History
Homestead Tomato — also known as Homestead 24 — is a beloved American heirloom developed in the 1950s by the University of Florida specifically for gardeners in hot, humid climates where other tomatoes struggle to set fruit. Bred for reliability, crack resistance, and consistent production through the heat of summer, Homestead quickly became a staple of Southern home gardens and has remained a trusted variety for generations of gardeners who need a tomato that simply delivers. Its large, meaty, deep-red fruits carry the classic, full-bodied tomato flavor that defined the American backyard garden — rich, balanced, and deeply satisfying. Open-pollinated and non-GMO.
Plant Profile
-
Days to Maturity: 80–85 days from transplant
-
Fruit Size: Large, 8–12 oz fruits, round to slightly flattened
-
Color: Deep red, uniform, with firm, meaty flesh
-
Plant Type: Determinate, open-pollinated, non-GMO heirloom
Flavor Profile
Homestead Tomatoes deliver the classic, full-bodied tomato flavor that home gardeners have loved for decades — rich, balanced, and deeply satisfying with a perfect blend of sweetness and acidity. The flesh is dense and meaty with few seeds and minimal juice, making it ideal for slicing, sandwiches, and cooking. The flavor is straightforward and honest — not flashy, but deeply reliable — the kind of tomato that tastes exactly like a tomato should. Flavor improves as the season progresses and the fruit fully ripens on the vine.
Growth Type & Harvest Yields
Homestead is a determinate variety, meaning plants grow to a compact, manageable size and set their fruit in a concentrated window — ideal for gardeners who want a reliable harvest for canning, preserving, or fresh eating all at once. Plants grow 4–5 feet tall and produce heavily, with multiple large fruits per cluster. Determinate growth means less pruning and staking than indeterminate varieties, making Homestead one of the most low-maintenance large-fruited tomatoes you can grow. Excellent heat tolerance and crack resistance make it a standout performer in hot, humid summers.
Disease Resistance
- Good resistance to cracking — one of its defining traits, especially in wet conditions
- Moderate resistance to fusarium wilt and nematodes
- Excellent heat tolerance — continues to set fruit in temperatures that cause other varieties to drop blossoms
- Tip: Consistent watering reduces blossom end rot and improves fruit uniformity
Growing Tips & Planting Dimensions
- Spacing: 24–36 inches between plants in rows 36–48 inches apart
- Support: Cage or stake at planting — plants are compact but fruit is heavy
- Sow depth: ¼ inch deep indoors
- Germination: 5–10 days at soil temps of 70–80°F
- Full sun — at least 8 hours of direct sunlight daily
- Prefers rich, well-drained soil with consistent moisture
- Mulch heavily to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature
When to Plant
Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before your last frost date. Transplant outdoors when nighttime temperatures consistently stay above 50°F and all frost danger has passed. Do not direct sow outdoors. Find your frost dates and hardiness zone at the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map.
Companion Plants & Mutual Benefits
-
Basil — the classic pairing; repels aphids and whiteflies, and many gardeners swear it improves tomato flavor
-
Marigolds — deter nematodes, aphids, and whiteflies throughout the garden
-
Carrots — loosen soil around tomato roots and attract beneficial insects
-
Parsley — attracts predatory insects that feed on tomato pests
-
Avoid planting near: fennel and brassicas — both inhibit tomato growth
How to Enjoy
-
Sliced Fresh: The definitive BLT tomato — thick slices with sea salt and fresh basil
-
Sandwiches & Burgers: Large, firm slices hold up beautifully without falling apart
-
Canning & Sauce: Meaty, low-moisture flesh makes excellent crushed tomatoes, sauce, and salsa
-
Caprese: Pair thick slices with fresh mozzarella, basil, and good olive oil
-
Roasted: Halve and roast with olive oil and garlic for a rich, concentrated tomato base
Why Gardeners Love Homestead Tomato
- Bred specifically for hot, humid climates — sets fruit when others fail
- Large, meaty fruits with classic, full-bodied tomato flavor
- Excellent crack resistance — fewer losses after summer rains
- Determinate growth means compact plants and a concentrated, manageable harvest
- Open-pollinated and non-GMO — save your own seeds year after year
- A trusted Southern garden staple for over 70 years
Harvest Tips
- Harvest when fruits are fully deep red and give slightly to gentle pressure
- Pick regularly to encourage continued production and prevent overripening on the vine
- Store at room temperature — never refrigerate fresh tomatoes; cold destroys flavor and texture
- For canning, harvest all at once when the bulk of the crop ripens for the most efficient processing
- Save seeds from your best fruits — ferment, rinse, and dry for next season
Order Today
Add Homestead Heirloom Tomato Seeds to your garden this season and grow one of the most reliable and flavorful slicing tomatoes ever developed for the American home garden. Choose your pack size and begin to grow.
