{"product_id":"cherokee-purple-tomato-heirloom-seeds","title":"Cherokee Purple, Heirloom Tomato Seeds","description":"\u003ch1\u003eCherokee Purple Heirloom Tomato Seeds\u003c\/h1\u003e\u003cp\u003eA thick slice of Cherokee Purple brings rich, sweet-balanced tomato flavor to a summer sandwich. Its broad, slightly flattened beefsteaks ripen dusky pink-purple to brick red, often retaining dark green shoulders. Dense, juicy flesh and colorful seed gel make each slice as distinctive as the skin.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWhy Grow Cherokee Purple?\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRich slicing flavor:\u003c\/strong\u003e Enjoy fresh sandwiches, tomato salads, or slices with basil.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDistinctive dark shoulders:\u003c\/strong\u003e Dusky rose-purple fruit is not uniformly purple or black; shoulder color may persist at ripeness.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSubstantial beefsteaks:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fruit commonly ranges from about 8–16 oz, with size and shape varying by plant and conditions.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOpen-pollinated heirloom:\u003c\/strong\u003e A Tennessee seed-saving selection shared with Craig LeHoullier in 1990.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIndeterminate, regular-leaf plants:\u003c\/strong\u003e Provide sturdy support and room for the canopy.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003ePlanting and Growing\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eStart indoors 6–8 weeks before your intended transplant date. Sow approximately ¼ inch deep in seed-starting mix, provide warmth and strong light, and harden off gradually. Transplant outdoors after frost danger has passed and soil has warmed. Choose full sun and fertile, well-drained soil.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eInstall a sturdy cage, stake, or trellis early. Water consistently at soil level and mulch to conserve moisture. Retain healthy foliage to shade developing fruit and allow airflow around plants. Fruit can crack during uneven watering or wet weather; check ripening tomatoes frequently.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFor square foot gardening, use \u003cstrong\u003e1 plant per sq ft (trellis required)\u003c\/strong\u003e with dedicated vertical training and regular pruning. Allow additional space for caged or multi-stemmed plants.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eHarvest Details\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaturity:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approximately 80 days from transplant; some suppliers report 80–90 days and timing varies with conditions.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFruit:\u003c\/strong\u003e Broad, slightly flattened beefsteaks, commonly 8–16 oz; dusky pink-purple skin, dark shoulders, and juicy red-toned flesh with darker seed gel.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrowth habit:\u003c\/strong\u003e Indeterminate, regular leaf; sturdy support required.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBotanical name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eSolanum lycopersicum\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLife cycle:\u003c\/strong\u003e Frost-tender warm-season annual.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePacket options:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approximately 25 or 50 seeds.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003ePick when the lower portions develop mature color and the fruit yields slightly to gentle pressure. Do not wait for green shoulders to disappear completely. Handle gently and enjoy fresh or cook into sauces.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ePacked and shipped by Box Garden Seeds LLC — heirloom seeds grown without GMOs, selected for your garden.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Box Garden Seeds LLC","offers":[{"title":"~25 Seeds","offer_id":41712230793350,"sku":"TB\/B1-25Org-97-224-30","price":3.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"~50 Seeds","offer_id":41712230826118,"sku":"TB\/B1-50-Org-97-224-30","price":5.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2669\/3330\/files\/il_fullxfull.7610550902_pfhy.jpg?v=1770129195","url":"https:\/\/bgseedsllc.com\/products\/cherokee-purple-tomato-heirloom-seeds","provider":"Box Garden Seeds Store","version":"1.0","type":"link"}