80 Days to maturity (from transplant). Solanum lycopersicum. Homestead Tomato Seeds. Non-GMO, warm season annual, open-pollinated, heirloom, heat tolerant, humidity tolerant, drought tolerant, semi-determinate, slicing tomato. Suitable for growing in garden plots, raised beds, and greenhouses. Resistant to Alternaria Stem Canker, and Fusarium Wilt. Strong semi-determinant plants with big leaves. 8-9 oz firm meaty bright-red med-sized globes. Known to set fruit under a wide range of conditions making Homestead a great all purpose tomato. Approx. 7,500 seeds/ounce. Download Free Vegetable Growing Guide PDF Latin Name: Solanum lycoperscium (previously Lycopersicon esculentum) Hardiness Zone: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 Annual: Not intended to overwinter Days to Maturity: 80 (from transplant) Days to Germination: 7-10 Seeding Depth: 0.25 inch Direct Sow: No Start Indoors: Yes. Start Indoors 7-9 weeks before your last spring frost date. Tomato Type: Slicing - Larger, round tomatoes, the size of your fist or larger. Plant Spacing: 24-36 inches Row Spacing: 36 inches Plant Height: 24-36 inches Plant Width: 24 inches Plant Spread: 24 inches Growth Habit: Semi-Determinate - Semi-Determinate tomatoes are bush-types that continue to produce throughout the season. They have the compact bush characteristics of Determinates and the continual production characteristic of Indeterminates. Growth Speed: Mid - Ready to harvest 70 to 80 days from transplant. Tricky to get a tomato by the 4th of July with these varieties. They are good mid-summer producers for most USDA Zones. Soil Preference: Well-draining, loose (sandy loam), slightly acidic (6.2 to 6.8), and moisture retaining. Too much nitrogen in the soil may lead to more foliage production and less fruiting. Tomatoes like more phosphorus and potassium than other vegetables. Temperature Preference: Warmer (70-85 F) Germination Temperature: 65-85 F Light Preference: Full Sun Pests and Diseases: Resistant to Alternaria Stem Canker, and Fusarium Wilt. Common pests known to harm tomato plants, in general, include the tomato hornworm, cutworm, aphids, flea beetles, tomato fruit worms, and whiteflies. Also, watch for common diseases such as blossom end rot, fusarium wilt, powdery mildew, verticillium wilt, late blight, bacterial canker/spot, and tobacco mosaic virus. Most of these can be prevented by maintaining a regular watering schedule and avoiding overwatering. Regularly check your plants for pest damage throughout the season. For treating pest and disease problems, we recommend using an organic neem-based product. Homestead Tomato Color: Red Homestead Tomato Flavor: Sweet, juicy Garden Size: Greenhouse, Garden Plot, Raised Bed Tomato Use: Salads, fresh eating, slicing, canning, sandwiches Climate Tolerance: Heat, Drought, Humidity Growing Homestead Tomatoes in the Vegetable Garden To start growing Homestead Tomatoes, begin the planting process indoors 7-9 weeks before the last spring frost date. Sow the seeds at a depth of 0.25 inches in well-draining, loose (sandy loam) soil with a slightly acidic pH of 6.2 to 6.8. These semi-determinate tomatoes, known for their heat, humidity, and drought tolerance, are suitable for various climates in USDA Zones 2-11. As semi-determinate varieties, they exhibit bush-like characteristics while continuously producing throughout the season. Transplant the seedlings outdoors once the danger of frost has passed, spacing them 24-36 inches apart in rows with a 36-inch spacing. The plants, with a compact height of 24-36 inches, boast strong resistance to Alternaria Stem Canker and Fusarium Wilt. Homestead Tomatoes are characterized by their sweet, juicy flavor and vibrant red color, making them ideal for salads, slicing, canning, and sandwiches. Ensuring the successful growth of Homestead Tomatoes involves several key maintenance practices and growing tips. These semi-determinate tomatoes benefit from regular pruning to encourage air circulation and reduce the risk of diseases. As they are resistant to Alternaria Stem Canker and Fusarium Wilt, proactive measures such as avoiding overwatering and maintaining proper spacing aid in disease prevention. Companion planting with basil can help deter common pests like aphids and enhance the flavor of the tomatoes. Additionally, providing adequate support, such as staking or caging, is crucial to manage the semi-determinate bush-like growth habit and to prevent sprawling. Consistent watering, especially during dry periods, is essential for optimal fruit development. Fertilize with a balanced mix, emphasizing phosphorus and potassium over nitrogen to promote fruiting. Regularly inspect plants for signs of pests and diseases, intervening promptly if needed. These maintenance practices contribute to a healthy and robust Homestead Tomato garden, ensuring a bountiful harvest of sweet and juicy tomatoes. Harvesting Homestead Tomatoes Harvesting Homestead Tomatoes is a rewarding process that involves careful observation of ripeness indicators. As a semi-determinate variety, these tomatoes exhibit characteristics of both determinate and indeterminate types. The semi-determinate growth habit means they have a more compact bush structure but continue to produce throughout the season. Harvesting can commence when the tomatoes reach their full, rich red color and are firm to the touch. The fruit should be fully developed, typically around 80 days from transplant. Regularly check for mature tomatoes and gently twist them off the vine, ensuring you don't damage the plant. Harvesting can be done periodically as the tomatoes ripen, allowing for a prolonged harvest window. This semi-determinate nature provides a balance between the more defined harvest period of determinate varieties and the continuous production of indeterminate types, offering a steady supply of sweet and juicy tomatoes throughout the growing season. About Homestead Tomato Garden Seeds The history of the Homestead Tomato variety traces back to its development as an open-pollinated heirloom with roots in traditional tomato breeding practices. Originally cultivated for its resilience and adaptability, Homestead Tomatoes have become a favorite among gardeners seeking a reliable and productive slicing tomato. While specific details about its breeding origins remain somewhat unclear, its popularity suggests a successful combination of favorable traits. Homestead Tomatoes were likely bred with a focus on heat, humidity, and drought tolerance, making them well-suited for a variety of growing climates. This adaptability allows gardeners in warmer regions to enjoy a reliable harvest even under challenging weather conditions. Other interesting information about Homestead Tomatoes includes their semi-determinate growth habit, providing a balance between the more compact structure of determinate varieties and the continuous production of indeterminate types. The tomatoes are known for their resistance to Alternaria Stem Canker and Fusarium Wilt, contributing to their overall durability in various garden settings. While Homestead Tomatoes can thrive in garden plots, raised beds, and greenhouses, they may not be the most suitable for container gardens or hanging baskets due to their semi-determinate and bush-like growth habit. These plants benefit from a bit more space and structural support, making them more suitable for traditional garden settings. Tips From Our Gardeners "Implement a deep watering technique. Watering deeply, allowing the soil to absorb moisture at a deeper level, encourages the development of a robust root system. This deep-rooted foundation enhances the plant's ability to withstand heat and drought conditions, contributing to the overall resilience and productivity of the Homestead Tomato variety." - Chelsea Hafer, True Leaf Market Writer Other Resources Guide to Tomatoes Homestead Tomato Seeds Per Package: 125 mg packet - Approximately 33 Seeds 1 oz - Approximately 7,500 Seeds 4 oz - Approximately 30,000 Seeds 1 lb - Approximately 120,000 Seeds Non-GMO Homestead Tomato seeds are available for Fast Free Shipping on qualifying orders.
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