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Growing Cherokee Green Tomatoes in the Vegetable Garden

Cherokee Green tomatoes, with their unique green skin and flesh, offer a delightful twist on the classic Cherokee Purple. To start the planting process, sow the seeds indoors 7-9 weeks before the last spring frost date, ensuring a germination temperature of 65-85 F. Plant the seeds at a depth of 0.25 inches and, once seedlings have reached an appropriate size, transplant them outdoors with a spacing of 18-36 inches between plants and 36 inches between rows. Being indeterminate, Cherokee Green tomatoes will sprawl and continue to grow throughout the season, requiring support such as cages or trellises.

For optimal growth of Cherokee Green tomatoes, employ effective maintenance practices and companion planting strategies. Consider incorporating companion plants like basil and marigolds to deter common pests, fostering a healthier garden ecosystem. Regularly inspect plants for issues, applying organic solutions like neem oil for pest control. Maintain consistent watering, ensuring moist yet well-draining soil to prevent problems such as blossom end rot. Mulching around plants and pruning lower branches contribute to healthier growth and disease prevention. As indeterminate tomatoes, provide sturdy support structures like cages and trellises for proper growth. These measures collectively enhance the resilience of Cherokee Green tomatoes, ensuring a successful and flavorful harvest.

Harvesting Cherokee Green Tomatoes

Harvesting Cherokee Green tomatoes involves a keen eye for ripeness and an understanding of their indeterminate growth habit. These tomatoes are ready to be picked when their shoulders show a distinct green hue, indicating maturity. Since they continue to produce throughout the season, regular harvesting is essential. Indeterminate varieties, like Cherokee Green, will keep producing until the first frost, providing a prolonged harvest window. Gently twist or cut the tomatoes from the vine when they reach the desired size and color. Harvesting regularly not only ensures the freshest produce but also encourages the plant to channel energy into new fruit development. This method supports a continuous harvest of sweet, savory, and juicy tomatoes with a pleasant acidity.

About Cherokee Green Tomato Garden Seeds

Cherokee Green tomatoes, part of the Cherokee heirloom tomato family, trace their roots to indigenous people of the southeastern United States. The original Cherokee Purple gained popularity for its rich, complex flavor, and Cherokee Green emerged as a variation with a unique green skin and flesh. The history of this variety is deeply intertwined with the cultural heritage of the Cherokee people, reflecting their agricultural practices and culinary preferences.

This heirloom wasn't specifically bred for a particular trait or growing climate but rather evolved over generations through natural selection and cultivation practices of local communities. The adaptability of Cherokee Green tomatoes makes them well-suited for various climates, thriving in warm conditions typical of the southeastern U.S.

Other interesting info about Cherokee Green includes its flattened beefsteak shape and the recommendation to harvest when the shoulders are still green. Known for its resistance to various pests and diseases, including Bacterial Speck, Fusarium Wilt, and Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus, it is a reliable choice for home gardeners seeking flavorful tomatoes.

While Cherokee Green tomatoes are traditionally grown in garden plots or raised beds, their indeterminate growth habit may pose challenges for container gardens due to their sprawling nature. Hanging baskets may not provide sufficient support for these large plants. However, with diligent pruning and staking, it's still possible to grow them in containers, but ample space and support are crucial for optimal growth and fruit production.

Tips From Our Gardeners

"To enhance the flavor of Cherokee Green tomatoes, consider providing consistent watering throughout the growing season. Moisture stress can lead to uneven ripening and affect the overall taste, so maintaining a regular watering schedule is key to achieving the best flavor profile."

- Chelsea Hafer, True Leaf Market Writer

Other Resources

• Guide to Tomatoes

Cherokee Green Tomato Seeds Per Package:

• 300 mg packet - Approximately 65 Seeds
• 0.25 oz - Approximately 1,700 Seeds
• 1 oz - Wholesale - Approximately 6,800 Seeds
• 4 oz - Wholesale - Approximately 27,200 Seeds
• 1 lb - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 108,800 Seeds

Non-GMO Cherokee Green Tomato seeds are available for Fast Free Shipping on qualifying orders.