TOMATO - Cherokee Purple

Common Name: TOMATO - Cherokee Purple

Seeds Per Packet: Approx 50

Days to Harvest: 80 days

Watering: Medium

Plant Spacing: 60-100cm

Row Spacing: 60sm

Companion Plants: Marigolds are said to repel white fly and root knot nematode. Basil tastes great with tomato and is said to increase tomato yields when planted within 30cm whilst also repels flies and mosquitos.

Scientific Name: Lycopersicon esculentum

Germination Time: 7-14 days

Position/Sunlight: Full Sun

Plant Height: 1.5-2m

Cool/Mountain Sow: Oct-Dec

Arid Sow: Jul-Mar

Temperate Sow: Oct-Dec

Sub-Tropical Sow: Jul-Mar

Tropical Sow: All Year

How to Sow

Tomatoes are best sown in trays about 6-8 weeks prior to the last frost. Sow seeds about 5mm deep and keep the soil temperature to about 20 celcius until germination. Once the plants have grown their second leaves the seedlings can be transplanted into larger individual pots. Keep the tomato seedlings in a warm sunny position and maintain moisture levels. When planting out, position the plants so that soil covers the entire stem up to the first leaves. This will increase root development and ensure a healthy strong plant. Plants should be placed in full sun and rich soil.

How to Harvest

Tomatoes ripened on the vine will be ready once they show their mature colour. The fruits can also be squeezed and should yield slightly when ripe. If frost occurs and temperatures drop late in the season all tomatoes can be picked. Tomatoes that do not ripen on the vine can be ripened indoors by being placed in a warm place out or direct sun.