Cherokee Green Tomato

Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your last spring frost, planting them 1/4 inch deep in warm soil. Germination occurs reliably in warmth; once seedlings emerge, provide bright light to prevent legginess. Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, and maintain warm conditions around 70-75°F for steady growth.

Harden off seedlings over 7-10 days by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions, then transplant outside once soil has warmed and frost danger has completely passed. Plant at the same depth as they were growing in their containers, or slightly deeper to encourage additional root development along the buried stem. Space 24 inches apart in rows 36 inches apart, allowing room for the indeterminate vine to expand.

Harvest Cherokee Green when it reaches full size and the skin has softened slightly to the touch, typically 70-79 days after transplanting. Unlike red varieties, color change is subtle; instead, look for the fruit to feel slightly yielding when gently squeezed and reach its mature size. Twist or cut the fruit carefully from the vine to avoid damaging the plant, and harvest regularly to encourage continued production throughout the season.

As an indeterminate variety, Cherokee Green benefits from selective pruning to manage its vigorous growth and direct energy toward fruit production. Remove suckers (shoots that emerge in the crotch between the main stem and branches) throughout the season, particularly on the lower portion of the plant where they compete with main stems. Pruning away lower leaves once fruit has set improves air circulation and reduces disease pressure. However, avoid over-pruning, which removes too much foliage and exposes developing fruit to sunscald.