Knowing the perfect moment to harvest your Cherokee Purple tomatoes makes all the difference. This guide will show you exactly when to pick Cherokee Purple tomatoes for that unbeatable, rich flavor.
It can be tricky because these heirlooms don’t follow the usual rules. They keep their unique dusky pink-purple color from the start, so you can’t just wait for a bright red blush. Picking them at the right time means you get a sweet, smoky, and complex taste. Pick them to early, and you miss out on that amazing flavor they’re famous for.
When to Pick Cherokee Purple Tomatoes
The key is to look beyond just color. A perfectly ripe Cherokee Purple tomato gives you a combination of visual clues, a tactile feel, and a little gentle pressure. Here’s your step-by-step checklist.
The Primary Signs of Ripeness
First, check the color carefully. A ripe Cherokee Purple won’t be a solid red. Look for these specific color changes:
* The base color should be a deep, dusky rose-pink. The darker purple-green shoulders will lighten to a warm, brownish-purple.
* There should be no hint of bright green left on the lower part of the fruit. That green means it’s still growing.
* The color will look even and rich across the entire tomato, without any pale or white patches.
Next, give it the gentle squeeze test. Don’t pinch! Use your whole palm.
* A ripe Cherokee Purple will have a slight give, like a firm avocado or the palm of your hand.
* It should never be soft, mushy, or feel like it has air pockets inside. That’s overripe.
* If it’s rock hard, it needs more time on the vine.
The Final Test: The Ease of Picking
This is one of the best indicators. A tomato that is truly ready will come away from the vine with almost no effort.
* Grasp the fruit firmly but gently.
* Hold the stem just above the tomato’s green cap (the calyx).
* Tilt the tomato upwards. If it’s ripe, it will snap cleanly from the stem with a simple lift.
* If you find yourself pulling or twisting hard, the tomato is telling you it’s not ready. Leave it for another day or two.
What About the “Shoulders”?
The top part of the tomato, near the stem, is called the shoulder. On Cherokee Purples, these often stay a greenish-purple even when the rest is ripe. This is normal! Don’t wait for the shoulders to turn completely pink. Use the overall color, feel, and ease of picking as your main guides. If the bottom 80% is rosy and gives slightly, it’s probably time.
Harvesting in Different Conditions
Weather plays a big role in your harvest timing. Here’s what to adjust for:
Hot, Dry Weather:
Tomatoes ripen faster in heat. Check your plants daily. They may become overripe or even start to crack more quickly. In a heatwave, you might pick them when they are just barely soft to the touch to prevent sunscald or splitting.
Cool, Wet Weather:
Ripening slows down. Be patient. The main risk here is fungal diseases or slugs. Ensure good air flow and consider picking if heavy rain is forecasted, as too much water can cause fruits to split.
What to Do If You See a Crack
A small concentric crack around the stem is common after a rain and often means the tomato is at peak ripeness. Pick it immediately to prevent insects or rot from setting in. You can cut away the cracked part and eat the rest.
The Stem and Leaf Clues
Sometimes, the plant itself gives you hints. Look at the small stem that connects the tomato to the main vine (called the peduncle). When the tomato is mature, this little stem may start to turn from green to a yellowish-tan. Also, the leaves and stem around a cluster of ripening fruit will often start to yellow slightly. This is the plant focusing its energy on the fruit.
Step-by-Step Harvesting Method
Doing it the right way protects your plant and your tomato. Follow these steps:
1. Harvest in the morning if possible. Tomatoes are firmest and have the highest sugar content then.
2. Locate the tomato you believe is ready using the color and feel tests.
3. Place your hand under the tomato to support its weight.
4. With your other hand, find the small knuckle-like joint on the stem above the fruit.
5. Gently bend that joint upwards. A ripe tomato will separate easily.
6. If it doesn’t snap cleanly, use a pair of clean pruners or scissors to cut the stem about half an inch above the fruit.
7. Place your harvested tomatoes in a shallow container. Never pile them deep, as the weight can bruise the ones on the bottom.
What If You Have to Pick Early?
Sometimes you must pick tomatoes before they’re fully vine-ripe. Maybe frost is coming, or an animal is taking bites. That’s okay!
* Pick any fruit that has started to show its first blush of pinkish color (this stage is called “breaker”).
* Indoors, they will continue to ripen off the vine.
* Never refrigerate unripe or ripening tomatoes. The cold ruins their flavor and texture.
* Place them stem-side down on a counter out of direct sunlight. Putting them in a paper bag with a banana can speed things up because of the ethylene gas.
Common Problems and Solutions
Splitting/Cracking:
This is usually from uneven watering. Try to water deeply and consistently. Mulch heavily to keep soil moisture even. Pick cracked fruits right away.
Bottom Rot:
A dark, leathery spot on the blossom end is a calcium issue often caused by irregular watering. Maintain consistent soil moisture and ensure your soil pH is right for nutrient uptake.
Hard, Green Centers:
If your tomato is ripe outside but hard and white inside, it’s often due to extreme heat. Provide afternoon shade if possible and keep the plants well-watered during heatwaves.
Too Soft or Mushy:
You’ve probably waited to long. Check plants more frequently. Also, overwatering can lead to watery, soft fruit.
Storing Your Perfect Harvest
To enjoy that garden-fresh flavor, storage is key:
* Never store ripe tomatoes in the refrigerator. Cold temperatures make them mealy and dull the flavor.
* Keep them at room temperature on your kitchen counter, stem-side down.
* Eat them within 2-4 days for the best quality.
* If you have an abundance, consider preserving them by canning, making sauce, or simply freezing them whole for later cooking.
FAQ: Your Cherokee Purple Harvest Questions
Q: How long does it take for Cherokee Purple tomatoes to turn ripe?
A: From flowering to ripe fruit, it usually takes about 80-90 days. But always use the visual and touch tests, not just the calendar.
Q: Can you pick Cherokee Purple tomatoes when they are green?
A: Only if they’ve reached their full size and have started to change color (the “breaker” stage). Fully green, immature tomatoes may not ripen properly off the vine.
Q: Why are my Cherokee Purple tomatoes staying green?
A: The most common cause is temperature. If nights are consistently below 55°F (13°C) or days are above 95°F (35°C), ripening pauses. Be patient for weather to improve.
Q: What does a ripe Cherokee Purple tomato look like inside?
A: The inside should be a deep, beefsteak red with some green gel around the seeds. The flesh is know for being exceptionally rich and multi-colored, sometimes with darker red streaks.
Q: How do you know when a tomato is ready to be picked?
A: For Cherokee Purples specifically, look for the deep pink color, a slight softness, and that it comes off the vine easily. For other types, color change is the main clue.
Getting the harvest timing right is the final reward for your gardening work. By paying attention to the subtle signs your Cherokee Purple tomatoes give you—that specific dusky color, the perfect gentle give, and the easy release from the vine—you’ll be enjoying the incredible, rich flavor that makes this heirloom so special. There’s nothing quite like tasting that first perfect slice from a tomato you grew and picked at just the right moment.