• Packet of Homestead 24 Tomato Seeds Paquet de 24 graines de tomates Homestead
  • Fresh Homestead 24 Tomato Seeds for Planting Fresh Homestead 24 graines de tomates à planter
  • Packaging Dimension of Homestead 24 Tomato Seeds Dimension d'emballage des graines de tomates Homestead 24
  • Homestead 24 Tomato Slice tomatoes Homestead 24 tomates en tranches de tomates
  • Grow Your Own Homestead 24 Tomato Seeds Cultivez votre propre propriété 24 graines de tomates
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JNB Seed

Homestead 24 Tomato Seed

Homestead 24 Tomato Seed

$3.99 CAD
$3.99 CAD
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Homestead tomatoes yield robust fruits weighing approximately 227 grams each, characterized by their meaty texture and delightful flavor profile. Ideal for both fresh consumption and canning purposes, these tomatoes offer versatility in culinary applications. Thriving in hot and humid climates, as well as more temperate regions, Homestead tomatoes exhibit exceptional adaptability and resilience, making them a reliable choice for diverse growing environments. With a maturation period of approximately 80 days, this determinate variety ensures a relatively quick turnaround from planting to harvest.

Originating from the Florida Agricultural Experiment Station and the Southeastern Breeding Laboratory, Homestead tomatoes were specifically bred to address the need for a shipping tomato resistant to wilt and cracking. Released in 1952, this variety carries a rich heritage rooted in the challenges of southern growing conditions, including intense heat and humidity. Its robust resistance to adverse environmental factors underscores its suitability for cultivation in regions with similar climatic conditions, offering growers a dependable option for successful tomato production.

Homestead tomatoes epitomize the culmination of years of meticulous breeding efforts aimed at developing a tomato variety capable of withstanding the rigors of transportation while preserving its flavor and quality. By prioritizing resistance to wilt and cracking, breeders sought to address the logistical challenges associated with shipping tomatoes over long distances. The introduction of Homestead tomatoes marked a significant milestone in tomato breeding, providing growers with a reliable cultivar capable of meeting the demands of both commercial and home-based cultivation ventures.

As a testament to its enduring legacy and widespread adoption, Homestead tomatoes continue to hold a prominent place in the realm of tomato cultivation, particularly in regions characterized by hot and humid climates. Their ability to thrive under challenging conditions while delivering consistent yields of flavorful fruits underscores their significance in sustaining agricultural productivity and meeting the culinary preferences of consumers worldwide.

How To Grow

Sowing: Begin sowing tomato seeds indoors 15-20 centimeters before the last frost of spring, planting them 1 centimeter deep and 2.54 centimeters apart in a flat container. Maintain a temperature of 21-24 degrees Celsius until germination, ensuring sufficient sunlight exposure or using a grow light. Keep the soil consistently moist while ensuring proper drainage. Once the seedlings develop their second set of leaves, transplant them into individual pots, burying the stems up to the lowest leaves. Harden off the seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions a week before transplanting, ensuring all frost threats have passed. Plant the seedlings in full sun and nutrient-rich soil, spacing them 60 centimeters apart. Consider companion planting with carrots or onions, but avoid cabbage or potatoes.

Growing: Protect tomato plants from temperatures below 13 degrees Celsius, as they can harm production. Apply a thick layer of mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Water the plants once a week, avoiding wetting the leaves. Determinate, or bush-type tomatoes, do not require staking for support.

Harvesting

Determine tomato ripeness by gently pressing them; ripe fruits should yield slightly. The mature color also indicates ripeness. If the stem does not detach easily, cut it with scissors. For optimal flavor, harvest vine-ripened tomatoes, but all fruits, including green ones, should be harvested before frost. Unripe tomatoes can ripen in a warm, shaded area.

Seed Saving

Cross-pollination is unlikely in most tomato varieties, eliminating the need for isolation. Extract seeds from fully ripe tomatoes by halving them horizontally and squeezing the pulp into a container. Alternatively, blend smaller tomatoes and ferment the mixture for several days until a thick layer of mold forms. Remove mold and debris, rinse seeds under running water, and dry them in a shaded, well-ventilated area, stirring them twice daily. Once completely dry, store seeds in a cool, dry place for up to four years.

Extra Facts

Planting Methods: Indoor, Outdoor, Hydroponics

Blooming Season: Late Spring to Early Fall

Planting Season: Early Spring

Latin Name/USDA Zones: Solanum lycopersicum/ 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

Sunlight Required/ Height: Full Sun/ 150-200 cm

Shelf Life After Test Date: Homestead 24 Tomato Seeds, when stored properly in a cool, dry place, can maintain high germination rates for up to two to three years after the test date. While germination rates may decrease slightly over time, it's recommended to use fresh seeds for optimal results.

Seed Type: Open-Pollinated, Non-GMO, Heriloom

Soil Type: Loam Soil

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