Homestead

Family: Solanaceae Nightshade

Sink your senses into Homestead’s richly aromatic, beefsteak-sized fruit—warm, sun-kissed color with a lush, meaty interior that feels velvety and substantial in the hand.

Each slice-worthy tomato delivers a balanced, classic tomato tang with a gentle sweetness, making it a favorite for bold summer plates and hearty preparations. Grow Homestead for a dependable 85-day season and a garden-to-table harvest that shines in fresh slices, thick sauces, and robust roasting-style dishes.

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)	9

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Homestead beefsteak tomatoes lean meat-forward, so they slice thick without turning the plate into a puddle and give you a spoonable, velvety bite in cooked applications. Use them where you want structure—roasting, grilling, and thick sauces—rather than relying on high juice.

Best Uses

thick slice salads with minimal dressing so it doesn’t flood the bowl
roasting until edges caramelize and the flesh collapses into a jammy spoon
slow-simmered tomato sauce that stays hearty (not watery)
grilled tomato halves for smoky, sweet-tang bite

Flavor Profile

classic tomato tang with gentle sweetness meaty, velvety interior (low-water slice structure) warm, sun-kissed aroma

Kitchen Pairings

garlic extra-virgin olive oil mozzarella balsamic vinegar fresh oregano anchovies

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s a common tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) disease/pest problem and how do I manage it?

Early blight is a frequent issue on tomatoes, showing as dark, concentric spots on older leaves that spread upward. Remove and discard infected leaves and improve airflow (space plants, stake/cage them) to slow spread. If it’s been recurring, spray a labeled protectant such as chlorothalonil or a copper-based fungicide according to label timing, starting at the first signs and repeating as directed.

How often should I water tomatoes during the main growing phase?

During active growth and fruiting, keep soil consistently moist but not soggy—aim for about 1–2 inches of water per week, adjusting for heat and rainfall. Water deeply at the base of the plant so moisture reaches the root zone, and avoid frequent light watering that can trigger blossom-end rot and uneven growth. Mulch around the plants to stabilize soil moisture and reduce fluctuations.

How can I tell when Solanum lycopersicum is ready to harvest?

Harvest when fruits are fully colored for the variety and easily come off the vine with a gentle twist. Look for a firm-but-giving feel (not hard) and a strong tomato aroma near the stem. If nights are cool and fruits are turning color, you can pick at the “breaker” stage and finish ripening indoors, but full vine ripeness is best for flavor.