water Cherokee Purple potatoes during the main growing phase?

After plants emerge, keep the soil consistently evenly moist but not soggy, aiming for roughly 1 inch of water per week in total (rain + irrigation), with more frequent lighter watering during hot spells. Potatoes form tubers underground, so let the top few centimeters dry slightly between waterings but don’t allow the root zone to swing dry for long. A helpful check is that the soil should hold together when squeezed but not drip water.

How do I tell when Cherokee Purple potatoes are ready to harvest at about 85 days?

Harvest when plants naturally start to yellow and die back, typically around 85 days for full maturity. Gently dig one test tuber near the edge of the row—if the skin holds firm when rubbed and won’t easily scrape off, the crop is ready. Cure harvested tubers in a dark, cool, humid area for about 1–2 weeks to toughen skins before storing.

Velvety, smoky-sweet flesh with a rich, wine-dark tang—Cherokee Purple delivers a dramatic, dusky flavor that feels almost perfumed as it ripens. The fruit are large and irregularly ribbed, with a satin-smooth skin that turns from green to deep purple-brown at the shoulders, then opens to a juicy, seed-studded interior that’s tender yet substantial. Ideal for bold slices on the plate, as well as for thick, colorful sauces that showcase its complex, old-world character.

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 Cherokee Purple indoors for sturdy transplants, then wait to transplant until soil is consistently warm (around 60°F+) to prevent cold-stunting.