Homestead 24

Family: Solanaceae Nightshade

Sink your senses into Homestead 24’s rich, beefsteak abundance—an inviting, sweet-tart fragrance with a juicy, velvety interior that feels substantial in the hand.

Fruits ripen to a warm, classic red with a broad, slightly flattened silhouette and a tender, meaty texture prized for bold slices and hearty, garden-fresh flavor. Grow Homestead 24 for standout performance in the home plot, where its generous size shines in fresh salads, vibrant sauces, and thick, satisfying roasted preparations.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 85 DaysHabit: Indeterminate

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Columbus (Zone 6b).

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Mar 7th
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Jun 20th
Harvest Begins	Sep 13th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	85
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Indeterminate
Support Needed	Cage
Planting Depth	Deep
Germination Temp (°F)	75
Min Soil Temp (°F)	60
Min Night Temp (°F)	50
Harden Off (days)	10

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Homestead 24 is a true beefsteak—meaty, tender, and juicy enough to taste like summer even without help. It handles heat well for roasting and sauce because it reduces into a velvety spoonful rather than thinning out into watery tracks.

Best Uses

thick sandwich slices on sturdy bread (no soggy interior)
quick high-heat roast to concentrate and caramelize the edges
chunky skillet tomato sauce that coats pasta with a spoonable body
salad slicing with minimal dressing so the fruit’s juice stays in the bowl

Flavor Profile

sweet-tart bite with a classic tomato tang juicy, velvety interior that slices cleanly meaty beefsteak texture with minimal watery bleed

Kitchen Pairings

garlic black pepper extra-virgin olive oil aged balsamic vinegar mozzarella

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are my Solanum lycopersicum (tomatoes) developing brown leaf spots or fuzzy growth, and what should I do?

Brown leaf spots with a fast-moving pattern are often early blight, while fuzzy gray-brown growth or dark, spreading spots can indicate late blight. Remove and discard affected leaves immediately, avoid wetting foliage, and improve airflow with wider spacing and pruning of lower leaves. If the problem keeps advancing, treat with a labeled copper-based fungicide or an appropriate late-blight product, and apply according to the label every 5–7 days during wet spells.

How often should I water Solanum lycopersicum during fruiting to prevent blossom-end rot and splitting?

During the main growing and fruiting phase, keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged—aim for deep watering about 1–2 times per week, more often in hot, windy weather. Check moisture by feel 2–3 inches down; water when it’s starting to dry at that depth, rather than letting it swing from dry to flooded. Consistent moisture reduces blossom-end rot (common when calcium uptake is disrupted) and helps prevent fruit cracking.

How can I tell when my Solanum lycopersicum (tomatoes) are ready to harvest?

Harvest when fruits have reached full color for their type and feel slightly firm but not hard, with a gentle give when squeezed. They should detach easily from the vine with a light twist, especially once the fruit is fully colored on the shoulders. For best flavor, harvest after dry weather and let picked fruit finish ripening indoors only if needed (avoid picking fully green when the days-to-maturity has passed).