About Cherokee Giant Green Tomato

Cherokee Giant Green Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is a striking and flavourful variety that stands out in any garden. With large, beefsteak-type fruits, this unique tomato ripens to a rich green with subtle yellow-orange striping on both the skin and interior. Its complex, rich flavour makes it a fantastic choice for fresh eating, particularly in sandwiches and salads.

A semi-determinate variety, Cherokee Giant Green Tomato offers a reliable harvest throughout the season without excessive sprawling growth, making it ideal for smaller spaces or container growing.

Where Can You Grow Cherokee Giant Green Tomato

This tomato thrives in Zones 3-9, requiring full sun and well-drained, nutrient-rich soil. It grows well in garden beds, raised beds, and large containers with adequate support.

History and Historical Uses

Green tomatoes have been grown for generations for their unique colour, tangy-sweet flavour, and versatility in fresh and cooked dishes. This variety, with its distinct stripes and rich taste, is a modern favourite among home gardeners and heirloom collectors.

Canadian Zone Information

• Zones 8-9: Start seeds indoors in January or February and transplant outdoors in April. Harvest from June through October.
• Zones 5-7: Sow seeds indoors in late February to mid-March and transplant outdoors in May. Harvest from July through September.
• Zones 3-4: Start seeds indoors in late March or early April, transplant after the last frost in late May or early June, and harvest from mid-July to early September.

How to Grow and Harvest Cherokee Giant Green Tomato

1. Planting: Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost. Transplant seedlings 45-60cm (18-24in) apart in well-drained soil.
2. Support: Use stakes or cages to support the semi-determinate vines and prevent fruit from touching the ground.
3. Watering: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged to ensure optimal fruit development.
4. Pruning: Remove lower leaves and suckers to improve air circulation and fruit quality.
5. Harvesting: Pick tomatoes when they develop a yellow-orange blush and feel slightly soft to the touch.

Seed Saving Tips for Future Supply

1. Choose Ripe Fruits: Select fully ripened tomatoes from the healthiest plants.
2. Extract Seeds: Scoop seeds and their surrounding gel into a clean container.
3. Fermentation: Add a small amount of water and let sit uncovered for 2-3 days, stirring daily to remove the gel coating.
4. Rinse and Dry: Rinse the seeds thoroughly and spread them on a clean towel or screen to dry completely.
5. Store: Store dried seeds in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. Properly stored seeds remain viable for up to 5 years.

Certified Organic By

Islands Organics Producers Association (Cert#1962)