Cherokee Purple is a dusky-rose heirloom believed to have originated with the Cherokee people in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains — a region with hot, humid summers much like Northland. It’s known for its deep, smoky flavour and soft, wine-like flesh.

In my Hokianga garden, this variety held up well through drought. I mulched heavily and reduced watering to only when the plants showed signs of stress in the evening. It didn’t crack, and the fruit was beautiful. Spacing matters with this one — overcrowding reduced my yield, so give it room to breathe.

Cherokee Purple is resilient, flavourful, and well worth growing. It’s a tomato with history — old is gold.

Type: Indeterminate beefsteak

Days to Maturity: 80–90 days

Fruit Size: Large, 250–450g

Color: Dusky rose with green shoulders

Flavour: Deep, rich, smoky, wine-like

Skin: Thin, but resistant to cracking with mulch and observation

Origin: Foothills of the Appalachian Mountains – attributed to the Cherokee people

Mulch heavily to protect roots and retain moisture

Water regularly, when possible, but reduce during droughts with close observation

Space generously — this variety likes airflow and breathing room.