Homestead 8611

Tomato

85d to harvest

Sink your senses into Homestead 8611’s rich, beefsteak abundance—meaty, juicy flesh with a balanced, old-fashioned tomato tang and a gentle sweetness that lingers on the palate. At maturity, fruits develop a warm, rosy-red blush over broad shoulders, with a dense, velvety texture that holds its shape beautifully for hearty slices and showy platters. Grow Homestead 8611 for a bold, garden-to-table centerpiece that rewards your care with every sun-warmed harvest.

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Mar 27th
Last Frost	May 15th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Jul 10th
Harvest Begins	Oct 3rd
Harvest Ends	Sep 1st

Crop Details

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

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I manage early blight on Solanum lycopersicum (tomato) in a home garden?

Look for small, dark-brown spots with yellowing on older leaves, which often spread from the bottom of the plant upward. Remove and discard affected leaves, avoid overhead watering, and water at the soil line to keep foliage dry. If it keeps spreading, use a labeled fungicide for tomatoes (especially one with chlorothalonil or copper) and repeat according to label timing.

How often should I water my tomatoes during the main growing phase (around flowering and fruit set)?

Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged—aim for about 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) of water per week, increasing during hot spells. Water deeply 1–3 times per week depending on rainfall and soil type, so moisture reaches several inches down rather than just wetting the surface. Mulch around the plants to reduce swings, since irregular watering commonly leads to blossom-end rot and fruit cracking.

How can I tell when Homestead 8611 tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum) are ready to harvest?

Harvest when fruits are fully colored for the variety (no green shoulders), firm but not hard, and have developed their full tomato aroma. Pick at the pink-to-red stage if you want firmer fruit, but for best sweetness wait until the fruit is evenly colored and gives slightly when gently squeezed. For tomatoes, harvesting at peak ripeness also helps prevent overripe fruit from splitting and attracting pests.