Homestead Tomato
Homestead tomato is a classic semi-determinate tomato prized by home gardeners for its reliable productivity and rich flavor. Bred in the 1950s by the University of Florida for heat tolerance, this variety thrives in hot, humid summers, setting fruit even when other tomatoes fail. The medium-large red fruits are firm and meaty, making them ideal for slicing and canning. Homestead’s dense, leafy vines not only produce abundant yields but also shade the fruit from sunscald, and the tomatoes resist cracking on the vine.
This is an annual heirloom seed that grows well in USDA Hardiness Zones 3-11.
Each packet will have a little over 30 seeds.
Semi-determinate growth habit (taller than bush habit but not as crazy as indeterminate).
Homestead tomato is a classic semi-determinate tomato prized by home gardeners for its reliable productivity and rich flavor. Bred in the 1950s by the University of Florida for heat tolerance, this variety thrives in hot, humid summers, setting fruit even when other tomatoes fail. The medium-large red fruits are firm and meaty, making them ideal for slicing and canning. Homestead’s dense, leafy vines not only produce abundant yields but also shade the fruit from sunscald, and the tomatoes resist cracking on the vine.
This is an annual heirloom seed that grows well in USDA Hardiness Zones 3-11.
Each packet will have a little over 30 seeds.
Semi-determinate growth habit (taller than bush habit but not as crazy as indeterminate).
Homestead tomato is a classic semi-determinate tomato prized by home gardeners for its reliable productivity and rich flavor. Bred in the 1950s by the University of Florida for heat tolerance, this variety thrives in hot, humid summers, setting fruit even when other tomatoes fail. The medium-large red fruits are firm and meaty, making them ideal for slicing and canning. Homestead’s dense, leafy vines not only produce abundant yields but also shade the fruit from sunscald, and the tomatoes resist cracking on the vine.
This is an annual heirloom seed that grows well in USDA Hardiness Zones 3-11.
Each packet will have a little over 30 seeds.
Semi-determinate growth habit (taller than bush habit but not as crazy as indeterminate).
Growing Instructions
Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before your last spring frost and transplant outdoors into full sun once nights stay above 50°. Give plants rich, well-drained, slightly acidic (pH ~6.0–6.8) soil. Space them 24"-36" apart to accommodate their 48"–72" height. Sturdy cages or stakes are recommended, since the stocky semi-determinate vines will benefit from support to hold their heavy fruit clusters. Keep soil evenly moist since drought stress will stunt yields.
Harvest, Storage, and Use
Homestead tomatoes mature about 80 days from transplant. You'll know they're ready to pick when the fruits turn deep red and just yield to a gentle squeeze. Harvest by gently twisting or snipping the fruit stem; the tomatoes hold well on the vine, so a slight delay won’t ruin their quality. For best flavor, store picked tomatoes at room temperature and use within a few days (or process them). Because Homestead is open-pollinated, you can even save seeds from your best fruits to plant next year, carrying on its heirloom legacy in your own garden.
The fruits are perfect for slicing, so you can enjoy them fresh off the vine in sandwiches and salads. Thanks to their meaty texture and balanced flavor, Homestead tomatoes are also superb for cooking. Turn them into flavorful sauces, salsas, or canned tomatoes for winter.
| 👍 Good companions | Basil (improves growth and flavor, repels pests), marigolds, onions, garlic, and chives (repel pests), nasturtiums, borage (trap crop for pests), carrots (tomatoes may provide shade), celery (attracts beneficial insects) | ||
| 👎 Bad companions | Fennel, dill, brassicas like cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, kale (inhibit growth), potatoes, corn (compete for nutrients), eggplants and peppers (share diseases and pests), okra (can harbor pests), and rosemary/sage (dry-soil herbs are not ideal next to moisture-loving tomatoes) | ||
| Growing zones | 3-11 | Crop type | Annual |
| Crop difficulty | Mid | Seed type | Heirloom |
| Sowing method | Transplant Recommended | Containers? | Large / Bed |
| Sun req. | Full Sun | Ideal soil temp. | 70-85°F |
| Days to germination | 7-14 days | Days to maturity | 75-90 days |
| Seed spacing | 24"-36" | Row spacing | 24"-36" |
| Seed depth | 1/4" | Needs support? | Yes |