Cherokee Purple

In 1990, John D. Green from Sevierville, Tennessee, sent Cherokee Purple seeds to Craig LeHoullier. All John could share was that his neighbour had given him the seeds, which had been in their family for about 100 years and originated from the Cherokee Indians.

Craig has played a pivotal role in the revival of this tomato variety, particularly this stunning one, which he describes in his book. To his amazement, as the Cherokee Purple ripened, it revealed a colour he had never seen before: a deep dusky rose that faded to nearly true purple at the shoulders.

That year, Craig had grown Black Krim and was able to compare their flavours side by side. Although similar in appearance, their flavours were strikingly different. Krim had an absence of sweetness, Cherokee Purple a symphony of flavours and nuances! I can personally vouch for that, which is why I have given Cherokee Purple the highest status as the ultimate experience on Vogel toast.

Heirloom tomatoes have been passed down for generations, preserving their unique flavours and characteristics, and I’m pretty excited to be able to offer you this in my Vault Seed Pack.

So I want to ensure you get the best experience when growing this beautiful dusky rose specimen that will unleash a symphony of flavours on your taste buds.
Successful home gardening of tomatoes begins with you! So I’ve compiled a few heads-up tips for you.

Soil Preparation – Use nutrient-rich, well-draining soil.

Planting – Start your seeds indoors or plant directly into warm soil!

Watering – They do need water, and I've cracked it. This is something many new tomato growers struggle with. I’ve got you covered.

Stalking and Pruning – Support plants with stakes or cages to prevent disease and encourage airflow. (Make it easier for the predators to find potential caterpillar threats).

Just head on over to Success Tips for information on care and maintenance.

“Ka mua, ka muri.”
— We walk backwards into the future with our eyes fixed on the past.

This speaks to saving heirlooms like Cherokee Purple: the seed was nearly lost, but by remembering and carrying it forward, we honour the past while feeding the future.