KELCURT Farms: Heirloom Cherokee Purple Tomatoes

Heirloom tomatoes are started from seeds that have not been clinically modified. They, do, however, will change from time to time depending on pollination and cross-pollination.

The 2023 batch was germinated from a large tomato harvested in summer of 2022 originally purchased from Johnny Seeds.

Latin name:

 Solanum lycopersicum 

Germination:  86 Degree F

Days to harvest: about 72 days

Transplanting: Tomatoes are NOT frost tolerant / Prefer nights no less than 55 degree F. Clip off the bottom few leaves and plant deep in ground. Do not bury leaves, this will cause rotting and promote blight. The stem will produce additional roots when planted under soil. The more roots, the more fruits. Plant in full sun.

Care: Tomatoes like to be kept moist but not wet. They are heavy feeders so always plant in good, fertile soil.  Recommended to add a little water / root-soluble fertilizer every two weeks. I also occasionally trim clip off the bottom leaves to promote good circulation.

Pruning: Clear suckers as often as possible.  May be trellised. I plant under my cattle fencing and use string to tie up the plants to build support and help prevent damage during. 

Tomato plants are from the night-shade family - this means the stalk and leaves are poisonous to humans / animals / and pets. 

If you give tomatoes too much nitrogen, you will get beautiful leaves, but no fruit. This will also attract horn worms. So don't over fertilize with nitrogen. I prefer to add calcium to my crops when fruiting begins. This helps to prevent blossom rot and adds a nice, sweet flavor and helps bring moisture to the fruit.

Basil: 

Tyme:

Chives:

Peppers:

Asparagus:

Marigolds:

Nasturtium:

We are working in-house to develop some tasty recipe videos, but for now - raw is always good.

Purchasing:

 Cherokee Purple - Heirloom & Organic Tomato Seed | Johnny's Selected Seeds (johnnyseeds.com)  

Plant nutrients:

Here is an awesome video on nutrients: https://youtu.be/QALxEt6OFpc

Growing:

How to Grow 'Cherokee Purple' Tomatoes: A Complete Guide (thespruce.com)