Homestead Tomato

Lycopersicon lycopersicum ‘Homestead’

Characteristics

Culture

Homestead Tomato is an heirloom, open-pollinated variety that is especially heat-tolerant. Homestead was developed by the University of Florida and released in the 1950s. It was bred to withstand extreme temperatures and continue to set fruit into the summer months. Fruits are large, meaty and average 8 ounces. In some trials, plants were noted to produce up to 50 pounds of fruit per plant! Homestead is a semi – determinate variety that will provide a concentrated fruit set for large harvests in a small production window. Plants have large, dense vines that help to protect fruits from the sun. Fruits are resistant to cracking and hold well on the vine prior to harvesting. 

Tomatoes can produce heavy fruits and will require some form of support to keep the plant upright. This ensures that plants and fruits stay off the ground, reducing the possibility of disease and keeping fruits clean.

Noteworthy Characteristics

Heirloom tomato variety. An old favorite dating from 1954. Developed by the University of Florida especially for hot climates and known for its reliability to set fruit at high temperatures.

Problems

Click here for more information about disease issues and pests.

Uses

Homestead, with firm tasty flesh, is a great tomato for making sauces, canning, and preserving.