CHEROKEE PURPLE TOMATO x 15+ seeds

The Cherokee Purple tomato is an heirloom variety with believed origins in the Cherokee Nation in Tennessee, likely passed down through generations before being introduced to the wider gardening community by tomato expert Craig LeHoullier in the mid-1990s. While the exact history is unclear, the seeds were reportedly given to LeHoullier by John Green of Sevierville, Tennessee, who claimed the variety had been in his family's possession, passed down from Native Americans of the Cherokee tribe.

 

Key Details:

Origin Story:

The tomato is named after the Cherokee people and is thought to have originated in Tennessee. 

Introduction:

In 1990, Craig LeHoullier received the seeds from John Green, who stated they were originally from the Cherokee Indians. 

Popularization:

LeHoullier grew the tomatoes, was impressed by their unique color and flavor, and began distributing seeds to seed companies, which helped them become popular in the mid-1990s. 

Legacy:

As an heirloom variety, it has been passed down through generations. The name is a reflection of its cultural heritage, even if the exact path the seeds took before reaching the Cherokee is not fully known.